WATCH: Matt Rhule reviews Minnesota loss, previews Northwestern

Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule addressed the Penn State job opening, the firing of James Franklin and the Huskers' upcoming game at Minnesota during his Monday press conference. (Zack Carpenter/Inside Nebraska)

Matt Rhule led Nebraska football to a 5-1 record – including a Top-25 ranking – for the second straight season.

And, for the second consecutive year, the Huskers came out flat and disappointed in a multi-score loss with a chance to improve to 6-1.

After starting the season with a 3-0 mark – via a 20-17 season-opening win over Cincinnati, a 68-0 domination of MAC opponent Akron and a 59-7 blowout over FCS team Houston Christian – they weren’t able to get the job done against Michigan in a disappointing 30-27 loss at home.

Now, though, the Huskers (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) have lost the momentum that was on their side. Following back-to-back wins over Michigan State (38-27 in Week 6) and Maryland (34-31 in a fourth-quarter comeback on Saturday), they fell on the road at Minnesota in Friday night’s 24-6 defeat.

Rhule dove much deeper into that loss to the Golden Gophers (5-2, 3-1) with plenty of additional thoughts on the Week 8 defeat, what the loss could mean for the team moving forward and, of course, preparation for this week’s upcoming home matchup with Northwestern (5-2, 3-1). It’s the first home game for Nebraska since the win over MSU after having gone on the road each of the last two weeks.

Nebraska will host the Wildcats for a Saturday morning Big Ten battle (11 a.m. Central Time on FS1).

>> Rocco Spindler: Matt Rhule updates injury to Nebraska starting RG

>> Snap Judgments: Breaking down biggest moments, stats + more from Nebraska-Minnesota

>> Rhule, Raiola talk Minnesota loss: ‘They were the more physical team’

Watch and listen to that interview via the video below.

Monday’s press conference video is also available to watch for free on the Inside Nebraska YouTube channel.

Related Content

More Content From Inside Nebraska: