‘Probably a Top-10 Football Team’: All of the Comments Made by Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule Before the Indiana Game.
At the beginning of the week, Matt Rhule, the coach of the Cornhuskers, praised Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers during his press conference leading up to the game.
Before their national showdown on Homecoming this Saturday, both Indiana’s No. 16 team and Nebraska have given compliments to each other for their success so far, says Hoosier’s coach Curt Cignetti and Huskers coach Matt Rhule. However, with FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff happening in Bloomington and Memorial Stadium being sold out, both coaches will surely want to make a statement while all eyes are on them.
Earlier this week, Rhule praised Cignetti and the Hoosiers in his press conference leading up to the game. Rhule emphasized that Indiana’s ranking among the top teams in the nation is consistent with past opponents and comments from opposing head coaches.
Here are snippets from Rhule’s press briefing, discussing Indiana and the obstacles the Hoosiers will bring on Saturday. The game will start at 12pm Eastern Time and will be broadcast on FOX.
Regarding the team in Indiana as a whole:
“They are currently ahead in passing in the Big Ten and are near the top in rushing as well.” They rank among the top 10 in the nation for both offense and defense. They’re the sole team that hasn’t been behind all year and they’ve managed to score 80 points in the final quarter. We are most likely going against one of the top 10 football teams.
Having begun the season without a ranking, they might not be receiving the recognition they deserve. If a bad team beats them, they may still be ranked in the top 10 due to their initial high ranking.
Coach Cignetti has performed exceptionally well. Their quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, is truly impressive, they have players who can make big plays. They excel in special teams. “It is an excellent group.”
Regarding Nebraska’s position as underdogs in the game:
I avoid focusing on the details, but I believe we are the less favored team. This is the first time our team members have done that. I greatly prefer that. I enjoy watching GameDay and witnessing them choose the opposing team. That is beneficial for us.
“That’s my identity and the identity of many of our team members. We exist as our true selves. I believe our team members realize now that this will ultimately be about the game of football. We must train effectively and perform effectively. The music and clothes we choose before the game are not important. Everything is okay. We will need to engage in blocking and tackling. We need to execute one additional play.
Regarding showing respect to adversaries:
If you observe me, I will shake their hands. I shake the hands of the players we strategized for. I found it challenging while watching college football this weekend. Whenever a man makes a move, it’s as if he needs to inform someone about it each time.
Believe me, I fully support some banter. However, there is a method to achieve it without dishonoring the game or your adversary. Playing against strong opponents provides you with the opportunity to display your abilities. You showcase your abilities when facing strong opponents, not weak ones.
Indiana provides an opportunity for us to showcase our abilities, but above all, I believe it is important for us to honor the game and the principles of being a Nebraska Cornhusker. I admire Coach (Curt) Cignetti and his team and their skills, therefore I wish for a specific style of play.
When it comes to taking advantage of opportunities on special teams against Indiana:
We must acquire a possession from Indiana because they are too versatile on offense. At times, you may sprint down and force a fumble, their punt returner is exceptional. You go back and see them play at James Madison, they block many kicks, so they will pursue us. We’re going to require some individuals to step forward and perform effectively.