Matt Rhule upset Huskers couldn’t secure win for Bud Crawford

LINCOLN, Neb. — There were a lot of champions in attendance when Nebraska played Michigan last Saturday, and with all eyes on his team, Matt Rhule wanted to impress them all.

After all, the 1995 Husker football team celebrated the 30th-year anniversary of their National Title. Wrestlers Ridge Lovett and Antrell Taylor also received praise for the National Championships they won over the spring. However, the headliner of the contest was Omaha native, and Boxing Champion Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford, who was fresh off of winning the biggest fight of this century.

A lot of buzz swirled around throughout the week of whether or not Crawford was going to be part of Nebraska’s Tunnel Walk for a second-straight year. Rhule kept everything under wraps, but when those doors swung open, it was Crawford who stood next to his son, and quarterback Dylan Raiola as they led the team out onto the field.

Rhule was excited to have Crawford inside the Sea of Red again. Not to mention Crawford returned the favor after Rhule attended his bout in Las Vegas with Canelo Alvarez the week prior. The atmosphere was electric, with a crowd of 87,278, and Rhule tried his best to take advantage of the spotlight.

Unfortunately, the Wolverines spoiled it all with a stellar performance in the trenches, and seven sacks on Raiola. Although the Huskers battled back, and never gave up, Rhule couldn’t believe that his team didn’t finish the job.

“I am disappointed that we didn’t get the win for Bud, but I thought it meant a lot that he would show up for us,” Rhule said. “He can be anywhere he wanted to be in the world right now if he wanted to, but he chose to be here with us.”

Big Red Nation was eager to see Rhule generate a signature win. The No. 21 Wolverines were a perfect opportunity for him to accomplish that feat. Not delivering in the clutch means Rhule didn’t get to change the narrative of Nebraska losing 28-straight games to top-25 competition. Regardless of the outcome, Rhule was proud to receive the support from the likes of Crawford and Dr. Tom Osborne.

“Obviously Bud Crawford was there, so it was a great day to celebrate Nebraska, and all of the amazing things that are here,” he said.

Crawford is an inspiration to all Nebraskans, and his journey to the top of the boxing world gives people pride. The players respect Crawford, and need his type of work ethic and mental toughness during their bye-week. Practice is going to be intense after the Wolverines exposed several areas of weakness. Rhule is going to want to make up for the loss when Nebraska resumes Big Ten play at home in two weeks against Michigan State.

How the players respond to adversity will be key moving forward, and Crawford set the bar high for them when it comes to rising to the occasion. There’s no denying that having the boxing icon around brings more attention to the program. Despite coming up short, Rhule expects Crawford to continue to represent the Husker brand, and feels he deserves everything that’s coming his way, including a parade in downtown Omaha Saturday morning.

Crawford’s success inside the ring, and being an ambassador for Nebraska continues to bring people from different walks of life together, and Rhule is so proud of his accomplishments.

“I think the time that we’re in right now, Bud is a unifying force for people in the state of Nebraska,” the 50-year old said. “So very grateful that he would be there, and I wish we could’ve done our part a little bit better.”

The Huskers have plenty of time to digest the loss to the Wolverines, but Rhule intends on shifting gears and working on the next opponent. If any notable figures plan on being at Memorial Stadium when Nebraska (3-1) hosts Michigan State, Rhule is making it a priority that they leave happy with the performance from the team.

“At the end of the day I hope people appreciate that we’re working, the guys gave their all, and we just have to get a little bit better.”