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The Nebraska Cornhuskers took down Akron 68-0 in Week 2 of the 2025 college football season. You would not have known the game was a blow out by Matt Rhule’s locker room demeanor at halftime.
The head coach ripped into his players for a lack of tenacity. He called out prima donnas in an all-time college football speech.
Nebraska dominated an outmatched opponent from start to finish. They were up 33-0 through two quarters.
Akron was still fighting, though. The Zips aired it out with less than a minute left before the halftime break. They were able to get close enough for a field goal try on the final play.
The kick sailed wide. Still, Rhule was upset with his team’s unwillingness to put its foot on Akron’s throat.
Matt Rhule delivers all-time speech.
Leaked Matt Rhule halftime video after Nebraska was up 33-0 pic.twitter.com/jUjAa7xSgF
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) September 8, 2025
Rhule said his team lacked pride. He insinuated that players were more concerned with their appearance than recording a shutout.
“Maybe I just have a different standard,” he began. “I don’t like them moving the ball at the end of the half…They don’t fear you. They don’t respect you…
“They’re dropping back against our starting defense… I told you I don’t care what the score is… We almost gave up a shutout.
“I don’t want them ever to say our name again. That’s the killer instinct I ask about. Not, what does my hair look like? What do I look like in the freakin’ mirror? I walk in and guys are in the mirror checking themselves out.
“You got a chance for a shutout… If my standard’s too high, then leave.”
Rhule wanted to make his opponent quit. He eventually succeeded in a 68-0 beatdown.
This isn’t the first time the head coach has expressed concerns with his players’ priorities. Before season’s start, he banned the team from filming social media videos inside the football facilities.
Rhule wants the focus to be on winning. He’s trying to revive a Nebraska program that’s been floating in mediocrity since the turn of the century.
He’s gotten off to a strong start in 2025 with wins over Cincinnati and Akron. The Cornhuskers will have another chance to flex their muscles in Week 3 vs. Houston Baptist before kicking off Big Ten play.