Matt Rhule has learned to temper the expectations of the Nebraska football fans. He had asked the Cornhuskers led by Jeff Sims to step up regardless of his rookie mistakes as a head coach. This did not sit well with most fans, especially after their tough loss against PJ Fleck's Minnesota football program.
The Cornhuskers were not particularly great in the first half of their season opener. PJ Fleck's Golden Gophers had a slight 3-point edge entering the half. But, the Nebraska football squad came in swinging once the third quarter started. Jeff Sims got his only touchdown of the game and it looked like they just needed to hold the fort in the final period.
Everyone crumbled in the fourth quarter on the Nebraska football side. The team got beat with a three to 10 scoreline which led to a loss against the Minnesota football squad. Sims still showed out with 114 passing yards but his accuracy leaves a lot to be desired. He threw three interceptions and just could not find a lot of his teammates out of the pocket. This left him to rush the ball a lot which resulted in his 19 carries on 91 rushing yards.
It was not the ideal start that Matt Rhule had hoped for. He even outlined what he had to say in the locker room after the tough loss, via Reddit CFB.
“I just told my team, there is no such thing as close losses. We could be a really good football team,” the Nebraska football coach disclosed. He also addressed how good they are despite turning the ball over in the final minutes, ” I think we turned over the ball twice but they still needed a walk-off field goal.”