Matt Rhule details plan for ‘traditional’ Husker spring game

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska football’s Red-White scrimmage will feel much more like a “traditional game” under head coach Matt Rhule.

“We’re a 4-8 football team,” Rhule said. “We’ve got to earn the right to even talk about winning.”

Rhule said the spring game will function much like a real one.

The team will play the standard four 15-minute quarters, with the clock running after first downs, except at the end of each half.

Rhule will play starters versus starters, and the quarterbacks can be tackled.

“I need to figure out which quarterback or how many of the quarterbacks can go move us in the fall,” he said. “The defense needs to figure out if they can tackle a mobile quarterback.”

Due to limited numbers, the offensive line will wear gray jerseys and play on both teams.

Despite the excitement of the spring game, Rhule wants his team to view it as a “workday” and doesn’t want the Huskers too caught up in the moment.

“Games are lost in the fourth quarter; games are lost with turnovers,” he said. “So all I want to see on Saturday is a team that’s in the moment. There’s going to be a ton of people in the stands. I’m very grateful for that. Give them something to cheer about with our play.”

Although Rhule means business just two days out from the game, gratitude was the theme from Rhule as he thought about a packed Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

“I’m just very, very grateful to be in this position and to be here,” he said. “I only hope that my work honors the people that come.”

Rhule said Husker fans “have been doing their part here for a long time.”

“I want to do my part, and I want our team to do our part,” he said. “I want to make people excited about the way that we play.”