Forget bigger-picture 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."
"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 at a moment's notice.”
At wide receiver, true freshman Malachi Coleman will start, and Jaylen Lloyd is also 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
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule names starting QB; says Reimer will play vs. Northwestern
