Matt Rhule talks Penn State performance, seniors ahead of Iowa matchup

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - After a disappointing performance against a Penn State squad last week, the Huskers face a quick turnaround as the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town on Black Friday.

GAME AGAINST PENN STATE

HC Matt Rhule said Nebraska’s performance against Penn State surprised him, as they thought they came in to the game prepared.

“I thought we were ready. I put that purely on me,” Rhule said. “I think a lot of our guys wanted to win the game for me in some ways... I want them to play free.”

Rhule said that each of the first eight plays Nebraska ran had a missed assignment.

In the game, Rhule said the mistakes can feel like an avalanche, citing the 10-3 score toward the end of the first half.

“We typically don’t have those kinds of collapses,” Rhule said.

In four minutes, Penn State scored, had a big play and scored again, a bad offensive drive and a penalty on a punter put more points on the board than Nebraska could handle.

“I told my guys, ‘I’ll put this L on my chest’,” Rhule said.

SENIOR DAY

Ahead of Nebraska’s Senior Day Game, Rhule highlighted the 19 seniors that will be recognized at Friday’s game.

Rhule said that LB Michael Booker III has been an ace on special teams.

“I think [NFL] teams should take a look at him at the next level,” Rhule said.

Highlighting the exploits of former Husker John Bullock in Tampa Bay, Rhule says Booker has had that kind of impact on special teams.

Rhule also highlighted players like Dane Key, Turner Corcoran, Teddy Prochazka, and Derek Branch.

“When [Derek Branch] speaks, everyone listens, including me,” Rhule said.

Rhule also noted that transfer LB Marques Watson-Trent is suiting up to play in his 60th college game.

PLAYING AGAINST IOWA

Rhule said that he has a lot of respect for Iowa’s coaches, especially Phil Parker, due to his sustained success in an increasingly offensive-sided league.

“I respect Parker more than any coach in College Football,” he said.

When it comes to playing Iowa, Rhule said that there’s not secret formula to trying to beat the Hawkeyes.

“It’s just unbelievably sound football played by players who are really well developed,” Rhule said.

As much as the coaches can plan over seasons and off-seasons, Rhule stressed that the players still have to go out and beat Iowa on the field.

“It’s on them, and that’s how they should want it,” he said.

GAME INFO:

WHERE: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 28 - 11 a.m. kickoff. Pre-game show at 10 a.m. on 10/11

WATCH: CBS - 10/11

LISTEN: Huskers Radio Network

Click here to subscribe to our 10/11 NOW daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.