Matt Rhule aims to salvage NU’s season as tough November looms

LINCOLN, Neb. — After blowing a third-straight, fourth quarter lead in last Saturday’s loss to Washington, Nebraska’s fourth-year coach is facing a lot of criticism from Big Red Nation, and rightfully so.

Matt Rhule emphasized all week how the Huskers utilized their bye-week, and were ready for the challenge against the Huskies. A sold out Memorial Stadium with fans in black for the Halloween clash, created a hostile environment for Washington, but in the end Nebraska crumbled down the stretch of the fourth quarter like the prior two losses to Indiana and Oregon.

Rhule knows the 17-10 final is somewhat misleading, considering his team led for most of the evening. After all, Nebraska (5-3) dominated on paper, and led Washington in total offense, passing yards, rushing yards, yards per play, plays, first downs, third down conversions, and time of possession.

Not to mention the Blackshirts balled out for most of the game, and limited the Huskies to 235 yards, which included just 32 on the ground. However, Nebraska’s offense could never get into a rhythm, and suffered three costly turnovers, which turned out to be the difference and that frustrated Rhule.

“It was the most dominant defensive performance I’ve ever seen, or that we’ve had since we’ve been here,” Rhule said. “Offensively we just really couldn’t get anything going at the level we wanted to, in terms of scoring points.”

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea had his worst game of the season, and was picked off three times, including one that was returned for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. It was a head-scratcher that Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen decided to put the ball in the air 44 times, when the Huskers led in the second half, and Jamal Rule was averaging well over five yards per carry.

To make matters worse, Nebraska didn’t score in the second, or third quarter. For a third-straight game the Blackshirts were on the field too long, and fatigue was noticeable as the game progressed. The Huskies stayed within striking distance too.

Washington Coach Jedd Fisch started Elijah Brown at quarterback, but made adjustments after he struggled, inserted Demond Williams late, and he carried the team to the finish line.

Williams executed a crucial third, and fourth down on the Huskies’ second-to-last drive. Defensive Coordinator Rob Auric blitzed his corner, and Williams  found wideout Chris Lawson out in space, who spinned off a tackle and ran the ball in for a 25-yard touchdown.

It gave the Huskies their first lead of the game, and shifted the momentum to their side. Colandrea threw a pick-six on Nebraska’s following drive to give Washington a double-digit lead, and that’s when objects from the student section landed onto the field. The boo birds were louder than ever, and Rhule couldn’t ignore the noise, but tried his best to keep the team calm.

After all, the Huskers had an opportunity to extend their lead earlier in the fourth quarter. Nebraska had the ball inside Washington’s 10-yard line, but a delay of game penalty, and three incomplete passes, forced it to attempt a field goal. Kicker Kyle Cunanan missed a 36-yarder, and Rhule thought it would come back to bite them.

Nebraska never gave up though, and John Hohl later nailed a 42-yard field goal to trim Washington’s lead down to seven points. Regardless of the matter, the Huskies eventually recovered the Huskers’ onside kick to seal the game, and Big Red Nation stormed for the exits. Rhule had to face the music after he failed to put away the opposition for a third consecutive contest.

“We have to move forward, we have to get ready for Illinois, we have to find a way to get more offensive production, and score more points to win these games,” he said. “Obviously three turnovers, and a missed field goal are not a recipe to win, so I’m disappointed with that.”

There are several questions surrounding the offense now, and Rhule must find answers. Colandrea completed just 24 of his 44 passes for 255 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. He also absorbed two sacks. Nebraska never established the run, and the offensive line got pushed around in the trenches.

Rule finished with a game-high, 72 yards on the ground, but appeared hobbled late in the game. Wideout Jacory Barney hauled in six passes for 65 yards. Nyziah Hunter also caught six balls. Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer posted five receptions for 61 yards, but fell on a route that led to an interception. Kwazi Gilmer generated 53 receiving yards, and Colandrea distributed the ball well, but in the end the Huskers had too many drops.

Rhule understands in order for his team to win their remaining games, the Huskers will have to play better at the line of scrimmage. Defensively, linebacker Owen Chambliss tallied a team-high, seven tackles. Dwayne McDougle, Donovan Jones, and Caleb Benning each posted six stops. It’s unfortunate that the Blackshirts couldn’t force any turnovers, but they still played well enough to win, and only allowed 10 points.

Regardless of the matter, Rhule has to pick up the pieces, and shift gears to a daunting November. He’s 2-9 with the Huskers during that month. Rhule will start also November off on a short week of preparation before a clash under the Friday night lights at Illinois. Rutgers, Ohio State and Iowa completes the schedule, so nothing will come easy.

Rhule realizes he has his work cut out for him, but remains positive, as he attempts to navigate smoothly through the Big Ten gauntlet.