Only one game into the Matt Rhule era for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the natives are already getting restless.
The Cornhuskers lost their season debut, 13-10, to the Minnesota Golden Gophers in Minneapolis Thursday night. It’s not so much that the team lost its fifth straight game against Minnesota, it’s how a winnable game slipped away.
Nebraska led by seven with 2:38 remaining, but Minnesota converted on a 4th-and-10 when quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis hit receiver Daniel Jackson, who made a great catch for the touchdown.
Minnesota's Daniel Jackson with an incredible TD catch on 4th-and-10 and the Gophers tie it! What a toe drag!🏈🔥 pic.twitter.com/7AEwj1U0sT
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2023
Nebraska then took the ball and marched down the field, appearing ready to set up a winning field goal attempt at least, when quarterback Jeff Sims threw an interception.
Minnesota's Tyler Nubin picks off Nebraska QB Jeff Sims for the second time! This one comes in a tied game with roughly a minute left.🏈 pic.twitter.com/aEuaxwFmbs
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 1, 2023
Minnesota won on a 47-yard field goal by Dragan Kesich as time expired to ruin Rhule’s debut.
Cornhuskers fans, who have known so much misery in recent seasons, suffered again Thursday, and Rhule bore the brunt of the blame.
You really couldn’t have written a better script for the Matt Rhule experience:
1. Fluky, stupid but exciting touchdown to give everyone hope.
2. Two turnovers in the last 2:30 by two TO-prone players that shouldn’t be trusted, four total.
3. FG by freshman K as time expired.
— Primetime Carolina (@primetimecar) September 1, 2023
I will forget Minnesota if Rhule and this team if we go and put up 35 on Colorado and win. Just win.
— Husker Wave (@HuskerWave) September 1, 2023
Scott Frost watching Matt Rhule lose in the exact same manner… https://t.co/SKphiPTAk9 pic.twitter.com/KfqTJTrfxF
— DIRTY BIRD (@dirtyyybird) September 1, 2023
in the past 12 hours I have had a realization that Panthers fans have a enormous amount of hatred towards Matt Rhule. #RhuleOut
— Michael Miller (@MichaelMill_) September 1, 2023
I’m really disappointed by some of our fan base. I’m just as frustrated as the next fan, but come on. It’s game one in year one for this coaching staff. Some of you are already calling for Rhule’s head. Really? We were never winning a Natty this season. Trust the process. #GBR
— Kevin (@GIHuskerKev) September 1, 2023
Matt Rhule could literally be spending this holiday weekend on a boat making money doing nothing from his $40 million Panthers buyout and instead he just lost to Minnesota on the road lol pic.twitter.com/ptDs9bLkh3
— Morgan Moriarty (@Morgan_Moriarty) September 1, 2023
I really feel like Matt Rhule is a part of some adult Make A Wish foundation and they let him just play head coach wherever he wants
— Ryan Not Reynolds 🆓 (@OnTheBlock01) September 1, 2023
After signing an eight-year, $74 million contract with the Huskers, Rhule is not going anywhere anytime soon.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.