Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule Calls For Calm Following Fan Backlash

Late leads slip away again

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is asking everyone around the program to stay calm after another painful loss. The Cornhuskers fell 17-10 to Washington on Saturday in Lincoln. This marked the third straight game where Nebraska held a lead deep in the fourth quarter but failed to win. Previous losses to Indiana and Oregon followed a similar pattern.

The Cornhuskers now stand at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten. Against Washington, Nebraska was ahead 7-3 with under two minutes left on the clock. Washington converted a fourth and 18 two plays before scoring the go ahead touchdown. Nebraska quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw three interceptions, with the third returned for a touchdown to seal the victory for Washington.

Addressing fan behavior and support

Some fans threw trash onto the field after the late interception. Rhule revealed after the game that a fan accosted his 13 year old daughter inside the stadium, using harsh language against her and her father. Rhule stated clearly that he will not continue coaching if it means his children grow up negatively affected.

Despite the incident, Rhule remains committed to the team. His wife, Julie, talked with their children about the pressures of coaching. His 10 year old daughter sent him a text message saying she loved the team, the players, and living in Nebraska. Rhule stressed that he will keep fighting for the real fans, including those at the Elbow Room in Johnston, Nebraska, but he is not coaching for individuals who verbally attack his family.

Defending the staff and moving forward

Rhule also pushed back against critics calling for offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen to be fired. Holgorsen faced sharp criticism after Colandrea attempted 44 passes against Washington while the run game was largely abandoned. Rhule defended Holgorsen, calling him one of the best offensive minds of our generation.

Rhule commended his defense for dominant stretches during the game, though he noted a lack of takeaways. He urged everyone to remain steady in the boat during difficult times rather than making things worse. He emphasized that he has no plans to walk away, stating he will not leave or quit.

What it means for the next game

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Illinois Fighting Illini (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Illinois Fighting Illini win 37%, Nebraska Cornhuskers win 63%; projected score Illinois Fighting Illini 23, Nebraska Cornhuskers 26. Our safest pick: Illinois +14.5.