Some of the comments that Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule made after the Wisconsin game might make some fans a bit nervous.
Following an overtime defeat in Madison, Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule did not seem his normal upbeat and optimistic self during the post-game press conference.
Rhule has been the type of coach that media writers enjoy covering. Always polite and thorough with his answers, it’s fair to say that he has been well-accepted so far in Lincoln. However, after the Huskers’ game on Saturday, there was an understandable sense of not wanting to be in the room at that moment.
"“A lot of things that we’ve talked about were significantly improved, but it just wasn’t quite enough in a close ball game. “"
Part of coaching is always to advocate for your team, sometimes in a spokesperson role. It can also turn into an avenue to justify job security and decisions, especially after a string of tough losses. His opening remark tried to frame the game as a 50/50 game that just didn’t go “our way” today, but to look at the potential positive arc from the start of the year.
Any close game, will of course have questionable game judgment calls that will be scrutinized, that’s part of coaching at the University of Nebraska. When asking about going for the touchdown late, instead of settling for a field goal, his answer brought up the similar situation from last week.
"“A lot of people asked me why I didn’t just run the ball last week, and kick it.”"
Followed by a small chuckle, his answer gave off a “damned if you do damned if you don’t” type of attitude.
"To me it just came down to one play, unfortunately they made that play."
While this answer may work in usual college football circumstances, for Nebraska, it’s an unending movie that seems to never end. Matt Rhule did his comments end with Iowa in mind, promising that the resiliency in the players will show, and that this team will be able to bounce back.
The overall press conference, is that of asking to stay the course and to be happy with year one improvements so far, but has it been enough for Nebraska Football Nation?
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