Rutgers Post Game Press Conference

Rutgers Post Game Press Conference

Robby Hamberg   Husker nation lets take a minute and rejoice that the Huskers are off to a 5-1 start with wins over what appears to be a better than initially thought 4-1 Colorado, and a 5-0 Rutgers.  We can all momentarily breathe a sigh of relief that Nebraska was able to hold on to a one score lead late into the 4th quarter due to a strong showing from Brian “Boomschini” and the defense.  This may not have been the kind of game you wanted to have against Rutgers, but this was the kind of game that Nebraska has not been able to close out in recent years and they were able to get the job done today. Immediately after the game Head Coach Matt Rhule held his usual post game press conference, here is a rundown of what he had to say; – Coach Rhule passed his condolences to the Clare family for the loss of Dr. Pat Clare, Nebraskas second academic all american – Coach gave a thank you to Ndamukong Suh for coming back and being a part of today.  Coach said that Suh said some of the same things that he preaches, but according to Deshon Singleton when Suh says it, it just hits different – Rhule gave credit to Rutgers and noted that it was a tough game all around. – Compared to Illinois, Rhule felt that the guys weren’t watching the clock waiting for the game to end, instead they wanted to just keep playing – Coach is proud of the team and the way they played – Nebraska knew Rutgers was going to be a challenge, their run game is strong and their QB is a familiar face who has beaten Nebraska in the past – The Defense practiced harder this week than they have in two years here, according to Rhule – The wind played a major factor in the first half of the game – A lot of Rutgers big run plays in the first half were mostly missed tackles – Tony White changed up his defensive scheme today in order to fit what Rutgers was doing, from 3-3-5 to a 5 down with two jacks, and some three man rush – The goal today was to win 3rd and 4th down on defense – Nebraska knew they were going to call the fake punt at some point in the game – Buschini was the unsung here of the game in Coach Rhule’s eyes, showing the heart of a lion.  Buschini was supposed to one step punt the last punt of the game but noticed they weren’t rushing him so took the usual 3 step for the long punt to pin Rutgers deep in their territory – The 6 play goal line stand was an opportunity for the defense to rise up and do something special – Today was all part of the learning and growing process for the offense and Dylan Raiola – Rhule said there are still lots of areas for improvement, as soon as one thing is fixed something else pops up – Rutgers Head Coach Greg Schiano is one of the better defensive minds according to Rhule and he was throwing many confusing different looks at Nebraskas offense – Nebraska felt that using the extra lineman and the full back today would be a good matchup today – Rhule said it felt good to get Micah Mazzccua involved today in the short yardage run downs – Nebraska utilized university staff to know what wind conditions would be before and during the game.  This played a major key in Nebraskas decision to receive the opening kickoff – Even though the fake punt did not yield points, it felt like a momentum swing and was able to help Nebraska flip the field.  This play let the players know that Rhule and the coaches have got them, they’ve got their back – James Williams continues to grow as a player and person, showing a solid effort during game day and practice   Head Coach Matt Rhule spoke for a little over 13 minutes after today’s game and seemed to have a pretty standard Rhule demeanor about the game.  Lots of good things to point out, but a lot to work and improve upon. Nebraska heads into a much needed bye week next week before what looks to be a tough test against a stout Indiana team under first year head coach Curt Cignetti.  But for the now and next week, lets just rejoice in Nebraskas best start since the 2016 season.  There was a lot of things about the game today that left me wanting more, feeling like we left points and opportunities on the field.  But at the end of the day Nebraska faced a 5-0 Rutgers and was able to hold on to a one score lead late in the 4th quarter.  In my opinion we may not be where we all want to be, but we are showing many signs of improvement this season from past years.