Wisconsin Postgame Press Conference
NEBRASKA IS BOWL ELIGIBLE! For the first time since the 2016 season the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be going to a bowl game. And the sweetest part about this win was that it was Senior day against Wisconsin, who we haven’t beaten since 2012. The offense looked strong and physical upfront, pushing around a stout Wisconsin defense to the tune of 180 yards rushing. Raoila looked like he regained his confidence and playmaking abilities going 28/38 for 293 yds, 1 Td, and 0 int’s. The defense didn’t have its best game of the season, but held Wisconsin to a low rushing total of 115 yds, and made the plays that they needed to secure the win for Nebraska. It has to feel nice for Tony White and that defense to have the offense show up and relieve the pressure on them by putting up 44 points.
After the game head Coach Matt Rhule held his usual postgame press conference, here is a rundown of what he had to say:
– Rhule started by commenting on a good win, he’s proud of the team and the seniors (all 30 of them), and that Nebraska was as well rounded as they could be
– Rhule commented on how difficult it has been for the seniors these past years with 3 different coaches, athletic directors, and never having been bowl eligible
– Going into halftime Rhule felt there were a ton of plays left out on the field
– Emmitt Johnson had himself a day, first 100 yard rusher of the season
– Rhule had to call timeout a couple of times today because Coach Holgorsen was trying to spit out the right play
– Nebraska did a good job minimizing negative plays today
– Players made the plays they needed to make, noting that Emmitt Johnson made defenders miss a lot of tackles
– Not only is there a psychological component to being bowl eligible, there is a physical component as well. Nebraska will now have an extra 15 practices to develop their players
– Rhule hopes that when the players come into tomorrow they can see how capable they are
– Rhule said he was focused on just playing better and not worrying about the refs
– “Nobody has ever accomplished anything by quitting half way through”, Rhule on having faith in the process. Coach did mention that some teams are able to turn it around a little faster (Indiana), but that he trusts in his process and it is working right now
– Rhule said he cannot express exactly how much Ty Robinson and these Seniors on the team have meant to him (getting a little emotional)
– “I would give anything to do this for you, but I can’t, you have to go do it”- Rhule on his speech to the seniors before the game
– Coach gave credit to John Hohl and Coach Holgorsen for what he’s brought to the offense with an aggressive mindset
– Without seeing the tape yet, Coach Rhule felt like the Huskers controlled the line of scrimmage well all day
– Rhule said that he is “100%” relieved at the moment, lamenting on the importance of beating Wisconsin after watching them beat up on Nebraska two years ago when he was visiting to see if he wanted to take the job
– “We are not snake bit, there is not curse”
– Jacory Barney continues to show strong hustle and desire to play
– Emmitt was a a game breaker in Rhule’s opinion, noting that Dante Dowdell had some huge plays for the Huskers today as well
– When asked what he will do to celebrate Coach said “don’t ask me I wont ask you” before ending the conference
6 wins, sounds amazing to finally say that Husker Nation! Hopefully the team can continue this momentum moving into next week and bring home that 7th win against a strange but good Iowa team. But until then, celebrate this win Husker fans, it has been far too long for a program as storied and proud as Nebraska.
