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