
Normally, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule turns the page on Mondays.
His standard Monday media availabilities usually start with injury/personnel updates if there are any to give. There’s always thoughts on film review. He gives his reactions to the latest news or storylines of the week. There’s usually an anecdote from his playing days at Penn State or a previous coaching stop. And, as is customary, plenty of time is spent on Nebraska’s upcoming opponent.
Except, that isn’t exactly how Monday went.
It didn’t matter that Nebraska had the benefit of a longer view in the rearview after its loss to Illinois. It didn’t matter that Nebraska had another day over the weekend to chew on what happened.
Rhule was still clearly bothered by what happened against Illinois.
The overarching theme: Nebraska was not good enough — a phrase he said four variations of during his 36-minute availability. Nebraska was not disciplined enough — a word he said three times on Monday. Nebraska, especially in the second half, played too tight — a phrase he used five times on Monday.
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He’s correct in that. The yards after contact? While I don’t have the precise number in front of me, that was a problem. None of the defensive linemen recording a sack? Uncharacteristic of this defense.
“The disappointing thing was — overtime was not nearly good enough. It was a debacle, right? But at the end of the day, it’s just a missed assignment,” Rhule said. “It’s not like we’re not good. That’s my message to our guys.”
The issues on Friday were a lot of small things. (And some officiating snafus against both teams, but we won’t go into that.)
The false start Gunnar Gottula had in overtime. That’s a small thing that changes things.
The overthrown would-be touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola to Luke Lindemeyer. That’s a small thing that changes things.
The slightly-off snap-hold-kick operation on the 39-yard field goal miss from John Hohl. That’s a small thing that changes things.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks the sideline during the Illinois game on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The simultaneous reception in the end zone between Isaiah Neyor and Torrie Cox Jr. turned into an Illinois interception. That’s a small thing that changes things.
The punt that sailed in the opposite direction that was intended, causing Nebraska to not only outkick its coverage but not be in the right position to bring Illinois’ Hank Beatty down until after he’d returned the ball 37 yards. That’s a small thing that changes things.
Or, more broadly, Illinois was 7-of-13 on third downs and 2-of-3 on fourth downs. If any of those were stops instead of conversions, that’s a small thing that changes things.
“The one thing that I have is, none of it was quite good enough, and we still had a chance to win the game,” Rhule said.
He continued later, “I played for Coach Paterno, and in games like this he’d be like, ‘Everybody settle down. We’ve just gotta make one more play. Just go make one more.’ That’s kind of how that game felt. The ball’s in our hands and we don’t just quite come out with it.”
If Nebraska had turned any of those aforementioned plays from miscues into highlights, the Huskers put themselves in a strong spot to win the game.
No false start on the first play of overtime? Nebraska doesn’t start behind the sticks and likely tries a shot play.
If Raiola’s pass to Lindenmeyer isn’t overthrown and is caught, that puts Nebraska up 31-24 with 2:59 to play.
If the snap-hold-kick operation is flawless, maybe Hohl’s 39-yard field goal splits the uprights and puts Nebraska up 27-24 with 2:59 to play.
If Neyor comes down with the ball rather than having Cox pick it off, that puts Nebraska up 17-10 with 7:57 remaining in the second quarter. The halftime score would have been 24-10 rather than 17-10.
If Beatty doesn’t return that punt for 37 yards, maybe Illinois doesn’t march down the field and score a touchdown with 1:55 to play in the third quarter. Maybe it’s just a field goal. Maybe it’s a turnover on downs.
“The biggest question, as a coach, is, everyone can tell me how we lost. You have to figure out why we lost,” Rhule said. “‘How did we lose?’ Well, we couldn’t get off the field on third down. We have up all these yards after contact. The question is, why? Where did this come from? That’s the secret sauce of fixing these things.
“To me, that comes from a lot of intimate, personal conversations with players and coaches. And that’s something (we’re) going to go through the whole week.”
One thing it could be? Playing tight in the second half.
Winning close games is not something Nebraska has experienced much of in recent years. Is it something subconscious that causes the rigidity? How do you get through that?
“Well, it’s a chicken and the egg. How do you learn to win if you’ve never really won?” Rhule said. “But our guys are winners, and that’s the biggest thing for me. Our guys do winning things. I want them to be themselves in these moments and stop worrying about all this other stuff and just go out and compete.”
Other thoughts
Brett Maher
Nebraska always uses its fraternity of elite alumni for teaching moments, but the Huskers have taken it a step further by hiring Brett Maher to assist on special teams.
Good. Who better to learn from? He’s done it all.
He’s an award-winning kicker. He’s an award-winning punter. He’s held for kickers. He had a 10-year career playing professional football and is still in good enough shape to not just tell Nebraska’s specialists how to punt and kick, but he can show them, too.
Regarding Hohl’s miss and Tristan Alvano’s injury, he’s been there too.
In 2021, Maher sustained a groin injury while he was warming up before a preseason game in August. He didn’t end up playing in an NFL game until November of that year.
In 2023, Maher had an uncharacteristically rough game where he missed four extra points. In a playoff game. Despite making 94.6% of his extra point attempts in his NFL career.
Again… Who better to learn from?
Nebraska volleyball up to No. 2
After sweeping two Top 5 opponents last week in then-No. 2 Stanford and then-No. 4 Louisville, Nebraska rose to No. 2 on Monday.
But the road has only just begun, as Big Ten play starts this week.
Nebraska hosts UCLA and the Ally Batenhorst-led USC this weekend. Batenhorst’s Trojans are No. 20 in the latest AVCA poll.
Photos: Nebraska football vs. Illinois in 400th home sellout — Sept. 20

Illinois’ Tanner Arkin scores against Nebraska in the third quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska defenders, including Isaac Gifford (left), Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (right) and Princewill Umanmielen (back) tackle Illinois’ Aidan Laughery in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Luke Lindenmeyer (44) stretches out but can’t grab a potential go-ahead touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of NU’s loss to Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) scores a touchdown past Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) chases down Illinois’ Collin Dixon (17) in the third quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Husker fans in the East stadium hold up colored cards to celebrate the 400th sellout game on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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The Huskers come out of the tunnel before the game against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) kicks the ball during warmups before the game on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans hold up cards to spell out “400th sellout 1962-2024” in the east on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) picks up a pass in front of Illinois’ Terrance Brooks in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (right) is tackled by Illinois’ Xavier Scott in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) is tackled by Illinois’ Xavier Scott (back) and Terrance Brooks (right) in the third quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (right) scores a fourth quarter touchdown against Illinois next to teammate Dylan Raiola, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Gunnar Gottula picks up teammate Dylan Raiola after a sack by Illinois in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (left) tries to stop Illinois’ Aidan Laughery in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watches a lightshow take place between the third and fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watches a lightshow take place between the third and fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) hurdles over Illinois’ Miles Scott (10) in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (15) and Isaac Gifford (2) tackle Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) as he runs the ball in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Aidan Laughery (21) is tackled by Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls a time out in the fourth quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Matthew Bailey (7) and Miles Scott (10) attempt to tackle Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (24) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Brandon Henderson (94) scores a touchdown past Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) in the third quarter on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with game officials in the second quarter against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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A pass slips past Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) as he is defended by Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Hohl misses a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek in the game-ending play Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dennis Briggs (back) and Seth Coleman in the overtime, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola is sacked by Illinois’ Dylan Rosiek in the game-ending play Friday.
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer looks to pass during the first half of Friday’s game against Nebraska in Lincoln, Neb.
Bonnie Ryan, Associated Press

Illinois’ Kellen Francis (65) holds Nebraska’s MJ Sherman (48) as he tries to get past the offensive line in the third quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule runs his fingers through his hair after a touchdown is ruled an interception in the second quarter against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule helps DeShon Singleton (8) off the field after he appears to suffer an injury on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Elijah Jeudy (16) furrows his brow as he exits through the tunnel after an overtime loss to Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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A field goal kicked by Nebraska is called no good in the second half against Illinois on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Former Husker men’s basketball player Keisei Tominaga cheer up the fans against Illinois on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell jumps through a tackle against Illinois in the first quarter, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola runs with the ball facing Illinois’ Miles Scott and Terrance Brooks Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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The giant card stunt celebrating Nebraska football’s 400 sellout game is seen during the Illinois game on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska football celebrates the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium with a “card stunt” on Friday vs. Illinois.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor celebrates his first quarter touchdown against Illinois, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Hohl (right) kicks a field goal against Illinois from the hold of Brian Buschini in the first quarter on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell gets a first down against Illinois in the first quarter, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola signals against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s John Bullock (left) brings down Illinois’ Kaden Feagin in the first quarter Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Marques Buford (left) defends against Illinois’ Pat Bryant on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Medical staff check on Nebraska’s Turner Corcoran (69) after he appreas to suffer an injury against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Ryan Meed (34) and Gabe Jacas (17) attmept to tackle Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) watch a replay on the videoboard during the game against Illinois on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo

Illinois’ Terrance Brooks (8) readies himself to tackle Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Miles Scott (10) hits Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) after a catch in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) celebrates after a fumble by Illinois in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Xavier Scott (14) is stiff-armed by Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) as he runs the ball in the second quarter on Friday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (8) and Cameron Lenhardt (11) celebrate recovering a fumble from Illinois in the first quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) holds up the ball after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Illinois’ Torrie Cox (5) defends Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) as he makes a catch in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a touchdown in the first quarter while defended by Illinois’ Matthew Bailey (7) on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s DeShon Singleton (8) recovers an Illinois fumble, forced by John Bullock (5), in the first quarter on Friday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Illinois’ Torrie Cox (5) intercepts a pass intended for Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) in the second quarter on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Fans wait for the Illinois game to start under a patch of light, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Joel Davies of Lincoln tailgates with his hat filled with pins before the Illinois game, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

A swath of light illuminates Nebraska players as they make their way into the stadium while participating in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska players make their way into the stadium as they participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans line up along the side of the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of fame as the Nebraska players participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska players make their way into the Osborne Legacy Complex after participating in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans line up along the side of the University of Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame as the Nebraska players participate in the Legacy Walk on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Fans tailgate outside the east of the stadium on Friday, Sep. 20, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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