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Matt Rhule at 2023 Big Ten Media Days

Matt Rhule’s Theme Is Respect at Big Ten Media Days

First-year Nebraska football head coach fields questions in Indianapolis
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers

Coach Matt Rhule absolutely wants opponents to once again fear Nebraska football.

One step at a time, though. Fear is a goal for somewhere down the road. In his first year with the Huskers, what Rhule wants for the program is respect - the respect of opponents, of fans and of the team itself. That was central point of Rhule's message from the podium Thursday at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. 

Asked about his goal for the 2023 Huskers, Rhule said, "We want to be a team that you say, 'You know what? That team's feared.' But we're not at that point yet. We're at a point where I believe we have to take back the respect of what it means to play Nebraska and to be at Nebraska.

"I want people to respect when they see that white helmet with that red N on it. I want our fans to respect us when they pay their money to come watch us to play. And I want our opponents to respect us. And I want all of college football to respect the way Nebraska plays the game.

"And most importantly I want our players to respect what it means to be a Cornhusker and playing at Nebraska. This season for me is all about us not just earning, but taking back respect and bringing back respect to Nebraska football.

"Once you earn respect then you can talk about being feared. And that's the process we're going to go through.

The full video is above (or floating at right), and a transcript is here. Scroll down for much more from the Huskers' day in Indy, including insights from Athletic Director Trev Alberts and players Jeff Sims, Ethan Piper and Luke Reimer.

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