Matt Rhule reveals how Nebraska's focus has been amid Penn State job chatter

When Penn State fired coach James Franklin this weekend, it opened a world of possibilities — or potential headaches — for other coaches. Front and center was Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, an obvious potential candidate for the open Nittany Lions job due to his ties there.

Rhule was a former player at Penn State under Joe Paterno. He’s reportedly got a great connection with athletics director Pat Kraft.

With all that as the backdrop, Nebraska is trying to get ready for Minnesota on a short week. Rhule addressed his team’s focus level with all the noise in the background.

“It’s great. I think the only time, when the players did media they had to answer some different things, but we’re ready for a great football game,” Rhule said. “And this is our life moving forward. It’s going to be all about being a good team and the things that come along with a good team. Or facing a good team. It’s 5-1 versus a 4-2 team game. That’s a heck of a game, so it should be a great night.”

Nebraska has a path to the College Football Playoff in front of it. Only one currently ranked opponent is left on the schedule.

Penn State would have presumably been the next toughest game, but that hardly looks like a steep hurdle at this point. So it’s games like this Minnesota one that could make or break a potential playoff run.

Rhule knows it. So do his guys.

But saying you’re focused is one thing. Proving it is another. The Cornhuskers have been involved in some tight games of late after a couple monster blowouts in the non-conference slate.

There was the narrow loss to Michigan, a 30-27 defeat at home on Sept. 20. Then a 38-27 win over a very-much-struggling Michigan State team. And a 34-31 win on the road at Maryland.

The margin for error is small when it comes to the playoffs, so taking care of business is key. As Rhule pointed out, this will be a tough game on Friday night. How locked in Nebraska can be could make all the difference.