While the Nebraska football game against Cincinnati was closer than the Huskers would have liked, there was plenty to be happy about with various units and various players' performances. That included the special teams unit, which showed some real sparks after a rough 2024. However, if fans think that Matt Rhule and ST Coordinator Mike Ekeler were content with the group's play on Thursday night, they have another thing coming.
During Rhule's Monday press conference, he talked to the media about how there definitely were good things that his Special Teams did. However, there was plenty to improve on as well.
Matt Rhule says Nebraska special teams missed key chances vs. Cincinnati
"I wasn't completely happy with the special teams," the Nebraska head coach said. "We kicked the ball out of bounds. The opening kickoff went out to the 27. So there were some good things. But, Ek got on the guys yesterday, as he should."
Rhule then laid out more clearly just what got under his craw on Thursday.
"We had chances for touchdowns. First kickoff return should have been a touchdown. You watch the one block punt we go after, we have three guys go after it untouched, and we don't block it."
The Husker coach also said that improving on the little things is what will make the Cornhuskers take the next step.
"For us to be the team that we would like to be, we're going to have to take advantage of the opportunities we get. And so I thought they were good. The special teams were good. They just weren't at the level. I mean, we didn't make any game-breaking plays. And we have really good players."
"I want our players to go make plays. And I want them to line up. You know, I don't want them to be cautious. I don't want them to worry about 'what if.' I want them to live in a world of 'what is.' And what is, is— hey, go make the play."
The Nebraska football coach said that both he and Ekeler shared that message with the team on Sunday as they started to prepare for the next game on Saturday against Akron.