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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule says the Huskers aren't overlooking Michigan State, a team on a six-game losing streak with question marks at quarterback.
“They’re really, really, really physical up front, in the upper half of the Big Ten in rush defense,” Rhule said during his press conference Monday.
Every game, he said, must be approached with the expectation that it will go down to the wire.
“If we expect that the game is going to go one way and it doesn’t, then sometimes we are caught,” Rhule said. “We expect every game to come down to the very last play when we have to throw a Hail Mary, kick the game-winning field goal or make a fourth-and-1 stop to win the game. That way nothing ever bothers you.”
He continued: “When you look at people’s records, if they have a great record, sometimes you think this is going to be really hard and you expect it and then all of the sudden you miss an opportunity to go and play well. Sometimes you look at a record and go ‘Oh, they haven’t won.’ It’s the opposite. ... That’s the danger, but also think about the men in the Michigan State locker room. ... I watch the way they play, and we would be nuts to not expect to have to win the game on the last play.”
Rhule said safety Omar Brown is in concussion protocol after leaving Saturday’s game against Purdue. Quarterback Heinrich Haarberg also had to exit the game for a series. “He is a little bit beat up,” Rhule said, “but you know what, he is the quarterback at Nebraska.”
Rhule discussed solving the Huskers’ fumbling problems, the performance of the retooled offensive line and much more during Monday’s session. Scroll past the video for all the coverage, and refresh this page to see the latest additions. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. | HuskerMax discussion
Coverage
- Husker247 | Matt Rhule Monday press conference quick hits, news and notes
- Nebraska Athletics | Matt Rhule transcript
- Video recaps | Shatel/Bland, Carpenter/Smith
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Starting DB Omar Brown in concussion protocol
- Omaha World-Herald* | Coaches want Huskers to carry football in the X factor to prevent fumbles
- Omaha World-Herald* | Quarterbacks working on ball security as Heinrich Haarberg heals from bruising week
- Omaha World-Herald* | How Donovan Raiola and the offensive line dialed up Nebraska’s final touchdown
From the other side
- Detroit Free Press* | Michigan State football: What we learned, what to watch vs. Nebraska
- Detroit News | MSU QB carousel: Is it Sam Leavitt’s time?
- Spartan Mag | Interim head coach Harlon Barnett previews senior day against Nebraska (video)