Huskers Show Grit in 28–21 Win over Northwestern, Bounce Back from Minnesota Loss

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule pushed back on the idea that the Huskers lost focus in preparation for last week’s loss at Minnesota, saying his team “did not take our feet off the gas pedal” as they now turn their attention to Northwestern. The response came after tight end Luke Lindemeier said Tuesday that Nebraska lost focus in the week leading up to the 24–6 setback in Minneapolis. Rhule disagreed, emphasizing that both last week and this week have featured strong practices. “I thought we had a great week of work,” Rhule said. “Our guys haven’t taken their foot off the gas.” Nebraska will need that urgency against a Northwestern offense built on a physical ground game. The Wildcats are averaging 190 rushing yards per game, sixth best in the Big Ten. Rhule praised Northwestern’s offensive front and explosive running backs. “They’re unbelievably well-coached up front,” Rhule said. “Their backs have great bursts and they’re as athletic as we’ll see. They have home-run ability.” The matchup puts pressure on a Nebraska defense ranked 15th in the Big Ten in rushing defense, allowing 157 yards per game. However, if the Huskers can keep the Wildcats behind the sticks, the advantage flips. Nebraska owns the nation’s top-ranked pass defense, while Northwestern enters with the No. 112 passing offense. “You can’t let 1st-and-10 become 2nd-and-5,” Rhule said. “It’s going to come down to our ability to get off blocks and make tackles.” Nebraska received mixed injury news entering the weekend. Starting right guard Rocco Spindler, who left the Minnesota game with a finger injury, is expected to play. Rhule called the decision a matter of pain tolerance and said Spindler practiced all week. “He’s a baller,” Rhule said. On the other side of the ledger, defensive back Malcolm Hartzog will miss the remainder of the season. He will redshirt after undergoing surgery for a core-muscle injury. Nebraska (5–2, 2–2 Big Ten) and Northwestern (5–2, 3–1) kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium. #Huskers #cornhuskers #huskerfootball #dylanraiola #lukelindenmeyer #emmettjohnson #nebraskafootball #nebraskafb #ncaafootball