Tom Shatel’s Press Box: Matt Rhule’s Take on Nonconference Games and What Nebraska Fans Want
In the latest episode of Tom Shatel’s Press Box, Tom Shatel dives deep into Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule’s pre-spring press conference, where the coach provided candid insights into his approach to nonconference games. The conversation surrounding these games has been a hot-button issue among Nebraska fans, and Rhule’s comments have sparked both intrigue and controversy in the Cornhusker community.
Rhule, in his typically pragmatic fashion, addressed the issue of scheduling with a focus on pragmatism and the long-term health of the program. He made it clear that, in his view, the focus should be on building a team capable of competing at the highest level, not necessarily on securing flashy nonconference matchups. This remark was a direct nod to the growing pressure to schedule high-profile opponents that many fans and pundits expect, as a way to elevate Nebraska’s national profile.
While the notion of scheduling marquee matchups against the likes of powerhouses such as Alabama or Ohio State has certainly garnered attention in recent years, Rhule took a more calculated stance. “I’m not in the business of getting our guys hurt just to make a splash,” he said, emphasizing that his priority is player development and competitive balance. He spoke with a level of frustration about how nonconference games are sometimes treated as mere spectacle, an approach he feels detracts from the essence of college football: a commitment to building a sustainable, competitive team. Rhule’s pragmatic stance could be interpreted as a response to the spectacle-driven mindset that often overshadows the foundational work required to build a program.
For Nebraska fans, however, the issue is far from simple. The program has been caught in a cycle of mediocrity for years, and there is a palpable hunger for excitement, success, and a return to the glory days of Cornhusker football. For many, nonconference games are seen as an opportunity to measure the program against top-tier opponents—something that has been sorely lacking in recent seasons. The longing for games that generate buzz and create a sense of national relevance is undeniable. For these fans, Rhule’s cautious approach, while understandable from a developmental standpoint, could feel like a rejection of the competitive ambition they crave.
Shatel pointed out that Nebraska’s nonconference schedule has often been criticized for being lackluster. In recent years, the Huskers have faced opponents that, while they may provide wins, do little to stoke the fires of excitement or boost the program’s profile. Rhule’s approach may be seen as more conservative than what some fans might prefer, with calls to schedule games against teams like Texas, USC, or even Oklahoma. There’s a fervent belief that the Huskers need more tests outside the Big Ten to fully gauge their progress.
The truth, as Shatel illustrates, is that Nebraska fans are not asking for easy wins or gimmicky matchups. What they want is a team that can stand tall on the national stage. The perception among many is that playing powerhouse programs could lead to exposure, recruiting advantages, and a stronger sense of identity. The tension between Rhule’s focus on long-term growth and fan demands for immediate gratification has created a fertile ground for debate.
In the end, Rhule’s comments forcefully underscore a dilemma many coaches face in today’s college football landscape: the balancing act between preserving the health and integrity of a program and feeding the immediate desires of a fan base desperate for success. The question is whether Rhule’s steady hand will be enough to silence the critics, or whether the program’s growing impatience will lead to pressure for a more aggressive, headline-grabbing nonconference schedule.
As Nebraska moves into the spring season, Rhule’s philosophy on nonconference games could prove to be a defining moment in his tenure. Whether or not it resonates with fans may be another story entirely. The pressure to rebuild, win now, and satisfy a passionate fanbase that remembers the program’s storied past continues to mount—making every decision, especially on scheduling, all the more significant.
