Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule has finally responded to the remarks made by ESPN media personality Paul Finebaum regarding him and the Nebraska program.
Finebaum had criticized Rhule and the Huskers following Rhule’s optimistic comments about the potential of the Big Ten Conference in 2024.
Nebraska Cornhuskers HC Matt Rhule said the Big Ten is college football’s best conference
In an interview reported by On3, Rhule stated that the Big Ten is capable of sending four teams to the College Football Playoff annually, emphasizing the strength of the conference.
“I think we’ll have a lot of access to the College Football Playoff,” Rhule said at Big Ten Media Days. “I think four teams from this league should get in every year because this is the best league. This is the NFL of college football, in my mind. It stretches from coast to coast, different time zones, different weather.”
Rhule added, “That’s not to diminish any other league. The SEC is amazing, these other leagues are great. But the challenge in the Big Ten is going to be really difficult. Travel, weather, and great teams.”
Paul Finebaum attacked the Nebraska Cornhuskers and HC Matt Rhule
Finebaum was questioned about Rhule’s comments by fellow ESPN analyst Mike Greenberg, who incorrectly characterized Rhule’s statement as advocating for four automatic bids from the Big Ten to the College Football Playoff. This misinterpretation prompted Finebaum’s response.
Finebaum then criticized Rhule more broadly, going beyond his comments about the Big Ten. He suggested that Rhule should focus on making a bowl game before concerning himself with competing against the “big boys” of college football.
Paul Finebaum was previously impressed by Matt Rhule
Before becoming the head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Matt Rhule was the head coach of the Temple Owls. In preparation for Nebraska’s upcoming season opener against the UTEP Miners, Rhule shared with the media one of his favorite opening day experiences. He recalled how his Temple team defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 37-7, a significant improvement after a challenging 2-10 season in his first year.
Rhule mentioned that Finebaum had been impressed by his previous accomplishments, but he responded to Finebaum’s recent comments by saying, “Things have changed, I guess.”
Rhule and the Huskers will need to make significant progress in 2024 if they aim to be one of the Big Ten teams that secure a spot in the playoffs. However, Rhule’s track record with various college football programs demonstrates that he has consistently improved his teams in their second year under his leadership.