1-Score Game Mindset

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

NorthWillRiseAgain · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

Nebraska isn't in the tier 1 currently. That's why.

OxfordComma · Oct 2, 2025

We lost to Indiana last year 56-7. Is that what you want more of?

RealTucoSalamanca · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

The teams you listed are/ were better than Nebraska?????

Huskers12345 · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

Because the majority of Big 10 teams are mediocre and NU is mediocre as well. I think we are explosive enough to separate from teams this year, but I think Rhule plays conservative instead.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

NorthWillRiseAgain said:
Nebraska isn't in the tier 1 currently. That's why.

I agree, but the coaches keep saying its a conference thing. Clearly our better conference friends didn't get the memo.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

RealTucoSalamanca said:
The teams you listed are/ were better than Nebraska?????

Then why aren't they in 1-score games as much as Nebraska? Our coaches have said its a conference thing.

RealTucoSalamanca · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Then why aren't they in 1-score games as much as Nebraska? Our coaches have said its a conference thing.

They aren't in as many 1 score game because they win games by more than 1 score. When Nebraska plays the same teams, they are on a more level plane, so naturally the games will be closer. It isn't really all that difficult a concept. Right now Rhule is just about trying to win games. When you have lost as many games as Nebraska has the past decade plus, just winning games is the priority. So winning a 1 score game is great, if you win by more better, but winning by 1 point or 20, it is still just a win.

Why did you stop at the top teams in the league, how many one score games were there in teams 6-18?

BugsAreQualityProtein · Oct 2, 2025

We just need to win Saturday.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

Games against B1G opponents since 2024 season began:

	Games	1-score Margin	% of Games End Up 1-Score Margin
Indiana Hoosiers	11	2	18.18%
Oregon Ducks	13	3	23.08%
Maryland Terrapins	10	2	20.00%
Ohio State Buckeyes	11	4	36.36%
Michigan Wolverines	10	6	60.00%
Minnesota Golden Gophers	10	7	70.00%
USC Trojans	11	8	72.73%
Illinois Fighting Illini	11	5	45.45%
Iowa Hawkeyes	11	3	27.27%
Northwestern Wildcats	11	2	18.18%
Michigan State Spartans	10	3	30.00%
Nebraska Cornhuskers	10	7	70.00%
Penn State Nittany Lions	11	5	45.45%
Washington Huskies	10	2	20.00%
Purdue Boilermakers	10	3	30.00%
Wisconsin Badgers	10	1	10.00%
UCLA Bruins	10	6	60.00%
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	11	6	54.55%

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

RealTucoSalamanca said:
They aren't in as many 1 score game because they win games by more than 1 score. When Nebraska plays the same teams, they are on a more level plane, so naturally the games will be closer. It isn't really all that difficult a concept. Right now Rhule is just about trying to win games. When you have lost as many games as Nebraska has the past decade plus, just winning games is the priority. So winning a 1 score game is great, if you win by more better, but winning by 1 point or 20, it is still just a win.

Why did you stop at the top teams in the league, how many one score games were there in teams 6-18?

I started with just the top 5 because if we want to be the top 5, we should be like the top 5. But I went through and added the rest of the conference in a reply above.

I'm specifically wanting to attack the mindset that every game is going to be a 1-score game. I think it's more harmful than helpful.

RealTucoSalamanca · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
I started with just the top 5 because if we want to be the top 5, we should be like the top 5. But I went through and added the rest of the conference in a reply above.

I'm specifically wanting to attack the mindset that every game is going to be a 1-score game. I think it's more harmful than helpful.

If you add wins and losses to those 1 score games, I bet you will find that the good teams and the bad teams who aren't playing in as many 1 score games, will have opposite records in those 1 score games. The middle of the pack teams will be more than likely closer to .500. Sort of the bell curve, with a few outliers. Kind of like life.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

RealTucoSalamanca said:
If you add wins and losses to those 1 score games, I bet you will find that the good teams and the bad teams who aren't playing in as many 1 score games, will have opposite records in those 1 score games. The middle of the pack teams will be more than likely closer to .500. Sort of the bell curve, with a few outliers. Kind of like life.

Glad to add those numbers

	Games	1-score	%	Wins	Losses	Winning %
Indiana Hoosiers	11	2	18.18%	10	1	90.91%
Oregon Ducks	13	3	23.08%	12	1	92.31%
Maryland Terrapins	10	2	20.00%	2	8	20.00%
Ohio State Buckeyes	11	4	36.36%	9	2	81.82%
Michigan Wolverines	10	6	60.00%	6	4	60.00%
Minnesota Golden Gophers	10	7	70.00%	6	4	60.00%
USC Trojans	12	8	66.67%	6	6	50.00%
Illinois Fighting Illini	11	5	45.45%	7	4	63.64%
Iowa Hawkeyes	11	3	27.27%	7	4	63.64%
Northwestern Wildcats	11	2	18.18%	3	8	27.27%
Michigan State Spartans	10	3	30.00%	3	7	30.00%
Nebraska Cornhuskers	10	7	70.00%	3	7	30.00%
Penn State Nittany Lions	11	5	45.45%	8	3	72.73%
Washington Huskies	10	2	20.00%	4	6	40.00%
Purdue Boilermakers	10	3	30.00%	0	10	0.00%
Wisconsin Badgers	10	1	10.00%	3	7	30.00%
UCLA Bruins	10	6	60.00%	3	7	30.00%
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	11	6	54.55%	4	7	36.36%

RealTucoSalamanca · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Glad to add those numbers

Games 1-score % Wins Losses Winning %
Indiana Hoosiers 11 2 18.18%
10
1
90.91%
Oregon Ducks 13 3 23.08%
12
1
92.31%
Maryland Terrapins 10 2 20.00%
2
8
20.00%
Ohio State Buckeyes 11 4 36.36%
9
2
81.82%
Michigan Wolverines 10 6 60.00%
6
4
60.00%
Minnesota Golden Gophers 10 7 70.00%
6
4
60.00%
USC Trojans 12 8 66.67%
6
6
50.00%
Illinois Fighting Illini 11 5 45.45%
7
4
63.64%
Iowa Hawkeyes 11 4 36.36%
7
4
63.64%
Northwestern Wildcats 11 2 18.18%
3
8
27.27%
Michigan State Spartans 10 3 30.00%
3
7
30.00%
Nebraska Cornhuskers 10 7 70.00%
3
7
30.00%
Penn State Nittany Lions 11 5 45.45%
8
3
72.73%
Washington Huskies 10 2 20.00%
4
6
40.00%
Purdue Boilermakers 10 3 30.00%
0
10
0.00%
Wisconsin Badgers 10 1 10.00%
3
7
30.00%
UCLA Bruins 10 6 60.00%
3
7
30.00%
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 11 6 54.55%
4
7
36.36%

I was referring to the records in the 1 score games. My thoughts, without looking at the records was that the very good teams and the very bad teams will have fewer 1 score games. The middle of the pack teams will have more 1 score games. Furthermore, I would assume the good team's 1 score games are against other good teams and the bad team's 1 score games are against other bad teams.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 2, 2025

RealTucoSalamanca said:
I was referring to the records in the 1 score games.

Sure, I'll add those too.

	Games	1-score	%	Wins	Losses	Winning %	1-Score W	1-Score L	1-Score %
Indiana Hoosiers	11	2	18.18%	10	1	90.91%	2	0	100.00%
Oregon Ducks	13	3	23.08%	12	1	92.31%	3	0	100.00%
Maryland Terrapins	10	2	20.00%	2	8	20.00%	1	1	50.00%
Ohio State Buckeyes	11	4	36.36%	9	2	81.82%	2	2	50.00%
Michigan Wolverines	10	6	60.00%	6	4	60.00%	5	1	83.33%
Minnesota Golden Gophers	10	7	70.00%	6	4	60.00%	4	3	57.14%
USC Trojans	12	8	66.67%	6	6	50.00%	2	6	25.00%
Illinois Fighting Illini	11	5	45.45%	7	4	63.64%	4	1	80.00%
Iowa Hawkeyes	11	3	27.27%	7	4	63.64%	1	2	33.33%
Northwestern Wildcats	11	2	18.18%	3	8	27.27%	2	0	100.00%
Michigan State Spartans	10	3	30.00%	3	7	30.00%	1	2	33.33%
Nebraska Cornhuskers	10	7	70.00%	3	7	30.00%	1	6	14.29%
Penn State Nittany Lions	11	5	45.45%	8	3	72.73%	2	3	40.00%
Washington Huskies	10	2	20.00%	4	6	40.00%	1	1	50.00%
Purdue Boilermakers	10	3	30.00%	0	10	0.00%	0	3	0.00%
Wisconsin Badgers	10	1	10.00%	3	7	30.00%	0	1	0.00%
UCLA Bruins	10	6	60.00%	3	7	30.00%	3	3	50.00%
Rutgers Scarlet Knights	11	6	54.55%	4	7	36.36%	2	4	33.33%

oldjar07 · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Sure, I'll add those too.

Games 1-score % Wins Losses Winning % 1-Score W 1-Score L 1-Score %
Indiana Hoosiers 11 2 18.18%
10
1
90.91%
2
0
100.00%
Oregon Ducks 13 3 23.08%
12
1
92.31%
3
0
100.00%
Maryland Terrapins 10 2 20.00%
2
8
20.00%
1
1
50.00%
Ohio State Buckeyes 11 4 36.36%
9
2
81.82%
2
2
50.00%
Michigan Wolverines 10 6 60.00%
6
4
60.00%
5
1
83.33%
Minnesota Golden Gophers 10 7 70.00%
6
4
60.00%
4
3
57.14%
USC Trojans 12 8 66.67%
6
6
50.00%
2
6
25.00%
Illinois Fighting Illini 11 5 45.45%
7
4
63.64%
4
1
80.00%
Iowa Hawkeyes 11 3 27.27%
7
4
63.64%
1
2
33.33%
Northwestern Wildcats 11 2 18.18%
3
8
27.27%
2
0
100.00%
Michigan State Spartans 10 3 30.00%
3
7
30.00%
1
2
33.33%
Nebraska Cornhuskers 10 7 70.00%
3
7
30.00%
1
6
14.29%
Penn State Nittany Lions 11 5 45.45%
8
3
72.73%
2
3
40.00%
Washington Huskies 10 2 20.00%
4
6
40.00%
1
1
50.00%
Purdue Boilermakers 10 3 30.00%
0
10
0.00%
0
3
0.00%
Wisconsin Badgers 10 1 10.00%
3
7
30.00%
0
1
0.00%
UCLA Bruins 10 6 60.00%
3
7
30.00%
3
3
50.00%
Rutgers Scarlet Knights 11 6 54.55%
4
7
36.36%
2
4
33.33%

Yeah this shows the crux of the issue that we're bad at 1 score games. So why the hell would we want more of them? I agree with OP.

orclover11 · Oct 2, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
I started with just the top 5 because if we want to be the top 5, we should be like the top 5. But I went through and added the rest of the conference in a reply above.

I'm specifically wanting to attack the mindset that every game is going to be a 1-score game. I think it's more harmful than helpful.

Sample size is way too small, and we are in a time of major transition in the big 10 with unbalanced schedules, nil, transfer portal and new rules every year. The reality is NIL will create more parity because of a lack of depth. I have a lot of problems with this staff and Rhule is known for a conservative style of offense and a good defense, which lends itself to close games. Right now both sides of the ball are kind of *** so we have to just hope for competitive games to enjoy.

Anon1756440239 · Oct 2, 2025

Our current HC was hired by a lame duck AD who prioritized hiring a guy who was nice and didn’t demand a giant contract over someone who was willing to win at whatever cost.

I will hope that Rhule gets us to 10+ wins in the near future but remain in the land of reality at the same time.

BugsAreQualityProtein · Oct 2, 2025

Anon1756440239 said:
Our current HC was hired by a lame duck AD who prioritized hiring a guy who was nice and didn’t demand a giant contract over someone who was willing to win at whatever cost.

I will hold that Rhule gets us to 10+ wins in the near future but remain in the land of reality at the same time.

Rhule did get a giant contract. In fact his hiring almost didn’t happen because of it.

inthedeed · Oct 2, 2025

4th quarter rhule

Anon1756440239 · Oct 2, 2025

BugsAreQualityProtein said:
Rhule did get a giant contract. In fact his hiring almost didn’t happen because of it.

Please, Colorado, Wisconsin, and Kansas are paying as much and more.

The “it almost didn’t” happen propaganda is not something I’d fall for either.

HuskerBruce81 · Oct 2, 2025

It is AI vs AI and Matt is too timid

RBigredMax1 · Oct 3, 2025

I think most of it stems from us being a bottom of the barrel team for the better part of a decade. As you get better you lose close ones, then start winning some of the close ones, then start winning all the games you should and then having close games with better tier level of the B1G.

Him preparing the team how to behave and act in close games is where we are in the journey right now. He shouldn’t have to tell the fans or remind them every week is a dog fight because we should have the bruises over the last decade to remind us.

RBigredMax1 · Oct 3, 2025

oldjar07 said:
Yeah this shows the crux of the issue that we're bad at 1 score games. So why the hell would we want more of them? I agree with OP.

Preparing for the potential and “wanting” them are two very different things. The first is our coaching staff recognizing where we are in the hierarchy of the B1G and the mentality we have to have to take the next steps.
The second (“wanting”) them is some fan fiction narrative.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 3, 2025

RBigredMax1 said:
Preparing for the potential and “wanting” them are two very different things. The first is our coaching staff recognizing where we are in the hierarchy of the B1G and the mentality we have to have to take the next steps.
The second (“wanting”) them is some fan fiction narrative.

Is it a fan fiction narrative? Or is it Rhule speaking it into existence? He talks about 1-score games every single week. I don’t listen to the other 17 coaches in the conference in their weekly pressers, but I’m willing to bet someone’s next subscription renewal for this site that no other coach talks about 1-score games in the B1G as much as Rhule. Then, not only are we one of the leaders of most 1-score games played, we’re also the worst at it for the volume we have.

I believe a lot of it stems from Rhule’s passive nature, and that’s ultimately his main character flaw IMO as a coach. He saw Nebraska was 1-75 (exaggerated) in 1-score games. He knew it was a problem here and that we all knew it too. So he’s been verbally addressing it and acknowledging it to the fans. However, I believe he’s started to seek it at this point. He’s literally said it many times in pressers the last 3 years. Once he gets a lead, he goes NFL mode and leans on the defense and runs the ball to run out the clock (those are his words). Knowing we absolutely suck in 1-score games, why would a coach continue to seek out 1-score games? I understand Cignetti and Indiana is an anomaly. Doesn’t mean we can’t look at them and see what they’re doing right. Cignetti does not seek 1-score games. Indiana has a significantly worse record than us over the last 30 years. They didn’t know how to win before him. But he isn’t seeking 1-score games to teach them to win.

RBigredMax1 · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Is it a fan fiction narrative? Or is it Rhule speaking it into existence? He talks about 1-score games every single week. I don’t listen to the other 17 coaches in the conference in their weekly pressers, but I’m willing to bet someone’s next subscription renewal for this site that no other coach talks about 1-score games in the B1G as much as Rhule. Then, not only are we one of the leaders of most 1-score games played, we’re also the worst at it for the volume we have.

I believe a lot of it stems from Rhule’s passive nature, and that’s ultimately his main character flaw IMO as a coach. He saw Nebraska was 1-75 (exaggerated) in 1-score games. He knew it was a problem here and that we all knew it too. So he’s been verbally addressing it and acknowledging it to the fans. However, I believe he’s started to seek it at this point. He’s literally said it many times in pressers the last 3 years. Once he gets a lead, he goes NFL mode and leans on the defense and runs the ball to run out the clock (those are his words). Knowing we absolutely suck in 1-score games, why would a coach continue to seek out 1-score games? I understand Cignetti and Indiana is an anomaly. Doesn’t mean we can’t look at them and see what they’re doing right. Cignetti does not seek 1-score games. Indiana has a significantly worse record than us over the last 30 years. They didn’t know how to win before him. But he isn’t seeking 1-score games to teach them to win.

I don’t think we will be as conservative in the past - if and when we get a lead - we just haven’t had a chance to show that this year outside of our two high school opponents. I don’t think that means we will be flippant about the play calling but if the rushing game isn’t working - we won’t see us running 3 times just to punt, IMO. Hopefully we have a chance to see it this weekend and we step on some throats.

mel mains · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Is it a fan fiction narrative? Or is it Rhule speaking it into existence? He talks about 1-score games every single week. I don’t listen to the other 17 coaches in the conference in their weekly pressers, but I’m willing to bet someone’s next subscription renewal for this site that no other coach talks about 1-score games in the B1G as much as Rhule. Then, not only are we one of the leaders of most 1-score games played, we’re also the worst at it for the volume we have.

I believe a lot of it stems from Rhule’s passive nature, and that’s ultimately his main character flaw IMO as a coach. He saw Nebraska was 1-75 (exaggerated) in 1-score games. He knew it was a problem here and that we all knew it too. So he’s been verbally addressing it and acknowledging it to the fans. However, I believe he’s started to seek it at this point. He’s literally said it many times in pressers the last 3 years. Once he gets a lead, he goes NFL mode and leans on the defense and runs the ball to run out the clock (those are his words). Knowing we absolutely suck in 1-score games, why would a coach continue to seek out 1-score games? I understand Cignetti and Indiana is an anomaly. Doesn’t mean we can’t look at them and see what they’re doing right. Cignetti does not seek 1-score games. Indiana has a significantly worse record than us over the last 30 years. They didn’t know how to win before him. But he isn’t seeking 1-score games to teach them to win.

If that second paragraph isn’t a fan fiction narrative I don’t know what is. FFS twice you begin sentences with, I believe. You seem to have succeeded in convincing yourself that Rhule is actually trying to keep games close.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 3, 2025

RBigredMax1 said:
I don’t think we will be as conservative in the past - if and when we get a lead - we just haven’t had a chance to show that this year outside of our two high school opponents. I don’t think that means we will be flippant about the play calling but if the rushing game isn’t working - we won’t see us running 3 times just to punt, IMO. Hopefully we have a chance to see it this weekend and we step on some throats.

I agree. I’m really hopeful he leaves the conservative offense mindset in the past. And so far, outside of that 2-minute offense against Michigan, I don’t think I’ve seen him be conservative offensively. Someone can point it out if he has. So that leads me to believe him when he says Dana has the keys. I can also see us going away from the run almost all together. I think each game going forward once the run game stops working, Dana will go pass heavy. The 3-6 yard pass has worked perfectly fine in place of the run. At the end of the day, yards is yards and points is points. Like Dana said, we need to get the W anyway we can. I just want to see us get away from expecting 1-score games against every conference opponent.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 3, 2025

mel mains said:
If that second paragraph isn’t a fan fiction narrative I don’t know what is. FFS twice you begin sentences with, I believe. You seem to have succeeded in convincing yourself that Rhule actually trying to keep games close.

Beliefs are derived from facts, are they not?

RBigredMax1 · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
I agree. I’m really hopeful he leaves the conservative offense mindset in the past. And so far, outside of that 2-minute offense against Michigan, I don’t think I’ve seen him be conservative offensively. Someone can point it out if he has. So that leads me to believe him when he says Dana has the keys. I can also see us going away from the run almost all together. I think each game going forward once the run game stops working, Dana will go pass heavy. The 3-6 yard pass has worked perfectly fine in place of the run. At the end of the day, yards is yards and points is points. Like Dana said, we need to get the W anyway we can. I just want to see us get away from expecting 1-score games against every conference opponent.

Agree - I know some get on Rhule about his press conferences - but he openly acknowledged Dana was pushing his personal comfort level with the aggressive play calls late in games. I appreciate Rhule is open minded to the changes and will let Dana cook.

100% agree with regard to the yards is yards. The 5 yard quick hitters are high percentage and if the runs aren’t working we are still moving chains.

RealTucoSalamanca · Oct 3, 2025

Holgersen has had past success both running the ball and passing the ball. He is exactly the opposite of what posters have complained about for years. The ole "square peg in round hole" coaching of Riley and Frost and Callahan. He is using the players he has and is tailoring the offense to their strengths, and attempting to get the ball in the hands of the most explosive and dynamic athletes.

NorthWillRiseAgain · Oct 3, 2025

RBigredMax1 said:
Preparing for the potential and “wanting” them are two very different things. The first is our coaching staff recognizing where we are in the hierarchy of the B1G and the mentality we have to have to take the next steps.
The second (“wanting”) them is some fan fiction narrative.

Agreed. Pointing it out isn't wanting more of them. It becomes a focus to perfect them when in them when you put a focus on it.

mel mains · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
Beliefs are derived from facts, are they not?

Not necessarily, but even if they are the resulting belief is still an opinion, and apparently you are of the opinion Rhule is purposefully sabotaging wide-margin wins to teach his team a lesson. Ok.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 3, 2025

mel mains said:
Not necessarily, but even if they are the resulting belief is still an opinion, and apparently you are of the opinion Rhule is purposefully sabotaging wide-margin wins to teach his team a lesson. Ok.

I mean, if that’s how you deduced all of that, that’s your opinion.

I’m not saying he’s intentionally dragging us into 1-score games conscientiously. He’s doing it because he’s speaking it into existence. Teams embody the personality of their head coach. If Rhule is constantly expecting 1-score games, it’s not a coincidence we find ourselves in them more than nearly everyone in our conference.

broken record · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

Bg 10 play is largely 1 score games. Nebraska was actually playing above their talent level in years past in those 1-score losses. NOw they are solidifying as a program and those 1-sore losses will turn into wins.

broken record · Oct 3, 2025

Huskers12345 said:
Because the majority of Big 10 teams are mediocre and NU is mediocre as well. I think we are explosive enough to separate from teams this year, but I think Rhule plays conservative instead.

The Big 10 is the best conference to to bottom and that includes the SEC. A mediocre team in the Big 10 goes 11-2 in the Big 12 or ACC.

HuskerInCarolina · Oct 3, 2025

broken record said:
Bg 10 play is largely 1 score games. Nebraska was actually playing above their talent level in years past in those 1-score losses. NOw they are solidifying as a program and those 1-sore losses will turn into wins.

Less than 40% of B1G games since the west coast teams joined have been a 1-score game. So I don’t think it’s accurate to say it’s largely 1-score games. I do agree with the rest though. I think the wins will start coming. I just wish Rhule would get away from the expectation that every game is a dogfight slugfest between heavyweights. We should expect to massacre our opponent, but be prepared to scrap tooth and nail.

NikkiSixx · Oct 3, 2025

HuskerInCarolina said:
What is with this BS obsession with the mindset of a 1-score game in conference games from the coaching staff? I just don't get it.

I know Rhule REALLLYYYY wants to be Iowa 2.0 but when you look at the top teams in the conference, the majority of their 1-score games come against each other. The best teams in the conference don't play 1-score games every week, nor do they go into it expecting it to be a 1-score game.

Since 2024 season began, Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Penn State, and Michigan have played a combined 56 games against B1G opponents. 20 of those 56 games were 1-score games. Now, there are duplicate games in there (Penn St vs Oregon, Ohio St vs Michigan, etc). When you remove the games played between the 5 teams listed, they played a combined 39 games and only 9 of those games were 1-score games.

Now Nebraska. In that same timeframe, Nebraska played 10 B1G games and 7 were 1-score games. Why is that?

Rhule wants to base everything off the NFL, even though we aren't in the NFL. It's the highest form of shame because Rhule was spit out of the NFL faster than a Hawkeye who was eyeing a new trophy case.

Rhule has an inherent need to show he can do "NFL" again, but all this means is he's now also a recent failure at CFB.. maybe his next stop is Juco where he can try to prove he can run the ball?

BugsAreQualityProtein · Oct 3, 2025

This 1-score phenomenon is a product of poor coaching and player development, simple as that.

NikkiSixx · Oct 3, 2025

lack of identity

1-Score Game Mindset

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