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Matt Rhule’s Biggest Test: Getting Nebraska Football a win vs Wisconsin

By David Crum

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Nebraska Cornhuskers walks to the sidelines during a break in the game against the Maryland Terrapins inthe third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NEBRASKA - NOVEMBER 11: Head coach Matt Rhule of the Nebraska Cornhuskers walks to the sidelines during a break in the game against the Maryland Terrapins inthe third quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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The Nebraska Football team is now officially 0-2 when they are just a game away from a bowl game. Rhule’s ability to turn things around will be tested.

What better opportunity to gain bowl eligibility than beating your notorious opponent?

While the Big Ten has positioned the Iowa versus Nebraska Football match as the main rivalry, Husker fans might select Wisconsin as their primary foe. This seems to be the one team they simply can’t beat.

Wisconsin dominates the series against Nebraska Football. The Huskers have not beaten Wisconsin since 2012.

Heading to Madison, Matt Rhule can end a two-game losing streak, earn bowl eligibility, and beat an adversary. For many fans, a win over Wisconsin can be as impactful as earning a bowl invitation. It can solidify the resurgence of Nebraska football.

As of late, Wisconsin consistently outperforms Nebraska in football.

Nebraska Football has a chance to take a big step forward

Analyzing the past couple of years, it wouldn’t be an immense surprise if Nebraska fell short and lost the remaining games. However, Rhule appears different from the coaches of the past. His team believes in his approach, and the defensive unit has continuously done its job, shutting opponents down. Ranked third in rushing defense, the Huskers have the means to stop the run.

Nebraska football’s offense has been struggling. Rhule knows his quarterback situation is less than ideal. If Heinrich Haarberg is healthy, he should get the start. The end goal is a win against Wisconsin, and whatever approach needs to be taken to get there should be done.

Rhule has outperformed Scott Frost with only two games left and brought optimism back to Husker fans. Things have been imperfect, but Nebraska competed in every match outside of two games. Most impressively, the defensive unit has gained respect, ranking  17th in total defense.

As in weeks prior, Nebraska must hold on to the ball and stop the turnovers. But really, the game is in the hands of the defense.

Beating Wisconsin might be the game of the decade. The storyline is there. The Nebraska Football team is up against their rival in Madison, Wisconsin, and a victory could secure a bowl game opportunity. This is the biggest test for Rhule yet. Can he outperform Pelini, Riley, and Frost? We will soon find out.

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