A critical sequence by Nebraska and coach Matt Rhule ultimately proved costly in a 28-20 loss at USC on Saturday. Facing a fourth-and-3 at their own 40-yard line, indecision led to a valuable timeout being called. Nebraska wavered between punting and attempting to convert a first down, hoping to extend a potential go-ahead drive. The prolonged indecisiveness and delay before ultimately punting drew heavy criticism for poor execution and lack of urgency.
“We were going to fake it if they sent out their punt return team,” Rhule said, via Husker247. “They kept the punt safe out there, and then I just felt like, ‘Hey, we should go for this.’ It was right in gray area there. So we lined up and if they gave us the look we wanted we were going to take it, go for it. If they didn’t give us the look instead of throwing another go-ball, I was going to punt the ball down and let the big guys go play.”
USC marched 84 yards on 13 plays for a touchdown after the Nebraska punt.
Below is everything Rhule said postgame after the loss to USC:
“Obviously disappointed that we didn’t win the game. Sort of a familiar refrain obviously coming down to the wire having a chance to win it. Have to make one more play, even down to the final throw and just were not able to get it done. Credit to USC. Like I said, tough result. I thought the guys laid it on the line. A play here or a play there, you know, even on that last drive. Really the first half, two big plays for them that went through our hands resulted in a touchdown and a play that got [them] down to the 6-yard line. I kept trying to calm the defense down on the sidelines and say, ‘Hey guys, this game’s gonna come down to the fourth quarter. We all know it is.’ And it did.
“Credit to Dana (Holgorsen) to be able to come in after a week to be put in those situations. And even in the end, trying to move the ball, find the plays, fourth down. What I do know is that will only get better and better and better. I think offensively you’re just now being able to see the genesis of what I know will happen.
