By Evan Bland
Copyright omaha
LINCOLN — Matt Rhule is locked in on the football. Just not so much that he doesn’t recognize the moment ahead Saturday.
The Nebraska coach considers every game the Huskers play significant because they’re part of it. The external buzz is a bit louder this week ahead of a 2:30 p.m. kickoff with No. 21 Michigan on CBS.
“This is why you came to Nebraska,” Rhule said Thursday. “We had a vision of being a program that would be relevant nationally, not for our history only but for what we’re doing right now. Through three games we are. We’ll see — we gotta play.”
Quick hits from Rhule’s short media session:
» Nebraska hasn’t punted in two games and attempted just a pair of field goals in the same span. Rhule said kickoffs will be an area to watch Saturday after NU had booted multiple balls out of bounds through a quarter of the season.
“We’ll just have to play it out,” Rhule said. “Any one play is not going to win or lose the game so we’re kind of taking the approach of ‘Hey, let’s throw everything we have at them.’”
» Running back Mekhi Nelson will be back in the rotation after sitting out last week as a coach’s decision. Kwinten Ives continues to practice well after his breakout game Saturday against Houston Christian.
Both got more chances in blowout wins as NU eased off starter Emmett Johnson.
“I’m glad that (Johnson) had those quarters off so we could get other guys reps but also take off some of the duress physically,” Rhule said.
» Nebraska will honor the 1995 national championship team this weekend. Rhule praised the group for its “consistent commitment to process” as a repeat champion. Former star defensive tackle Jared Tomich (1992-96) attended practice Thursday.
“I’m just very grateful to be at a place that can honor former teams,” Rhule said. “It’s really something special to be at a school where you’re not trying to do something for the first time. Where it’s been done. When you know it’s been done you know it can be done.”
