Rhule Meets Media on Thursday

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with members of the media to preview Saturday’s game against Michigan. Rhule discussed the new stadium and how that affects the future of Husker football. Rhule also discussed if there’s been adjustments due to the home game experience.  

“Just like we’re building the best training facility probably in the country, it sounds like we’ll continue to go as one of the most iconic and the best stadiums,” Rhule said. “Anytime you build something, you always have to go down to go back up, right? You have to build a foundation before you can build a skyscraper. So I know there’s obviously going to be some challenges to it that are well beyond my paygrade, but Trev (Alberts) is one of the reasons why I came here. He’s a visionary leader, and he’s a guy that sees the big picture and the future of college is going to be different.” 

He also spoke on the quarterback position ahead of Saturday’s game. 

“Both guys have practiced all week,” Rhule said. “I wouldn’t say Jeff (Sims) is 100%. You know, Heinrich (Haarberg) looks good. How much can he completely open up to all those things? I don’t know what they will know until game time, but there’s been no restrictions on him. They’re both trying to get ready for practice tomorrow and we’ll be ready to probably use either one of them or both of them as needed.” 

Rhule discussed the challenges of Michigan’s offensive line. 

“They have great players that are well coached,” he said. “They take great players and they add in. They have a multi-year starter transfer. The young man they brought in last year that won the Remington Award was a transfer. They recruit the best players, they develop them and they also bring in guys who have a year left that are going to go to the NFL. They have a ton of really good players. They run the ball, they run multiple schemes, so they do a great job of developing them. They do a great job in bringing them in. They run the ball downhill at people in multiple different ways so they can attack in a multitude of ways and they play well together. You can tell that they know exactly who they are and what they do. They chip great pass rushers, they’ll play action, match protect and get guys out. They’re a pro-style team in all areas. They’re doing it exactly the way you’re supposed to.” 

He discussed the home game experience and if the team has had to make any adjustments to being at home. 

“Nothing different,” Rhule said. “I mean, we probably have the same schedule we had at Baylor. I think the one difference was the night game. We let the guys come over here, as opposed to having like a training room over at the hotel.” 

Kickoff between the Huskers and the Wolverines at Memorial Stadium is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) with live television coverage from FOX. The game can also be heard across the Huskers Radio Network.