Matt Rhule ‘excited’ about Nebraska football special teams

One thing I love about Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule is his willingness to change and adapt. If he recognizes a problem, he’s willing to do what it takes to fix it.

Case in point: quarterback.

Rhule has never been a big fan of the pay-for-play type of NIL deals, according to his own words. But those kinds of deals are critically important when it comes to landing a quarterback like Dylan Raiola.

Rhule recognized and probably knew after Carolina that he needed a quarterback and he got one in Raiola who is 5-1 as a starter with just three turnovers through six games.

Nebraska football would have given anything for that a year ago. Now, instead of worrying about fixing the quarterback position — the most important in the game — the Huskers are focused on finer points, like executing on special teams.

Matt Rhule says special teams will be better

During Big Ten play, it’s been a struggle. Purdue blocked two kicks and Nebraska missed three field goals total. John Hohl, who has been kicking in place of an injured Tristan Alvano, also missed a 39-yarder against Illinois that could have won the game.

The Huskers also allowed a long punt return to Illinois and had two punts blocked in the last game against Rutgers. Nebraska overcame it, in part because of the great individual effort of Brian Buschini (and a fake punt) but that kind of thing can’t continue.

Certainly not against the No. 16 in the AP Poll (Indiana). The Hoosiers do have a softer schedule but you still have to play the games and Indiana has won all six by 14. Nebraska can’t allow special teams errors which is one reason why Rhule opened his door to former Nebraska coach George Darlington and his “binder” of ideas.

The head coach said Nebraska evaluated the scheme and personnel. Rhule also said was “excited” about special teams and expected a much better effort in Game 7.

“I would expect us to play way better on special teams going forward,” Rhule said. “I’m excited for it.”

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