Matt Rhule Says Confidence Must Replace Nebraska’s Hesitance

Coach comments on the drubbing by Michigan and the Huskers' trip this week to Illinois

Nebraska was "hesitant" in its play against Michigan on Saturday, and that needs to be fixed, head coach Matt Rhule said Monday.  

Even though Michigan is an excellent team, Rhule said, the Huskers' performance in the 45-7 loss was "ridiculous."

"We have some really good players," Rhule said. "They're going to play in the National Football League. They need to show up. ... And that's not be calling anyone out. That's me giving them confidence that I believe they can do it.

"We have guys on our team that can absolutely wreck a game, and I want to see them wreck the game. This whole 'I'm just overthinking it a little bit, coach, and I'm worried about this, and I don't want to make a mistake'? OK, enough. ... I don't want them playing football afraid to lose. Play football with confidence. And that's my job. I haven't gotten it done yet, so I'm anxious to play Friday."

Nebraska travels to Illinois this week for a Friday night game against the Fighting Illini. Whoever wins will improve to 3-3, and the loser will be staring at a 2-4 record at the season's midpoint.

The Huskers went through a full-pads practice Sunday evening, and Rhule said quarterback Jeff Sims looked "awesome." Sims has played just one snap since injuring an ankle Sept. 9 at Colorado. Rhule said Sims and Heinrich Haarberg are both are being prepared to play Friday. 

Linebacker Luke Reimer will miss a second consecutive game Friday, but defensive end Cam Lenhardt may return to action after missing the last two games. Rhule said Reimer is out of the hospital after being treated this past weekend for pain that was not football related. Safety DeShon Singleton injured a knee against the Wolverines and is out indefinitely. 

Scroll past the video for more coverage of Monday's press conference. Refresh this page to see the latest additions. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. | HuskerMax discussion

Coverage

• Husker247 | Rhule updates several injuries on Monday
• Husker247 | Quick hits, news and notes from Matt Rhule's Monday press conference
• Husker247 | Rhule: 'I saw some things from Heinrich that I wanted to see'
• Husker247 | Rhule wants Huskers attacking in Friday's game where a coach may also see, 'OK, who are the lions?'
• Husker247 | Josh Fleeks moves up Husker depth chart as NU tries to build up running back options
• Daily Nebraskan | Matt Rhule emphasizes intensity for Nebraska
• Inside Nebraska | Huskers depth chart vs. Illinois
• Nebraska Athletics | Rhule transcript
• Video recaps | Shatel/Bland, Carpenter/Smith, Mullin/Just
• Omaha World-Herald* | Fired-up Matt Rhule to Huskers: 'I believe they can do it'
• Omaha World-Herald* | Nebraska's suddenly-quiet pass rush seeks noise vs. porous Illinois line
• Omaha World-Herald* | 'He's going through the fire': Rhule says kicker Tristan Alvano remains starter
• Lincoln Journal Star* | Reimer, Singleton to miss Illinois game; updates on Sims, Corcoran, Coleman
• Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule gives glimpse into frustration
• Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule wants to see 'lions' on his defense. Here's what that means.

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More info

• NU-Illinois stats matchup
• NU depth chart
• Gameday flip sheet
• Pregame notes: NU | ILL
• HuskerMax game page
• Neb. practice schedule
• Neb. roster
• Neb. game schedule
• KLIN/HuskerMax reports