Key points from Matt Rhule’s state-of-the-program presser

A bye week means a few extra moments of reflection for Nebraska halfway through the regular season.

The Huskers will practice all week before taking the weekend off, coach Matt Rhule said Monday. NU has plenty to self-evaluate in the meantime.

Rhule spoke Monday in a state-of-the-program sort of presser touching on a variety of topics.

The good, including turnover margin, defense and the development of quarterback Dylan Raiola.

The bad, like more blocked kicks and a running game that has yet to produce explosive gains.

Works in progress with team pillars like being the more physical team and executing.

At 5-1, Rhule reminded that the team hadn’t set any season goals before the year other than to be in the conversation nationally.

“We want to be relevant,” Rhule said. “At least we’re relevant.”

Extra time will help cornerback Tommi Hill (foot), who is “trending closer” to returning and nearly played against Rutgers. Kicker Tristan Alvano is “potentially” starting the process of testing and seeing where he’s at to return. Cornerback Blye Hill — who has yet to appear in a game working back from a spring knee injury — is becoming more of a four-game redshirt candidate with fellow corner Ceyair Wright thriving on the edge.

Other redshirt possibilities, Rhule said, are defensive backs Larry Tarver and Amare Sanders.

The offense, Rhule said, continues to try to spread touches among a crowd of skill players. He said Heinrich Haarberg — the No. 2 quarterback and one of the team’s best athletes — “needs to play more” as a playmaker.