Count Matt Rhule among those who see plenty of legitimacy in Indiana’s 6-0 start.
The Nebraska coach on Monday praised the Hoosiers for how dominantly they handled their season’s first half. He listed a variety of top-of-the-resume items including IU as having yet to trail in a game, its top-10 national ranking in both total defense and total offense and how it has won the first quarter by a combined 73-0 total.
“This is probably a Top 10 football team we’re facing,” Rhule said.
Such lofty superlatives aren’t historically uncommon for the Hoosiers in men’s basketball. Football — led by first-year coach Curt Cignetti — is in a much less familiar spot as it holds a No. 16 ranking in the Associated Press poll and welcomes in Fox’s Big Noon Kickoff show this weekend.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks during a news conference on Monday.
Indiana rebuilt its roster in no small part through the transfer portal including many players who followed Cignetti from James Madison coming off an 11-2 campaign. The team ranks among the best in the Big Ten in a variety of categories on offense, defense and special teams. Casual fans might not know, for instance, IU is averaging 3.5 tackles for loss (third in the league) and has yet to miss a field goal.
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Forget about the logos and program history, Rhule said. They won’t matter on Saturday, with oddsmakers pegging the Hoosiers as five- or six-point favorites.
“I’m pretty sure we’re probably the underdog, right?” Rhule said. “So this is our guys’ first time for doing that. I much prefer that. I love turning on ‘GameDay’ and seeing them all pick the other team. That’s good for us.”
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Rutgers on Homecoming in Lincoln — Sept. 5
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (bottom) is tackled by Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) and Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) prepares to tackle Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (5) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) and Malcolm Hartzog (7) try to prevnent Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) from scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball out of the Noth endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players huddle up the North endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (center) argues a targeting call on one of his players in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
A pass intended for Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) bumps off his helmet as he attempts to score in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers’ Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen (center) watches Nebraska take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2), Ceyair Wright (15), DeShon Singleton (8) and MJ Sherman (48) celebrate a defensive stop against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty on Nebraska during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) looks on during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) tackles Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Vincent Shavers (1) forces Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble the ball on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) makes a pass in the first quarter while teammate Bryce Benhart (54) blocks Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) receives a hand-off from quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (center) is tackled by Rutgers’ Joe Lusardi (37), Davoun Fuse (19), and Kaj Sanders (5) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) reacts toward fans in the strands after the Huskers win over Rutgers 14-7 on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Rutgers’ Abram Wright (11) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with teammates on the sideline in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) after completing a pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers’ Flip Dixon (10) rushes after Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) as he catches a pass from Brian Buschini (not pictured) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) throws a pass on a fake punt against Rutgers on Saturday. The play resulted in a 30-yard gain to Jaylen Lloyd.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nerbaska’s Brian Buschini (13) reacts after absorbing a hit by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) tosses the ball to Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) during the first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks onto the field during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) lays on the ground after being hit on a blocked punt by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska celebrates an interception by Marques Buford (center) during the second quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s John Bullock (right) tackles Rutgers’ Kenny Fletcher (12) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) passes the ball while pressured by Rutgers’ John Stone (71) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (center) during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner takes off on his second-quarter touchdown run against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Marques Buford picks up an interception against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers’ Kyle Monanga escapes tackles andi runs past Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson runs with the ball against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Flag was initially drawn but later withdrew as Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal defends against Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor in the second quarter, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Marques Buford (right) defends against Rutgers’ Chris Long in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell scores against Rutgers in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) is checked on by medical staff after being hit in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) tumbles into the endzone for a touchdown after being pushed by Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal (6) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans celebrate after the first touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Justin Evans (left) and Alex Bullock (right) celebrate a touchdown by teammate Janiran Bonner in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates with his teammates after a sack in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) is sacked by Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers and forcing them to punt in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) attempts to hurdle Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) as he is tackled mid air in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Ben Orozco (right) pours shots onto a Husker themed shot-ski board for Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans tailgate before the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Jeff Wylie of Omaha grills bratwursts while tailgating before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan take shots from a Husker themed shot-ski board as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
Austin Freiberg (from left) from Sergeant Bluff, IA, sits in the bed of a truck while tailgating outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Austin Freiberg sits in the bed of a truck (from left) while his father Dwight grills, from Sergeant Bluff, IA, tailgate outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
Nebraska’s Teddy Prochazka (65) high fives fans as he makes his way inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) walks into the stadium during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) makes his way through the crowd during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer waits to get into the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer (left) and senior construction management major Broc Homeyer wait alongside other students to get inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Carter Hergot, 12 (from left) Preston Scott, 12, and Heywood Johnson, 13, hang out in the south stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Bailey Jennett of Lincoln, 16, hands out red balloons ahead of the Rutgers game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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