Matt Rhule Says Huskers’ Sole Focus Needs to Be Getting a Win vs. Northwestern

Linebacker Luke Reimer will return to action against Wildcats

Joe Hudson | Oct 16, 2023

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Forget longer-range possibilities such as bowl eligibility or a shot at the Big Ten West title. Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule said Monday that his 3-3 team needs to focus this week on beating Northwestern and nothing else.

It's fine for fans to obsess over those other matters, Rhule said. But not players.

"I'm not worried about the big picture" he said. "I think that's the problem with Nebraska football. I think that's why we've gone 1-5 down the stretch most years, looking at things outside of just going 1-0 this week. ... We've got to get a way to get 1-0 this week."

"If I start talking about bowl games," he added, "I'm part of the problem."

On the injury and health front, linebacker Luke Reimer will return to action Saturday against Northwestern after missing two games with a staph infection.

Heinrich Haarberg will get his fifth start at quarterback even though Jeff Sims has recovered from the high ankle sprain he suffered on Sept. 9.

"We'll play with Heinrich for now," Rhule said. "Jeff is ready to go on a moment's notice.”

At wide receiver, true freshman Malachi Coleman will start, and Jaylen Lloyd, another true frosh, is expected to see plenty of action. The position has been hit hard by attrition, the latest by way of a season-ending injury to Marcus Washington.

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Coverage

Inside Nebraska | Luke Reimer expected to play for Huskers against Northwestern
Husker247 | Huskers will roll with Heinrich Haarberg against Northwestern
Husker247 | The rundown from Rhule: From Reimer, to Rahmir, to a frosh who popped when put at corner
Husker247 | Rhule talks bye week recruiting work, visits and number crunches
Nebraska Athletics | Rhule transcript
Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule names starting QB; says Reimer will play vs. Northwestern
Lincoln Journal Star* | Nebraska 'not backing down' as 2024 commits visit elsewhere
Lincoln Journal Star* | Just: Nebraska no longer in QB limbo as Haarberg takes reins
Omaha World-Herald* | Nebraska's freshman receivers to play major roles after bye week of preparation
Omaha World-Herald* | 'That's the problem with Nebraska football': Huskers aim to trade big picture for 1-0 weeks
Omaha World-Herald* | Nebraska goes all in on Heinrich Haarberg and continues to reshape offense
Omaha World-Herald* | Shatel: Nebraska should be taking notes on Iowa's formula

From the other side

Northwestern Athletics | David Braun's Monday press conference (video)
Wildcat Report | Bryant's status for Nebraska unclear
Omaha World-Herald* | Northwestern quarterback situation still unclear out of bye week

More info

Published Oct 16, 2023

JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.