2 weeks Ago By Tom Shatel World-Herald Columnist
Onward. Everything that this Nebraska football season was always about still lies ahead, with the four biggest games of the year. None are bigger than UCLA next Saturday.
This 2024 Husker team can still make their mark, be known forever in Nebraska history as the team that planted their feet and set the program back on the right path. They almost did it Saturday, scaring No. 4 Ohio State at home in a game that would have been the biggest Husker win since Oklahoma in 2001.
But the story of a 21-17 loss to the Buckeyes wasn’t about “almost.” It wasn’t about moral victories. Those won’t take the Huskers where they want to go.
Not about poor officiating. That rears its ugly head every week. It’s not going away.
And it’s not why NU lost. Not about mistakes or what-if's. The message on Saturday was about a most intriguing post-game message from head coach Matt Rhule.
One week after getting run out of the state of Indiana, Nebraska stood up to the Big Ten bully. And Rhule picked that time to crack his psychological whip. Rhule began by saying he had seen a “championship mindset in the locker room” for the first time since he’d been at Nebraska.
He added, “Along with a championship mindset, as those who compete know, comes utter disappointment when you lose. So that part’s hard. But I saw a group of guys competing at the end, take the field going out there to make one more play.
“I thought they grew up. But I challenged them, it better look this way next week.” There was a message for Nebraska fans: “For those of us who believe in the long way, the hard way.
.. those of us who haven’t had things handed to us, those of us who believe in building, putting in an honest day’s work.
I hope that if they’re disappointed, they’re proud.” Rhule finished his opening statement by saying he thought his team “Played with class and dignity. Had a chance to win.
I don’t say that to justify what we’re doing. I say it so that our players understand why I’m so proud. “Not satisfied.
But proud.” It was one of the most unusual post-defeat messages you’ll ever hear. And it might serve this season well.
First, look at what the message didn’t say. It didn’t talk about how Nebraska was close but still can’t find a way to win. It didn’t remind everyone — including the Huskers — that they’re still searching for some mystical answer.
It didn’t harp on horrible officiating, saying the Huskers can’t catch a break, making his team the victims. It didn’t create excuses. A crutch.
It didn’t harp on the negative. It touched on possibilities. Look at the buzzwords.
Championship. Mindset. Compete.
Grew up. Long way. Hard way.
Honest day’s work. Disappointed but proud. Class.
Dignity. And, make the players understand that the coach is proud. Not satisfied.
But proud. On a day in which the Huskers played one of their best games of the season — rivaling the Colorado game — Rhule’s message was not to look behind at what might have been. Rather, look ahead to what might be.
After a week of the most adversity this team has faced in two years, Rhule saw a team bonding. He saw players who had each other’s back. Then he watched as they collectively made the Buckeyes and their fans squirm for four quarters.
I don't think the message was meant to deflect criticism after two straight losses. I think it was a purpose pitch to change the mentality of a team and fan base. Will it work? The timing of the message might be very useful based on three developments during the game.
One: The discovery of a kicker. Freshman John Hohl stepped up and made three field goals — from 39, 54 and 47 yards. Hohl drilled them through the middle.
Three no-doubters. If this is the Hohl they’re going to see the last four games, that changes the game considerably. Two: A growth game from Dylan Raiola.
The freshman quarterback stepped outside of the pocket — and the comfort zone — and ran several times for important yards and first downs. It caught Ohio State off-guard and adds an intriguing wrinkle to the final four games. Also, after Raiola came off the field holding his right shoulder late, he came back in the game like nothing had happened.
That’s a gamer, a leader, and a message the quarterback is all-in. Three: For the second time this year, Nebraska’s defense rebounded from a bad game with a memorable performance. The Blackshirts were back.
They stuffed Ohio State’s run and generally swarmed the Buckeyes. NU gave up three touchdown passes. But certainly the Las Vegas experts and many others thought this would be a blowout.
It was not. Thanks to the defense. If that’s the defense the Huskers are going to get the next four games, they’ll have a chance to win each.
No, the Blackshirts couldn’t hold a 17-14 lead that had the nation buzzing momentarily. Raiola and co. couldn’t score near the goal-line.
Ohio State was just good enough. And NU wasn’t ready yet. But they were darned close.
And Ohio State isn’t among the last four opponents. That’s why I think Rhule chose not to harp on the flaws — what the Huskers are not. And focus forward on a growing team chemistry that could carry them home.
Encourage. Motivate. And challenge them to bring it again next week.
In some ways, this season just got more interesting. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
