Tim Beck is quite the character for the Huskers offensive cogs. Though new to the position of offensive coordinator, Tim Beck has been around the business for a few seasons. He was a quarterbacks coach for the Jayhawks when they were enjoying success under Mangino and Reesing at the helm.
Tim has many strengths, but also a few weaknesses as the Huskers coordinator.
For strengths, Tim is excellent in formations and plays. I didn’t say play calling, but designing. The diamond formation (copied, but brought back with a twist), the double triple quadruple whatever it is called option. Beck has quite the gadgetry in his repertoire.
Just ask Brady Hoke. Though not an excellent reader, it was not hard to read Hoke’s lips during the Wolverines versus Huskers game. After Nebraska’s crazy option play for a touchdown, Hoke turned to his defensive coordinator and asked, “What was that?” A simple, but clear response, “I have no f—— idea.”
However, Beck still has room to grow as a play caller.
First and foremost, Beck needs to improve on his late game calling. Too many times Nebraska has gone three and out in a late game where only a first down is needed to seal the deal. These games include Washington, Northwestern, Penn State, and Iowa. Tim’s favorite play in this situation is a toss sweep. Unfortunately, the defenses know this too, and have made adjustments to bottle it up.
I do understand that Beck is trying to set things up early in the game, but three straight zone read and/or option plays also does not cut it. Nebraska needs to be able to eat more clock, and they cannot do that if a first down is not gained.
However, Tim is improving on his pass play calling. I am confused as to why he likes a bubble screen on third and long though. It seems counterproductive. Understandably wanting to gain a few yards, but Taylor cannot get the ball out and on target to give his receivers a chance to gain more than a handful of yards.
This is only Beck’s first year at the helm of the Husker offensive machine, so he is going to step up and improve as he learns and becomes more comfortable. Until that point, fans are going to have to live with the good and the bad that he brings.
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