Henry Lutovsky on Michigan Week: Blocking Out the Past, Building for Saturday

As Nebraska prepares for its upcoming matchup with Michigan, Lutovsky made it clear that the team’s focus is firmly rooted in the present. Despite having faced the Wolverines in previous seasons, Lutovsky emphasized that this year’s Michigan squad is fundamentally different due to significant roster turnover. “You try not to think about the past too much going into a week like this,” he said. “It’s a whole different team… not many of those guys are still there.”

Instead, the emphasis is on studying individual matchups and diving deep into the tendencies of the current defensive personnel. “Just knowing what to expect when we get out there,” Lutovsky added, “really understanding what they try to accomplish on defense… helps us better just know the game going into it.”

He also offered insight into Michigan’s defensive identity, describing it as “NFL style”—a reflection of their coordinator’s professional background. Lutovsky praised the unit’s technical discipline and low error rate, noting, “It’s really similar to the stuff you see on Sundays… just a really technically sound group. They don’t make many mistakes.” For Nebraska’s offensive line, that means preparation must be precise, and execution sharp. The challenge is clear, but so is the mindset: study the tape, trust the process, and meet the moment head-on.

The senior offensive guard didn’t shy away from addressing one of Nebraska’s key offensive priorities: improving execution in the deep red zone. Inside the 10-yard line, he said, success hinges on an “elite level of focus” and a “killer instinct” to finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals.

As drives wear on, maintaining that intensity becomes more difficult, but Lutovsky stressed the importance of sustaining it when it matters most. “I think we just need to do a better job of staying focused and have that killer instinct of ‘all right, we’re in the 10—we’re getting six,’” he said. With situational work scheduled for tomorrow, the team is zeroing in on red zone strategy, aiming to sharpen their mindset and capitalize on every opportunity.