"This is the NFL of college football": Matt Rhule puts the crown on Big Ten with bold Playoff projection for 2024
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule is holding his head high in confidence as he enters the 2024 season. At Big Ten Media Days, Rhule boldly declared that the Big Ten is the "NFL of college football," projecting that four teams from the league should make it to the College Football Playoff each year.
His comments about the Big Ten being the "best league" might make traditionalists uneasy but his rationale focuses on the league's geographic spread and the rigorous schedule that includes nine conference games.
"I think four teams from this league should get in the College Football Playoff every year," Rhule said. "This is the best league. This is the NFL of college football in my mind. We stretch from coast to coast in different time zones."
Accompanied by defensive lineman Ty Robinson, defensive back Isaac Gifford, and offensive lineman Ben Scott, Rhule discussed Nebraska's readiness to be a force this season.
"I think we have a really good team and are going to be a team that people will have to deal with this year," he said (per On3).
As the newly expanded Big Ten prepares for the upcoming season, Rhule's bold statements will soon be put to the test. Whether the league lives up to his lofty projections will be decided on the field.
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Matt Rhule sees Nebraska as a confident team
Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule highlighted his team's newfound confidence and readiness to turn things around after a challenging 2023.
"You can tell when a team is ready to make the turn in their body language, in the way that they walk around the building," Rhule said (per Omaha World-Herald). "It’s just confidence. For young people nowadays, there’s nothing more than confidence."
Rhule's comments reflect a broader theme of optimism and determination within the team. The Huskers ended last season with a 5-7 record, four narrow losses, a minus-17 turnover margin and a burning desire to improve.
“There’s such a fear of failure because everything’s evaluated, and I think when I walk through our locker rooms and I walk through our weight rooms and walk out on the field, I see a confident team,” he said.
With a clear focus on improvement and a confident mindset, Rhule's vision for the team is clear: build on the progress made off the field and translate it into victories on game day.