‘You don’t let them have life’: Rhule speaks on the intensity of Saturday’s record performance

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — After Saturday’s blowout victory over Akron, we’re learning more of just why the Huskers played the way they did.

Nebraska defeated the Zips 68-0, marking its first shutout since 2009 and highest point total since 2013.

But when leading 33-0 at halftime, head coach Matt Rhule said he was animated in the locker room.

According to Rhule, he “freaking lost it” when Akron drove down the field just before the end of the half, putting themselves in position to put points on the board.

“That’s what we were supposed to do,” Rhule said. “I went after them at halftime in the locker room. I was pissed that we let them drive the ball down before the half and almost make a field goal. Where’s the killer instinct?”

When the Huskers came out for the second half, they didn’t let off the gas.

They outscored the Zips 35-0, while also getting plenty of snaps from second and third string players, including freshman quarterback TJ Lateef.

Lateef completed six of his seven passes for 128 yards. He also had 2 carries for 17 yards, and a touchdown.

Rhule was happy with how everyone else looked.

“I was really, really pleased with the level of play from our second, third, and fourth team players,” Rhule said. “I thought those guys made plays. Those guys knew what to do.”

Nebraska had 31 total first downs, and over 700 total yards of offense. Akron only had 175 yards.

While Rhule respects each of his opponents, including Akron, he wants to send a message to all visiting teams when they march into Memorial stadium.

“I want us to be a football place,” he said. “You put away the people you’re supposed to put away. You don’t let them have life.”

Rhule went on to say that he’s not speaking as Matt Rhule, he’s speaking as the head coach of Nebraska.

“That’s my job. It’s not Matt Rhule. It’s the head coach of Nebraska,” he said. “When you play these teams, they’re supposed to want to come here, play here, and supposed to never want to play here again.”