Nebraska DC Phil Snow Prepares for Utah’s High-Octane Offense in Las Vegas Bowl
LAS VEGAS - Nebraska interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow has seen a lot in his coaching career, but few offenses present the kind of layered challenge Utah brings to the table. As the Huskers gear up for their Las Vegas Bowl showdown with No. 15 Utah, Snow knows his defense will need to be locked in from the opening snap.
Let’s start with the numbers: Utah is averaging a staggering 270 rushing yards per game, and it’s not just traditional handoffs doing the damage. This is an offense built on deception, motion, and multiple threats - including two quarterbacks who can flat-out run.
“They have a lot of option principles in their offense,” Snow explained after Monday’s bowl practice. “But it’s not just one play coming at you.
It’s a fly sweep going one way, a counter with the quarterback going the other, and then an RPO layered in. It’s really tough to defend.”
The Utes’ quarterback duo is a big reason why. Devon Dampier has racked up 687 rushing yards this season, while freshman Byrd Ficklin has chipped in with 503.
Together, they’ve helped Utah lead the country with 6.11 yards per carry. That ground game fuels an offense that scores over 41 points per game and ranks top 20 nationally in yards per play.
Even without their starting offensive tackles - including Outland Trophy winner Spencer Fano - Utah hasn’t missed a beat. Snow credited the Utes’ coaching staff for building an offense that maximizes its personnel through smart formations and creative play design.
Eye Discipline Will Be Key
For Nebraska’s defense, the biggest challenge lies in staying disciplined - especially at the second level.
“The linebackers and safeties are going to be stressed the most,” Snow said. “There’s a lot of eye candy - motions and misdirection - trying to get them to bite one way when the play’s going the other. They’ve done a really nice job designing the offense to affect those two positions.”
That challenge just got tougher with the confirmed absence of senior safety DeShon Singleton. A key piece of Nebraska’s defense all season, Singleton was second on the team in tackles and added two interceptions. He’s in Las Vegas with the team but won’t suit up after undergoing a recent procedure.
Also sidelined for the Huskers are running back Emmett Johnson and Jack linebacker Dasan McCullough, both of whom played significant roles during the regular season.
Utah Also Dealing With Absences
The Utes aren’t coming into this game at full strength either. Defensive end John Henry Daley - who tallied 11.5 sacks this season - is out with a season-ending injury.
Wide receiver Ryan Davis is also unavailable. And in addition to Fano, offensive tackle Caleb Lomu and defensive end Logan Fano are skipping the bowl as they prep for the NFL Draft.
Next Man Up: Justyn Rhett
With Singleton out, third-year sophomore Justyn Rhett is expected to see an uptick in snaps. Rhett, a Georgia transfer, has already seen action in the last two games and logged 74 snaps this season.
“Justyn’s a good athlete. Georgia doesn’t sign bad players,” Snow said. “He can run, he’ll hit you, and I’m really looking forward to seeing him out there.”
Snow emphasized that this is the nature of football - when one player goes down, the next man has to step up. Singleton will be on the sideline, offering support, but the reps now belong to the younger guys.
Physicality and Execution Still Reign
Despite all the X’s and O’s, Snow brought it back to the basics: physicality, effort, and execution.
“The game is still about how hard and physical you play, and the details in how you execute,” he said. “That’s what we can control. That’s been my focus with these guys.”
Snow has been working closely with Mike Ekeler and Dave Tollefson on the defensive line during bowl prep. He recruited Ekeler to help coach the D-ends, noting that Ekeler’s experience with outside linebackers at Tennessee made the transition a natural fit.
“It’s been fun working with everybody,” Snow said. “The whole 15 practices have been fun.”
What To Expect from the Front Seven
Snow didn’t promise a brand-new scheme for the bowl game. Instead, he said the staff has been selective - picking and choosing concepts the team has run all year.
“It comes down to getting off blocks, tackling, and all the fundamentals,” he said. “And how hard and physical you play. That’s what we’re looking forward to.”
New Faces in the Mix
While new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich isn’t currently in Las Vegas, he’s expected to be around for the game. Snow also spent time with new edges coach Roy Manning during practices in Lincoln.
“Roy’s terrific,” Snow said. “That group will be really good here.”
Back in the Saddle
Snow, who’s been with the program for a year, is stepping back into the coordinator role for the bowl game. He’ll be on the field calling plays, which he said feels natural after spending the season around the team.
“Not really different,” he said. “I’ve got to call the game - that’s the only difference.”
Two QBs, One Tough Identity
Utah’s quarterback duo may have slightly different builds - Dampier is shorter and more compact, while Ficklin is taller - but they share the same gritty mindset.
“Both are aggressive, they use stiff arms, they run tough,” Snow said. “They’re tough kids, and I don’t expect anything different because Utah’s always been a tough program. The two quarterbacks play like the rest of the team.”
Ficklin, in particular, has shown the ability to create explosive plays despite being just a freshman.
“He’s going to be a really good player there,” Snow added.
Locked In for Game Day
As for how the Huskers have handled the trip? Snow said the team has shown up every day ready to work. The first practice in Las Vegas - coming right off the plane - wasn’t their sharpest, but since then, the energy and focus have been there.
Now, it’s about putting it all together under the lights.
Nebraska’s defense will need every bit of discipline, toughness, and execution it can muster to slow down Utah’s dynamic attack. And with Snow back calling plays, the Huskers will be leaning on experience and preparation to close out the season on a high note.