Illinois Football: Nebraska’s Matt Rhule Praises the Illini

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule held a press conference on Tuesday (9/17), giving an updated report on his 22nd-ranked Cornhuskers. Throughout his 20-minute segment with the media, Rhule certainly made it loud and clear that he upholds high respect for coach Bret Bielema and the Illini. Therefore, the Huskers coach is preparing his team for what he believes will be an ‘absolute battle’ in Lincoln, between two ranked, up-and-coming programs.

Aug 31, 2024;  Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Rhule On Illinois Football

Undoubtedly, Rhule sees a vision for what Bielema is building in Champaign.

“I’ve only gotten to know coach (Bielema) in my time in the Big Ten, Big Ten meetings, and the Fiesta Bowl Summit that a lot of coaches go down to,” says Rhule. “He’s a leader amongst the Big Ten coaches. He is on the AFCA committee, and some other things, so he is very involved in the issues, and all of the things that are happening. He does a great job at that.” states the Huskers coach.

“Very personable, he’s just a really good guy.” Furthermore, he states, “I had the chance to meet his wife this year, a lovely family. I gotta lot of respect for him.”

“His teams, they are gonna play great defense, they are going to run the football, and they are good on special teams,” says Rhule. “After an illustrious career as a head coach (Wisconsin), he was with coach Belichick, so I know he obviously understands his thinking.  They think a lot how we think, and they are doing a great job at Illinois.”

Certainly, they are two very similar programs, with a vision for progress. Therefore, Friday night will make for a highly entertaining matchup.

Credit: KETV

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