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Thursday Notes and Quotes From Matt Rhule Ahead of Purdue Game

Coach says Nebraska’s new-look offensive line is ready to go

Joe Hudson

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There were insights but little in the breaking-news department as Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with reporters for the final time before Saturday's Purdue game.

Speaking after Thursday morning's practice, Rhule said the offensive line, minus three season-long starters, is ready to go with Teddy Prochazka, Justin Evans-Jenkins and Henry Lutovsky moving up into starting roles. 

The preparedness of the three underclassmen was a plus last Saturday as injuries mounted during the win against Northwestern, Rhule said. Now, it's vital that players deeper on the depth chart be game-ready as well. "Tyler Knaak, you need to be prepared. Jacob Hood, you need to be prepared. Gunnar [Gottula] and Sam [Sledge] and all those guys are prepared." 

Though he was optimistic earlier in the week that cornerback Tommi Hill would play Saturday, Rhule indicated Thursday that Hill would not be available. Hill injured an ankle against Northwestern.

"We're down our starting kick returner [Hill]. We're down our starting punt returner [Billy Kemp]. Those are big things, so other guys have to step up," Rhule said.

Rhule said he expects a tight, four-quarter fight with Purdue. The Boilermakers, he said, will bring a "scary" offense and "excellent" special teams to Lincoln.

“Especially in games like this week, where weather could be a factor, you want to play great on the special teams. ... They’ll be really vital this week."

Rhule also discussed the Huskers' unfavorable turnover margin, why he likes coaching the scout team, the overall goal for the rest of the season and more. Scroll past the video for coverage, and refresh this page to see the latest additions. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription.

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Joe Hudson
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.

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