Lincoln, NE – August 29, 2025 — Nebraska football opened its 2025 season with a nail-biting 20–17 victory over Cincinnati, and while the scoreboard showed a win, head coach Matt Rhule was candid in his postgame press conference about the work that still needs to be done.
Context and Game Recap
The Huskers secured their victory with the help of a 52-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, a clutch kick that sealed the game after a back-and-forth battle. Quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 33 of 42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Emmett Johnson led the ground attack with over 100 rushing yards.
Despite the win, Nebraska’s offense looked uneven, and the defense allowed the Bearcats to average nearly seven yards per carry, keeping the game closer than expected.
Coach Rhule’s Comments
In front of reporters, Coach Rhule acknowledged both the positives and the shortcomings of his team’s performance:
“We found a way to win, and that’s always important in Week 1. But it wasn’t clean football. Offensively, we need to finish drives, and defensively, we can’t give up those kinds of rushing lanes.”
On his team’s resilience, Rhule added:
“I’m proud of how our guys responded in tough moments. Dylan managed the game really well, and Emmett ran with toughness. And of course, our kicker stepped up when it mattered most.”
Balanced View
What’s confirmed: Nebraska starts the season 1–0, powered by Raiola’s efficient passing and Johnson’s rushing consistency. Special teams provided the game-winning edge.
What remains concerning: The Huskers’ inability to establish consistent rhythm on offense and their vulnerability against the run. Rhule’s honesty reflected both confidence in his squad’s potential and urgency to address glaring weaknesses before Big Ten play begins.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Looking ahead, Nebraska faces a tougher stretch of games in the coming weeks. Rhule emphasized correction over reaction:
“This is about building consistency. We’ll get back to work, clean up the mistakes, and keep moving forward.”
For now, the Huskers celebrate a hard-fought win—but the focus quickly shifts to improving execution as they prepare for the heart of the season.
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