Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule spoke with the media on Monday afternoon, as the Huskers prepare to face Rutgers at 3 p.m. CT on Saturday.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some issues Rhule covered during his session:
Rhule expressed high regard for Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. Rhule said he is quite familiar with Schiano and his background from their time on the East Coast.
“He’s a great football coach, a great builder,” Rhule told me. “He has lifted the entire University. I have the most experience for him. “When he speaks, I listen.”
Rhule believes Rutgers will have one of the best-coached defensive fronts Nebraska will see this season. He believes Nebraska’s offensive linemen are aware of this due to their previous game against Rutgers in 2022.
Linebacker Javin Wright played a nickel/dime role against Purdue and suggested he may play more this week against Rutgers. Nebraska’s physicians and coaching staff had set the USC game as a potential return date for Wright, but he was allowed to return sooner.
“How did he play?” I’m not sure whether it really matters, but he played well. He hasn’t been able to accomplish anything (in practice),” Rhule explained. “Luckily as he said to me, ‘I’m a ninth-year senior’ so he has a lot of reps in the bank.”
Micah Mazzccua, a Nebraska offensive lineman, was suspended last week but has now returned to the squad.
According to Rhule, Mazzccua will be a backup guard to Henry Lutovsky.
“That was the middle of the week,” Rhule explained.
Linebacker Stefon Thompson has a sprained foot, but he is expected to practice on Tuesday. Tommi Hill, a cornerback, ran good on Monday but will be a game-time decision, Rhule said.
Rhule praised Alex Bullock for his perimeter blocking ability. Bullock made a vital block to spring Jacory Barney Jr. for a score. According to Rhule, Bullock missed a block earlier in the game but came back and produced a terrific block in the fourth quarter.
“Alex is becoming more and more and more the coaches or Dylan (Raiola) will ask to have on a play because he’s just getting the job done,” Rhule said of him.
Rhule commended punter Brian Buschini with the day’s special teams performance. Buschini placed two of his three punts inside the 20-yard line and made two tackles.
Teams are slowing down the game against Nebraska because the Huskers’ offense has been explosive. Rhule praised Dylan Raiola for being patient and moving the ball on offense rather than forcing it.
“I believe we’ve had the capacity to distribute the ball to a number of guys. “You can’t just sit there and zero in on one guy,” Rhule explained.
Rhule stated that last week’s special teams troubles were primarily related to snaps. Rhule anticipates Rutgers, which has good special teams, to try to block punts and kickoffs.
“We know what to do, and I mean this sincerely, and we have the guys to do it, we just need to go do it,” Rhule told me. “That is the period we are currently in. You cannot be a different person in practice than in games. We do such kicks during practice. I anticipate us to include them into games.”
Rhule said it’s no secret why cornerback Ceyair Wright has been able to step in and perform well this season.
“If you’re smart and you try, you have a chance,” Rhule told me. “Some men play football because they are talented. Some men play football because it’s their passion… Ceyair is a football player. He is a football player. He appears, and you’re not pulling teeth. He’s played a lot of football at the highest level.”
Rhule says he’s seen improvement from veteran players who find themselves in a new situation – a winning record five games into the season. Despite their 4-1 start, Rhule stated his older players had remained humble and worked hard to develop.
“Can you come in this week and can you have the same edge about you about what we need to get better at this week?” Rhule spoke.
Rhule compared Rutgers running back Kyle Monangai to “the Matrix.”No one ever gets a clear shot at him; it’s like a glancing blow.
Linebacker John Bullock continues to improve, according to Rhule, who praised Bullock for his progress.
“He’s really affecting the ball,” Rhule added. “We’re talking about turnover margin and say, ‘the defense is turning them over’ (John) is turning them over.”
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