Nebraska has reportedly secured head coach Matt Rhule with a new three year contract extension, keeping him in Lincoln through the 2030 season. The deal comes with a substantial raise, elevating his annual salary to more than ten million dollars, a figure that ranks him among the highest paid coaches in college football. This move arrives at a pivotal moment, following rumors that Rhule was being considered for the vacant Penn State job, his alma mater. Nebraska’s administration acted quickly to remove uncertainty and reaffirm its commitment to Rhule’s leadership, aiming to preserve the program’s momentum and stability as the Cornhuskers continue to rebuild into a national contender or as Rhule called it “a beast”. .
This extension gives Nebraska the faith that Rhule will be returning next year and will be turning down the Penn State job if offered. It’s not just the fans, as written about after the Minnesota game, it’s the players that will benefit from this. Rhule’s team is built around culture, and it’s hard to live that culture unless they know that the coach is “All in”. This news comes at a pivotal moment as the Huskers have a ranked USC team coming to town that Nebraska has NEVER beat. The game will be under the lights at Memorial Stadium, during a blackout where the staff has asked fans to be as loud as possible. This game will be unlike any game the Huskers have played all year. This is by far the most talented team the Huskers have played all year, soundly beating a Michigan team two weeks ago, and losing by 10 to a Notre Dame team last week that will likely be in the playoffs this year. It will not be a game fought in a phone booth, but the Huskers will need to find a way to get pressure on USC’s very good quarterback and the secondary will be tested greatly this game.
The Huskers must stop the run early. In games where USC is able to be a balanced offence they look very good. Nebraska in its current state on the offensive line cannot get into a shootout with USC as they have a formidable defensive line. In a shootout Raiola will surely have to throw the ball down the field and that just doesn’t seem to be an option at the moment. If the Huskers can establish a run game, use short passes and force the trojans to make every tackle, then the Huskers can pull off the upset. Having Rhule sign an extension will add some fuel to the fire for players and hopefully the crowd will be on levels we haven’t seen since the 2015 Miami game. This game is very winnable, and if the Cornhuskers can do so they could emerge as the best 2 loss team in the B1G with the greatest shot at making the playoffs. With a win this week, the toughest game remaining on the schedule will be Iowa. The Huskers need to have good special teams play, good offensive line play and get pressure on the quarterback. Nebraska has the skill players to win this one, but will the trenches stand up to the task. And remember to WEAR BLACK!