Huskers Try New Drills to Address Fumbling Woes

Matt Rhule talks ball security, injuries and more ahead of Saturday’s game at Michigan State

Joe Hudson | Nov 2, 2023

In this story:

Head coach Matt Rhule and his Nebraska football staff have altered their approach to coaching ball security after last week's fumble-filled game against Purdue.

It was a 31-14 win, but the Huskers' four lost fumbles Saturday made the game closer than it otherwise might have been — and raised Nebraska's lost-fumble total to 11, worst in the nation.

On Sunday, the staff analyzed the two dozen fumbles the team has committed this season and then created drills that address why they're happening, Rhule said Thursday.

“We do ball security every day,” Rhule said, “but the results weren’t showing that we do ball security every day. ... I feel good about our process this week that we really put our guys in position to be successful.”

Rhule’s comments came after Thursday morning’s practice as he met with the media for the final time before Saturday’s game at Michigan State.

Rhule said the Spartans are a cohesive, talented and well-coached team despite their 2-6 record. “They fight, they battle, they have excellent players. (Nate) Carter is as good a back as we’ll see all year long. The personnel on defense is outstanding. ... I have a lot of respect for them.”

In injury news, Nebraska safety Marques Buford will be available to play for the first time since he injured a knee last November against Wisconsin.

“A lot of it will depend on the game,” Rhule said, “but he’s cleared, so he’s ready to go. ... He won’t start. We’ll play with the guys we’ve been playing, but he’s ready to go in there.”

Slot receiver Billy Kemp also will travel to East Lansing. Kemp suffered an MCL injury Oct. 21 against Northwestern and has not yet been cleared to play, but Rhule said he has made “remarkable progress.” He indicated a return to action next week was a more likely scenario for Kemp.

Refresh this page to see the latest additions to coverage of Rhule’s session with the media. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. | HuskerMax discussion

Coverage

Inside Nebraska | The latest injury and status updates on Marques Buford, DeShon Singleton, Billy Kemp, Nouri Nouili
Husker247 | Matt Rhule Thursday quick hits
Husker247 | A heartfelt speech, powerful Tunnel Walk, and why those two pink ribbons mean so much to Rhule
On3 | Matt Rhule on Nebraska’s potential with current personnel: ‘Sky’s the limit’
Nebraska Athletics | Rhule Meets Media on Thursday
Omaha World-Herald* | Crowd of Nebraska players nearing return from injury — but maybe not this week
Omaha World-Herald* | The origins of Matt Rhule's passionate breast cancer speech before Purdue game

From the other side

The Only Colors | Previewing Week 10: The Nebraska Cornhuskers

More info

Published Nov 2, 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.