Will Nebraska hand the reins to backup QB before it's too late?

After a frustrating start to the season that saw Nebraska QB Jeff Sims throw four interceptions in two losses, the transfer from Georgia Tech left a Week 2 matchup against Colorado with an ankle injury. Though Sims was nearly fully healthy as early as week five, he hasn’t seen the field much since, with sophomore quarterback Heinrich Haarberg starting in his place. 

In the seven games he’s started, though, Haarberg’s numbers have been less than stellar. He hasn’t been great through the air, coupling a 50 percent completion rate with seven touchdowns. But the aspect of his game that has been most questioned has been the amount of turnovers he gives up. Haarberg has thrown six interceptions and leads all of college football with 11 fumbles, despite playing in two fewer games than a full-season starter. 

Many fans on social media have begun calling for head coach Matt Rhule to hand the reins to Chubba Purdy, who began the year as the team’s third-string QB. Last season, Purdy played in bits of six games, totaling a measly 45.8 percent completion percentage with three interceptions and no touchdowns.

Rhule put rumors of a QB change to bed in a press conference Monday when he stood firmly behind his starter. 

“When I coach Heinrich, I’m not coaching him for right now; I’m coaching for next year and the year after… We’re going to push him through because I think he’s a winner, I think he’s tough, and I think he’s learning on the job.”

Rhule’s faith in the young passer isn’t baseless. Haarberg has offered consistent rushing production and touchdowns, as well as five wins, to a team and fanbase itching for success. At least in the eyes of Rhule, he’s seen enough from Haarberg to know he can continue to lead his blossoming team. For the rest, he’s simply preaching patience.