Matt Rhule defends penalty in Purdue game: 'I'm here to fight for Nebraska'
Matt Rhule was flagged in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s win at Purdue for unsportsmanlike conduct. After a hold was called on receiver Jahmal Banks, Rhule slammed his headset down onto the field. He said in the postgame it was his third-ever unsportsmanlike penalty.
Nebraska was flagged 11 times in its 28-10 win over the Boilermakers. It marked the third time in 5 games this season the Huskers have been whistled for double-digit penalties. Rhule was at odds with the officiating crew multiple times throughout the afternoon, and he said after the game he wanted his team to see him fighting for them.
“I’m not here to complain about the officials. I’ll turn (calls Nebraska didn’t like) in, I’ll get the responses on Monday or Sunday. I think we had a tough go of it last week. Here’s what I know: Someone’s going to have to start to fight for Nebraska,” Rhule said. “I’m here to fight for Nebraska. Troy, our AD, will fight for Nebraska in that way. I wanted the fellas to see me out there fighting for them today.”
#Husker HC Matt Rhule on his penalty in the Purdue game:
“Someone’s going to have to start to fight for #Nebraska. I’m here to fight for Nebraska.”@WOWT6News @ClaytonJCollier pic.twitter.com/0htCxNqCfY
— Grace Boyles (@GraceBBoyles) September 28, 2024
Nebraska labored through a scoreless first half against Purdue, marred by 2 blocked field goals and a third miss. But the Huskers took control in the second half.
The Blackshirts authored a strong performance and sealed the win with a fourth-quarter pick-6 from John Bullock.
The victory moved Nebraska to 4-1 on the season and gave Rhule just his second conference road victory.
Nebraska will host Rutgers next Saturday.