By Rock Westfall
Close losses, an inability to finish, and not playing within themselves have been catastrophic problems for the Nebraska Cornhuskers in previous seasons.
Last year, the Big Red needed only one win in its final four games to qualify for a bowl game. But the Huskers went four-and-out, a devastating failure that demoralized the Husker Nation.
Nebraska lost five out of six games decided by single digits in Matt Rhule ’s first year. Furthermore, the Big Red has dropped 15 of their last 17 overall in that metric.
During a recent public practice session, Rhule exploded in frustration at the poor performance. Subsequently, only Nebraska coaching GOAT Tom Osborne has been allowed to watch practices.
Rhule has had enough. All felt the thundering crescendo of his brutal iron fist. The tirade was a classic example of how football is a tough game of substance with no shortcuts.
Matt’s Rhule is that it is time to win. NOW!
“I’m Demanding You Do It Right!”
Matt Rhule, now entering his second season as the Big Red’s head coach, has used Nebraska's poor results in close games as a motivational tool. Most of today’s coaches fear losing players to the transfer portal by being too demanding. Matt Rhule laughs in the face of such emasculated tactics.
Not only does Rhule confront recruits and players with his taskmaster ways, but he openly defies them with it. He challenges players to leave the program. It’s the ultimate contrarian culture that many college football fans find refreshing. This culture is why Nebraska is bringing in quality players with a championship character who will answer the bell when the going gets tough.
Rhule is going old school in every way, from his demands for excellence and accountability to his emphasis on physical football, which used to be the standard during Nebraska’s glory years. His words at the recent practice that set him off are the ultimate example of throwback coaching.
“Look at me real quick: If you guys want to know why we’ve lost a lot of close games, you just saw it,” Rhule said. “OK? We thud here but because there’s a lot of people watching, you don’t want to look stupid because you don’t leverage to the football. We’re just grabbing people and pulling them down.
“Which means either you’re not a good athlete, or you’re not doing what we’re trained to do.”
“Our seniors, their first drive, they go sit on the bench in a practice! A fight breaks out in front of the fans,’ Rhule shouted on video. “I’ll make my point. I’m going to make my point. THIS IS WHY WE LOSE! Because the minute there’s people here, we don’t do what we do anymore. How about we have pride in the way we practice. Do your job the right way while we’re out here. Yes? Do everything right. You can’t change your shot with the game on the line. You do what you do, and I’m demanding you do it right. Or I promise you this will be a long night.
“For no reason other than I’m not losing, and that was losing. Not the result. The process sucked! So go the rest of the practice, and I expect the standard. I expect the standard from you older guys. It’s time to win. It’s time to win. Winning is every day!”
Somewhere, Vince Lombardi was smiling and continually replaying the video.
A Prime Difference in Substance and Culture
Husker Nation sees the September 7 showdown with the Colorado Buffaloes on prime-time NBC TV as the ultimate opportunity to show that the once-feared and proud Nebraska program is back.
Rhule’s culture of substance and sustainability should rout Deion Sanders ’ culture of clicks, transfers, and instability.
Rhule is building a Nebraska program for the long term. It is a blueprint for the Big Red to be in the Big Ten and College Football Playoff hunt annually. It is a program based on substance and reality. There is no flash, hype, or false promises. It's the ultimate meat grinder program that personifies everything special about midwestern football.
The best example of Rhule’s culture is freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola , who was flipped from the mighty Georgia Bulldogs as a coveted 5-star impact player.
Raiola may flash the looks of Patrick Mahomes, but his work ethic has won over the entire Husker team.
Raiola is a student of the game and puts in extra time to prepare. Compare that to Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders skipping team meetings for Louis Vuitton photo shoots in Paris and flashing is Rolex on the field during a game at Arizona State.
Raiola brings the complete package without entitlement or privilege. His demeanor and ability is quickly converting some impressive NFL superstars.
Can anyone say, “culture shock!”
At Nebraska, they proudly say, “In Our Grit, Our Glory.”
By closing off practices, Rhule is opening up purpose, focus, and determination.
College Football is soon to experience this revival of a Mount Rushmore iconic program.
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