Matt Rhule’s message after loss shows Nebraska’s path forward

Everything this Nebraska football season has ever meant is still ahead of you, with the four biggest games of the year.

None are bigger than UCLA next Saturday.

This 2024 Husker team can still make its mark, forever be known in Nebraska history as the team that planted its feet and put the program back on the right path.

They almost did it on Saturday, scaring No. 4 Ohio State at home in a game that would have been the Husker’s biggest win since Oklahoma in 2001.

But the story of a 21-17 loss to the Buckeyes wasn’t about “almost.”

These were not moral victories. Those won’t get the Huskers where they want to go.

This is not bad refereeing. This rears its ugly head every week. It’s not going to disappear. And that’s not why NU lost. It’s not about mistakes or what ifs.

Saturday’s message was about a very intriguing post-game message from head coach Matt Rhule.

A week after being kicked out of the state of Indiana, Nebraska took on the Big Ten bully. And Rhule chose that moment to crack his psychological whip.

Rhule began by saying he had seen a “championship mentality in the locker room” for the first time since he was at Nebraska.

He added: “Along with a championship mentality, as those who compete know, comes utter disappointment when you lose. So that part is difficult. But I saw a group of guys competing at the end, going out on the field and going out to make one more play.

“I thought they had grown up. But I challenged them, it better be that way next week.”

There was a message for Nebraska fans: “For those of us who believe in the long road, the hard road… those of us who haven’t had things handed to us, those of us who believe in building, in taking a day honest work. I hope that if they are disappointed, they are proud.”

Rhule ended his opening speech by saying he thought his team “played with class and dignity. I had a chance to win. I’m not saying that to justify what we’re doing. I say this so our players understand why I am so proud.

“Not satisfied. But proud.”

It was one of the most unusual post-defeat messages you’ll ever hear. And it could serve well this season.

First, look at what the message didn’t say.

He didn’t talk about how Nebraska came close but still can’t find a way to win. He didn’t remind everyone, including the Huskers, that they are still searching for some mystical answer.

He didn’t dwell on the horrible officiating, saying the Huskers can’t catch a break, making his team the victim.

He didn’t make excuses. A crutch.

He did not insist on the negative. He touched on the possibilities.

Look at the buzzwords. Championship. Mindset.

A long way. Difficult path. An 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 when the Huskers played one of their best games of the season, rivaling Colorado, Rhule’s message was to not look back at what could have been.

Instead, look ahead to what could happen.

After a week of the most adversity this team has faced in two years, Rhule saw a team bond. He saw players supporting each other.

Then he watched as they collectively made the Buckeyes and their fans squirm for four quarters.

I don’t think the message was intended to deflect criticism after two consecutive losses. I think it was a purposeful release to change the mentality of a team and the fan base.

Will it work? The timing of the message can be very useful depending on three events 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 in the middle. Three people who don’t doubt it.

If this is the Hohl they’ll see in the final four games, that changes the game considerably.

Two: A Growth Game by Dylan Raiola. The rookie quarterback came out of the pocket (and comfort zone) and rushed several times for important yards and first downs. It caught Ohio State off guard and adds an intriguing aspect to the last four games.

Furthermore, after Raiola left the field late holding his right shoulder, he returned to the game as if nothing had happened. That’s a player, a leader and a message that the quarterback is fully involved.

Three: For the second time this year, Nebraska’s defense bounced back from a bad game with a memorable performance. The blackshirts were back. They stuffed Ohio State’s run and generally overwhelmed the Buckeyes.

NU allowed three touchdown passes. But certainly the Las Vegas experts and many others thought this would be a blast. It wasn’t. Thanks to the defense.

If that’s the defense the Huskers are going to have over the next four games, they’ll have a chance to win each of them.

No, the Blackshirts couldn’t hold a 17-14 lead that momentarily rocked the nation. Raiola and company. He couldn’t score near the goal line. Ohio State was good enough. And NU wasn’t ready yet.

But they were very close. And Ohio State is not among the bottom four opponents.

That’s why I think Rhule decided not to dwell on the flaws: what the Huskers are not. And focus on growing team chemistry that could take them home.

Encourage. Motivate. And challenge them to bring it back next week.

In some ways, this season just got more interesting.