LINCOLN, Nebraska — With the regular season halfway over and bowl eligibility in jeopardy, Nebraska cannot afford to wallow in its heartbreaking defeat.
After falling short 20–17 at Michigan State on Sunday, it was time to move on.
Matt Rhule spoke on Monday about the scandal at Michigan, the Huskers’ unsteady quarterback play, and the Big Ten, all with an eye towards how his thoughts would affect Nebraska in the remaining days of this month.
Rhule declared, “I think we’ve learned how to win.” “Yet triumphing in November is an entirely different story.”
On Saturday at 11 a.m. CT, the Huskers (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) welcome Maryland to campus. The Terrapins (5-4, 2-4) have dropped their last two games, one each against Ohio State and Penn State, two Big Ten East powerhouses, and one each against Illinois and Northwestern, which was defeated by Nebraska.
Under the direction of quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Maryland is ranked fourth in scoring offence, second in passing yardage, and third in yardage per game in the conference. Nebraska faces division rivals Wisconsin and Iowa, so pressure will mount if the team can’t break the six-win mark this week.
At the University of Nebraska, going forward, every game in November had better be a major game, I told our freshman,” Rhule remarked. It must be important.
Regarding the discussion of bowl eligibility, Rhule stated he is not trying to lighten the Huskers’ load. However, he won’t give his players any goals for this week other than to play well enough to win.
The following are the most important subjects that Rhule addressed on Monday, along with some analysis:
Heinrich Haarberg, the quarterback, will not be abandoned by Rhule. Following three turnovers and an inaccurate 12-for-28 throwing performance in East Lansing by the first-year starting quarterback, Rhule made it apparent that he will stick with the 6-foot-5 sophomore.
Rhule remarked, “This is what Heinrich has that I adore.” In this scenario, not everyone would want to be the quarterback at this time. A great deal of pressure exists. Much is resting on your shoulders.
Nebraska’s offensive line has very little room for mistake.
It’s what he wants to do, Rhule stated. “He desires to be in the open. I am not coaching at this time, as I have informed him, when I coach Heinrich. He has me as his coach for next year and the year after that.
Rhule stated that he believes Haarberg is a winner and that’s why he wants to push him through this season’s challenges.
Rhule remarked, “I think he’s tough, and I think he’s learning on the job.” He is fighting for his fellow players. I have the utmost respect for him and the way he does business, as I have stated.
