What Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said postgame about Buckeyes

COLUMBUS — Ohio State beat Nebraska 21-17 on Saturday in a game that was much closer than most expected. The Cornhuskers put a real scare into the Horseshoe and threatened to give the Buckeyes their second straight loss.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule had a lot to say about the Buckeyes, his own team and how the game went. Let’s see what the opposing head coach said about his near-upset of Ohio State.

Opening statement

“Credit to Ohio State. They made the drive in the fourth quarter, made the plays on defense they needed to do to win the game.”

“We expected to come here and win the football game. We expected to win. … I was proud of that football team today. I was proud. They didn’t back down. They had some really tough breaks. They had some things really go against them, even the way we started, and they competed. It was the first time since I’ve been here that I felt a championship mindset in the locker room. Along with a championship mindset, as those who compete know, comes utter disappointment when you lose.”

On how Nebraska was able to have defensive success

“I thought our defense was dominant all day, save three plays. Take away three plays. … We tackled well. We handled the run. We won on the perimeter, hit the quarterback. I thought we were excellent on third down, including some 3rd and 1s, 3rd and 2s, a 4th and 1. … I don’t think it was anything special. They have a great run game. They’ve got great players, got a great coach. I think our players just played really well, played physical, played hard, got off blocks. We didn’t do anything special today.”

On the Ohio State defense

“They’ve got quite a pass rush. They’ve got great players on defense. I thought we hung in there on those plays.”

“They’ve typically been a four-man rush team with Larry Johnson. They brought a lot more pressures today.”

“They have a great, great, great defense. But our kids made some plays to hang in there and stick with it.”