Rhule Expresses Full Confidence in the 2024 Big Red

© Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Rhule is heading into his second season as coach of Nebraska and is optimistic about the Corhuskers' chances in 2024. The Big Red is coming off a 5-7 record in Rhule's first year at the helm. Last season was filled with plenty of obstacles, from injuries to playing three different quarterbacks and the need to give significant playing time to younger members of the team. Taking on those challenges has given Rhule confidence in his 2024 team.

If the Huskers can overcome their biggest weakness a year ago, turnovers, they might just be a dark horse in the Big Ten Conference this season.

Confidence Equals a B1G Year

 At B1G Media Days, Rhule pointed out that this team looks ready to make the turn and become competitive in the conference. Rhule stressed the team's new-found confidence, noting, “I think the team is ready to make the turn in the body language, in the way they walk around the building. It's just confidence.”   

Nebraska players will get to prove that they are ready to elevate their level of play in the second week of the season as they welcome in Deion "Coach Prime" Sanders' Colorado team. Last year's matchup between the two teams was closer than reflected by the final score. The Cornhuskers kept the game tight before shooting themselves in the foot with self-inflicted wounds (i.e., turnovers) which enabled the Buffaloes to pull away and prevail 36-14.

Turnovers Are Key for the Big Red

Ruhle's greatest point of emphasis in Media Days was the need for Nebraska to curtail turnovers. The Huskers led the B1G with 16 interceptions by three different quarterbacks. They were a net negative 17 on total turnovers: Nebraska gave the ball away 31 times, while only capitalizing on 14 turnovers from opponents.

If incoming true freshman QB Dylan Raiola lives up to the hype, Nebraska should dramatically cut down on interceptions. Rhule said, "We need to go from minus 17 to plus 7." If the Cornhuskers can do that, they should be in every game.

Nebraska is heading into the 2024 season with minimal hype, not considered one of the teams that will seriously compete for the B1G title. In preseason media ratings, Nebraska falls at the No. 8 position out of the 18 teams in the newly expanded conference.