Evan Bland World-Herald Staff Writer
LINCOLN — Matt Rhule wants a calculated response this week from Nebraska players after their first loss of the season. The coach first gave a calculated preamble.
Monday’s weekly session with reporters began with four minutes from Rhule about finding the narrow middle ground between panic and rationalization. Note the progress and keep straining for more.
Don’t overreact. Don’t underreact. Like a linebacker in the box, see what’s happening with disciplined eyes. Especially with two weeks until another game.
Most of all, Rhule told the Huskers, don’t settle for the familiar trope that Nebraska is only a couple plays away after a 30-27 loss to Michigan.
“I think that’s a deadly, deadly thing when you start saying things like that,” Rhule said. “I think I showed them probably 45 plays (Sunday) that could have been the difference in the game.”
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The list of sequences that could have swung the outcome and delivered the Huskers their first win over a ranked opponent in 28 tries is indeed long. Stepping out of bounds ahead of an open touchdown pass that instead became a field goal. Missing a punt-return score by a shoestring.
Michigan had converted just one third down until its final clinching drive when it succeeded on three straight — Nebraska defenders missed one-on-one chances to make tackles in space multiple times.
“So many, so many, so many opportunities to go out and win the football game,” Rhule said.
Meanwhile, Rhule said, seven sacks allowed on quarterback Dylan Raiola and three chunk-play touchdown runs totaling 166 yards were as much a result of an “excellent, excellent” Michigan trench presence as Nebraska mistakes.
The coach called Michigan linebacker Jaishawn Barham a high first-round NFL draft pick with edge rusher TJ Guy another future pro. Running back Justice Haynes has home-run ability among the very best in college football.
“I just don’t want to minimize who they are,” Rhule said. “We faced a really good team, it’s a good litmus test for us. We can play better than we played, though. And we need to play better than we played. I don’t want to overreact. I don’t want to underreact and say, ‘Well, it’s Michigan.’ We’re Nebraska. Go play.”
Issues linger or emerged that the Huskers must address through scheme or personnel decisions. Rhule asked his coaching staff Monday who it sees as the No. 2 running back behind Emmett Johnson. NU needs more production from its backup spot to spell Johnson (24 touches Saturday), Rhule said.
The left tackle spot will also continue to play out between Gunnar Gottula (69 snaps against Michigan) and Elijah Pritchett (six), with each struggling at times to hold the edge. Red-zone offense remains ineffective, converting touchdowns on 58.3% of its chances (90th nationally).
Rhule referred to the defensive line and stopping the run better on multiple occasions. Nebraska was burned at times by ineffective stunting, missed tackles and an inability to get off Wolverine blocks. UM runners didn’t gash on every chance but still piled up 286 rushing yards on 33 tries (8.7 per carry).
“You can be really angry that we lost the game — that’s how I feel, just so we’re on the same page,” Rhule said. “But I also have to recognize there’s things we’re doing well and other things we’re not fixing. It just can’t be, ‘Oh, the D-line stinks.’ Because that takes the pressure off everybody else.”
Rhule also had multiple stats on hand to remind that the Huskers are producing in other areas. They’re 20th nationally in fewest penalty yards per game (38) and 19th in turnover margin (plus-four).
Quarterback Dylan Raiola is the third most accurate passer in the FBS at 75.6% and made an array of special throws Saturday. None, Rhule said, was more impressive than his 26-yard post-route touchdown connection with Jacory Barney with a defender in his face.
“That’s a lot better than it was,” Rhule said of the pass offense. “Keep building, keep building, keep building. That’s what I want our players to hear.”
Players aren’t acting like victims, Rhule said. Six teams in the Associated Press top-25 poll already have a loss and are working to get better.
So shall the Huskers, with a bye week ahead until Michigan State comes to Lincoln.
“You better learn how to grow up and have a calculated response,” Rhule said. “Play better next week.”
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