Michigan week: Matt Rhule speaks, scouting the Wolverines and more
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule met with the media Monday, detailing the Huskers’ Big Ten opener against No. 21 Michigan.
The Huskers are 3-0 after a second straight dominant performance in a 59-7 win over Houston Christian on Saturday.
The win gave Nebraska its second 3-0 start in nonconference play in as many seasons.
Michigan comes to Lincoln with a 2-1 record after a 63-3 dismantling of Central Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
This is the 14th meeting all-time between Nebraska and Michigan, two of college football’s historical powers.
Michigan leads the series between the two squads 8-4-1 and has won the last two matchups in Lincoln.
You can watch Rhule’s full press conference below:
SCOUTING MICHIGAN
The Wolverines are ranked No. 21 in the AP poll and No. 20 in the coaches poll.
Michigan will be guided by interim head coach Biff Poggi due to Sherrone Moore’s suspension.
SEE ALSO: ESPN: Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore suspended for game at Nebraska
The Wolverines’ lone loss came on the road at No. 11 Oklahoma.
Michigan averages 452 yards per game, with 209.3 yards per through the air.
Freshman standout quarterback Bryce Underwood has completed 46 of 80 passes for 628 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
He has also rushed for 108 yards and two touchdowns.
Donaven McCulley has a team-high 10 receptions for 158 yards, followed by Semaj Morgan with nine grabs for 121 yards and a score.
Michigan is one of the Big Ten’s top rushing teams, averaging 242.7 yards on the ground.
Justice Haynes leads the Michigan rushing attack with 49 carries for 388 yards and five touchdowns.
Jordan Marshall has 30 rushes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Defensively, the Wolverines are allowing 14.7 points and 271.3 yards per game.
Nebraska native and former Husker Ernest Hausmann leads the Michigan defense with 20 tackles.
Cole Sullivan and Jaishawn Barham lead the Wolverines’ defense with two sacks apiece.
The Wolverines are also stout against the run, allowing only 89 rushing yards a game.
THIS WEEK’S NUMBERS
2 – Nebraska is one of two teams in the nation to rank in the top 10 in both passing efficiency and pass efficiency defense. The Huskers are second in defensive pass efficiency and eighth in offensive pass efficiency. Indiana is the only other school to rank in the top 10 in both categories.
20 – Nebraska is the only team in the nation to not allow a pass play of at least 20 yards. James Madison has allowed one 20-yard pass play in just two games, while every other FBS team has allowed at least three pass plays of 20 yards or more.
900 – Nebraska and Michigan are two of eight schools that have won at least 900 games in program history. Michigan ranks first nationally with 1,014 wins, with Nebraska eighth at 927 all-time victories.
SCORE PREDICTIONS
Nate Johnson – Nebraska wins 24-20
Jake Homan – Nebraska wins 23-20
Mark Fischer – Nebraska wins 28-24
Kickoff between the Huskers and the Wolverines is set for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
