Matt Rhule discusses need for resilience in Nebraska rebuild

Nebraska is a program with high expectations, going back to the days of winning national championships. In recent years, the Huskers have been nowhere near the place everyone in Lincoln wants to be. In fact, they are struggling to even make a bowl game, not doing so since the 2016 season.

Matt Rhule will be the latest to attempt to rebuild Nebraska, taking a different approach. Instead of trying to get on the fast track, Rhule is looking to slowly build the Cornhuskers up. He used some coach speak to explain the method but truly believes in what Nebraska is doing.

“The whole context of our program is kind of live in the moment,” Rhule said. “It’s a learn from the past, prepare for the future. Just be right here. We ask our guys to get 1% better every day. We ask our guys to go 1-0 every week. We ask the guys, in the game, to just win each rep. While it might sound a little coach speak, I think in today’s society, it’s as important as ever.”

Part of the problem under Scott Frost was not being able to respond when losses began to stack up. Nebraska was 13-22 following losses with Frost in charge, never able to stop the bleeding. Before you could blink, there would be a losing record next to Nebraska’s name and it would stay there all season.

Rhule has changed the program’s mindset when it comes to adversity. He believes the team is resilient and will be able to bounce back after a tough loss. Confidence can go a long way in fighting for a win when needed.

“The way you show the man you are is how you handle adversity,” Rhule said. “I think if something bad happens — if we lose a game we were expected to win — I think these guys are resilient, they’re tough. They’ll handle it, they’ll come back. We are a pretty humble team. They know we’re coming off 3-9, 4-8.

“Nothing is going to be handed to us… We’re going to be humble about the way we approach this thing. If good things happen, we’re going to stay humble. And if bad things happen, we’re going to be confident enough to trust that we can fix it.”

At the very least, Rhule is looking for respect from opponents. Nebraska is going to be out there ready to play football games and be physical on every rep.

“We want people to respect us,” Rhule said. “We want people to respect our effort, the way that we play. And I think we’re heading in that direction.”

Nebraska will have the opportunity to earn people’s respect right away. Week 1 features a Big Ten West showdown against Minnesota, while the following game is against old Big 8 rival Colorado. Frost was a combined 1-6 against the Gophers and Buffs.

Two wins would not necessarily mean Nebraska is back to winning ways. But it sure would be a positive sign for Rhule early in his tenure.