Matt Rhule has 'love in my heart' despite Colorado accusations of disrespect
There’s no love lost between Nebraska football and Colorado Buffaloes fans. There’s also no love lost between CU coach Deion Sanders and the Huskers program. Despite all of that Matt Rhule isn’t down for calling Saturday’s matchup a rivalry game.
In fact, Rhule says that despite reports of friction between the two programs, he doesn’t have anything resembling hate towards Colorado. That despite the fact that Buffs quarterback Shedeur Sanders claimed Rhule and his team showed disrespect last fall just ahead of the Buffaloes’ eventual 36-14 win in Boulder.
"I don't take anything (personally)," Rhule said during a media gaggle on Monday. "Everybody's got their own things to do. I've got love in my heart and a lot of respect for what they're doing. Nothing will bother me. At the end of the day, if Shedeur thought I disrespected his father, he's standing up for him. Good for him. My son would stand up for me."
At issue was the post game press conference after the game last year. The superstar quarterback claimed Nebraska football dispresected and stomped on the Buffalo logo at midfield in Boulder.
Nebraska football head coach not buying into rivalry talk
Rhule almost immediately denied there was any disrespect aimed at Colorado. On Monday, he said he hasn’t heard from either Sanders about the allegations.
What’s clear is that Rhule is focused on the game this weekend rather than the game last year. And he’s plenty concerned about what Shedeur Sanders can do on the field than what he said after a game.
"He's got a big-time arm," Rhule said. "He can use all 53 1/3 yards of the field, right? He can throw the ball sideline to sideline. He's got a great feel for the pocket."
Rhule also praised CU's defensive front for its strength and athleticism, and the Buffaloes' receivers for the speed and quickness.
The Nebraska football head coach knows this is another big test in his two years with the Huskers. A win would be a heck of a statement. A loss will have some wondering if its a step back.