Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (right) chats with a referee during the Iowa game on Nov. 24, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. In the final minute of Nebraska’s 2023 football season, it almost had no choice but to attempt what it did worst: Throw the ball.
In that same minute of clock, rival Iowa had the luxury of trying a run. The difference played a key factor in the Hawkeyes’ game-winning field goal and 13-10 win over the Huskers. Nebraska marched into a strong north wind — had already missed a 44-yard field goal in the fourth quarter because of it.
Iowa had that breeze at its back. So when NU cornerback Tommi Hill intercepted an Iowa pass near midfield with 31 seconds left, Husker coach Matt Rhule either had to sit on the ball and head to overtime or risk Chubba Purdy throwing into the teeth of Iowa’s pass defense, ranked fourth nationally. Iowa's Leshon Williams (4) breaks a tackle by Nebraska's Isaac Gifford (bottom) on his way to a 22-yard rush that set the Hawkeyes up for a game-winning field goal at the end of regulation on Nov.
24, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. Rhule chose risk. The Hawkeyes got an interception with 15 seconds left.
After a stunning 22-yard run from back Leshon Williams, Iowa nailed a field goal off the foot of its backup kicker. Rhule said in June he got a valuable lesson from Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. Before kickoff, Iowa won the coin flip and Ferentz chose to take the ball.
That left Rhule to choose how Nebraska started the second half. He took the ball, while Ferentz grabbed the wind for the fourth quarter. “Here, late in the year, it’s going to be cold and it’s going to be really windy, and there’s going to be two quarters of the game where you’re throwing the ball into a 30-to-50-mile-an-hour wind,” Rhule said.
“And I’d better master those things. Little things.” Rhule conceded Ferentz outfoxed him a bit.
Ferentz enters his 26 th year in Iowa City. Rhule just finished his first year at NU. “The biggest thing I learned — and I’d heard about it, but until you feel it, especially with our stadium — was the weather,” Rhule said when asked about winning in the Big Ten.
“You talk about that.” The Huskers had a roller-coaster season that started slow — turnover-filled losses at Minnesota and Colorado — hit a midseason peak when NU rattled off wins over Illinois, Northwestern and Purdue and ended in a four-game skid that kept the program out of a bowl game for the seventh straight season. Nebraska had the nation’s No.
18 scoring defense, allowing just 18.3 points per game. NU’s offense scored just 18 points per game, the worst figure in more than a half-century.
Two of the team’s three starting quarterbacks transferred, and the one who stayed, Heinrich Haarberg, is likely to be a backup to true freshman Dylan Raiola, whose mid-December signing put an exclamation point on Rhule’s first full year on campus. He instilled a new culture, hired and deployed a large staff, embraced Tony White’s aggressive 3-3-5 defense and, by the third game of the season, Nebraska’s old-school option offense. Under the lights in his first career start as NU’s quarterback, Haarberg rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown during Rhule’s first win in Lincoln.
“I’m not the prototypical quarterback,” Haarberg said that night. “I’m heavier, faster and stronger, so I’m gonna use that to my advantage.” The Kearney Catholic graduate had one in wins over Louisiana Tech, Illinois and Northwestern.
By the time Purdue’s linebackers repeatedly lit him up in Nebraska’s 31-14 victory, Haarberg had been slowed by the physicality of a brutish Big Ten. He’d struggle in a 20-17 loss at Michigan State and miss the last 2 1/2 games. NU lost 13-10 to Maryland, 24-17 at Wisconsin and 13-10 to Iowa.
In each, the Huskers’ last pass of the game was picked off. Nebraska finished 1-5 in one-score games, continuing a long-term trend of close-but-not-quite performances. Still, Rhule’s posted NU’s best record since the 2019 team went 5-7.
The great majority of Nebraska’s experienced offensive and defensive linemen return, as do the offensive skill players. Raiola is on hand with prodigious arm talent. And Rhule, as he said in June, learned a few things in year one.
“If you are coming in at a time of adversity, you’d better be really well put together to survive,” Rhule said. “But if you survive adverse times, you’ll be really profitable in non-adverse times. “How does that relate to us? Transfer portal, NIL, revenue-sharing, roster limits, all these things — if we can navigate them ‘that much’ better than everyone else, that’s our advantage.
” Download the new Journal Star News Mobile App Nebraska's Luke Longval looks to the sideline as he calls a play in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Barret Liebentritt (left) and Derek Branch (right) celebrate Dante Dowdel's 49-yard touchdown in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (left) celebrates his 49-yard touchdown with Barret Liebentritt in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Dante Dowdell runs the ball in for a 49-yard touchdown in third quarter quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Students are reflected in band players tubas during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola drops back to pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska fans reach out to high-five players as they leave the field after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule signals to the officials during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Daniel Kaelin catches a snap during the Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Dylan Raiola talks with fellow quarterbacks during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Korver Demma (left) blocks Grant Seagren during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Former Nebraska head coach Tom Osborne stands on the sidelines during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher makes a run ahead of teammate Jacob Bower during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Sam Sledge (right) faces teammate David Borchers during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola gets ready to put on his helmet during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg makes a throw during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. A crowd of 60,452 attends the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. From left, Greg Nordhues of Omaha, watches the warm up with his sons Will, 4, Jack, 3, and his father Bob Nordhues of Kearney, before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's James Williams (left) and Ashton Murphy warm up before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. The scoreboard displays "We'll all stick together in all kinds of weather" shirts that will be sold to support the victims of the Nebraska tornadoes during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (lefts) runs with the ball while defended by Vincent Shavers Jr. (51) during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (left) celebrates his touchdown with Nate Boerkircher (right) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Kenneth Williams (25) reaches out as Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's head strength and conditioning coach Corey Campbell (center) checks on Demitrius Bell (11) after Bell appeared to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule (right) speaks to his quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska'a Heinrich Haarberg (10) looks to pass the ball during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Janiran Bonner (16) celebrates his touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Jeremiah Charles (25) celebrates during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches during first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska runs out onto the field during the tunnel walk before the Red-White Spring Game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is interviewed after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Raiola has said he'll be in the upcoming College Football 25 video game. Nebraska's Keelan Smith is brought down as his jersey is grabbed by Cameron Lenbhardt in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Emmett Johnson (first left) runs through a gap in the defensive line in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Koby Bretz (left) tackles Ian Flynt during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola is seen before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Director of Player Support & Outreach Ron Brown walks on the field beofre the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska offensive Line coach Donovan Raiola coaches his players through a drill before the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Blye Hill (center) is consoled by Roger Gradney (right) as he is carted off the field following an injury during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Ed Foley (right) speaks with a referee before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ethan Nation (center) celebrates his interception during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. As of Friday, Nation is no longer listed on the Husker roster.
Nebraska's Ethan Nation runs with the ball after making an interception during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (left) carries the ball as he is defended by teammate Willis McGahee during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dae'vonn Hall (right) is tackled by teammates Jeremiah Charles (center) and Blake Closman (right) during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Dae'vonn Hall (left) is tackled by teammate Jeremiah Charles during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell (right) picks up a pass and is defended by teammate Jeremiah Charles during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Ty Robinson exits the field after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterbacks Dylan Raiola, Daniel Kaelin, and Heinrich Haarberg are interviewed by a Big Ten sideline reporter following the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule speaks into his headset in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls for both teams to run in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Tristan Alvano (right) kicks a field goal iduring the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska wide receivers coach Garret McGuire calls out to a player during the Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Daniel Kaelin throws a pass in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's James Williams (left) chases after Dante Dowdell as he runs the ball in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans reach out to Dylan Raiola after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's head coach Matt Rhule watches the line of scrimmage during fourth quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's head coach Matt Rhule watches the line of scrimmage during fourth quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws the ball during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium A Nebraska player (left) blocks a pass to Roman Mangini (26) during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium A Nebraska player (left) blocks a pass to Roman Mangini (26) during the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska football's 2024 signing class is recognized during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. The Nebraska TeamMates mentoring program is recognized on the field during halftime of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium The Nebraska TeamMates mentoring program is recognized on the field during halftime of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs out of bounds with the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) runs with the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) reaches out for the ball after he fumbled the ball during second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's assistant wide receivers coach Garret McGuire speaks on the headset during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Trevon Kinchen (bottom) attempts to tackle Ismael Smith Flores (81) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Demitrius Bell (11) reacts while being carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Demitrius Bell (11) is carted off the field after appearing to suffer an injury during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Daniel Kaelin (12) throws a pass during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's special teams coordinator Ed Foley smiles while watching the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dwight Bootle II (21), Javon Kinchen (center) and Gage Stenger (47) celebrate forcing a fourth down punt during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Janiran Bonner catches a pass for a touchdown during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) passes the ball during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Tristan Alvano (left) tackles Jacory Barney Jr.
(89) on a kick return during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone II (left) runs through a tackle by Malcolm Hartzog (right) during the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska strength coach Corey Campbell (left) tends to an injured Demitrius Bell during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Malachi Coleman (left) hugs quarterback Dylan Raiola after the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Keelan Smith celebrates after making a catch in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Keelan Smith (left) catches a pass while defended by D'Andre Barnes in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola celebrates a touchdown pass with Kenneth Williams in the third quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jaylen Lloyd (right) runs in a touchdown pass past Roger Gradney (left) during the Red-White Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Heinrich Haarberg listens to head coach Matt Rhule during a break in the action of the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Daniel Kaelin calls a play in the first half during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Nate Boerkircher tries to keep his footing after taking a hit in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule calls a player on to the field in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule emerges from the tunnel following ahead of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Thomas Fidone (center) dives over Rahmir Stewart (bottom) and past Blake Coleman (top) into the endzone for a second quarter touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Isaiah Neyor sheds a tackle from Derek Branch during the Spring Game on April 27 at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's D'Andre Barnes (left) defends Jahmal Banks as he reaches out for the ball in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterbacks Daniel Kaelin, Heinrich Haarberg, and Dylan Raiola (from left) line up with other quarterbacks before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule emerges from the tunnel following ahead of the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) celebrates a touchdown by Jaylen Lloyd (right) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Janiran Bonner celebrates a touchdown pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska Offensive Line coach Donovan Raiola (from left) and Micah Mazzccua console Demitrius Bell as he is taken off the filed following an injury in the first half during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska's Jaylen Lloyd (right) reels in a touchdown pass past Roger Gradney (left) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Thomas Fidone (right) celebrates his touchdown with teammate Jacob Bower during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Dylan Raiola runs with the ball during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola throws a pass during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's assistant running backs coach E.
J. Barthel throws a pass during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's assistant running backs coach E.J.
Barthel instructs Emmett Johnson (21) during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's assistant running backs coach E.J. Barthel instructs Trevon Kinchen (29) before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Nebraska's Kenneth Williams catches a pass during drills before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium Memorial Stadium is reflected in the visor of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles as he walks the sideline before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska's Tristan Alvano practices kicking the ball before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Tuba players carry their instruments to their seats before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
St. Peter's student Maddox Sharp wears a drawn on mustache while selling drinks before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Lucas Davey, 2, is carried by his father Kelly Davey from Sac City, IA before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Jack Gottula, 9, from Sheldon, IA catches a pass from his brother Alex (not pictured) before the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Micah Rice of Palmer, 12, throws a ball to his brother during the Red-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Get local news delivered to your inbox!.
