Rhule 'Excited' for Game at Maryland, Not Interested in Complaining About Travel

LINCOLN—Matt Rhule is ready to go on a road trip.

The Nebraska coach opened his Monday media availability by stating that he was "pleased with the win" against Michigan State, adding that he's excited to "get moving forward" with his 4-1 team.

"Excited to go on the road," Rhule said. "It's a chance for our team to grow and build a sense of brotherhood even more."

Nebraska topped Michigan State 38-27 on Saturday to improve to 4-1. | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

Big Ten Conference teams, like Penn State this past weekend at UCLA, have had issues with their success following them across the country. Rhule said a benefit for Nebraska is being centrally located compared to the teams on either coast.

"We're not on these six-hour flights," Rhule said. "I think about some of these guys go West CoastEast Coast to east coast, like, how hard that is? We study everyone. We reach out to everyone after they play. There's great collegiality amongst the league because I think we all have to deal with it.

"The number one thing is we don't complain about it.

Nebraska will practice on Thursday and then leave. On Friday, the team will do a walk-through at a local high school. Normally, the team travels to road games on Friday.

Still up in the air about making the trip to Maryland is nickel Malcolm Hartzog Jr. The elite Blackshirt has missed the last three games.

"He's closer (to returning)," Rhule said about the potential of Hartzog going with the team this weekend. "I'm hopeful. This is certainly a game we'd love to have him. We'll get to tomorrow and see where he's at."

Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. during the Huskers' 2025 game vs. Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — Malcolm Hartzog Jr. has not played since the Akron game. | Kenny Larabee, KLIN

Rhule said he saw "a lot of good things" from the Michigan State game, as well as areas for improvement. One of those areas is the five sacks allowed.

"Some of the sacks are on (the offensive line)," Rhule said. "Some of the sacks are on other people."

Rhule said he's seeing good production from the rushing game and Emmett Johnson, who is third in the league in rushing.

"The narrative that's out there that we can't run the football is kind of silly, right? In college football, you take away sacks. Are we giving up too many sacks? Yes. We have to do better," Rhule said.

Dylan Raiola has thrown two interceptions and been sacked 12 times across two Big Ten Conference games. | Kylie Graham-Imagn Images

Those sacks were part of a stretch during the second and third quarters that saw Nebraska post 19 total yards through six drives.

"We just didn't play well there for a while," Rhule said. "What I was happy about was that the guys just kept playing and they didn't panic."

As for this week's opponent, Rhule said Maryland has "good players," especially at quarterback.

"They got a dynamic young quarterback, a five-star recruit who's athletic but who is a passer," Rhule said of Malik Washington. "When you have that combination of you're a passer first and you look to throw, but you're also athletic, it extends plays.

"They hit a lot of deep balls. They're explosive."

Malik Washington presents another challenge for the Blackshirts. | Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

You can watch the full media session from Monday below. Continue scrolling for more coverage.

Coverage

Husker247 | Rundown from Rhule: Husker run defense tries to build off strong Saturday against Sparty – and other things
Husker247 | Steady climb continues for defensive end Williams Nwaneri
Nebraska Athletics | Rhule quotes
Omaha World-Herald* | Rhule reviews Nebraska offensive line play and rebuffs the 'silly' run game narrative
Omaha World-Herald* | Maryland test includes logistical one as Huskers aim for earlier flight east
Lincoln Journal Star* | Rhule: Nebraska’s pass rush 'showed up' vs. Michigan State
Omaha World-Herald* | Williams Nwaneri leading charge of improving defensive line
Omaha World-Herald* | Nebraska's nation-leading pass defense confident for Maryland even without key starter
Lincoln Journal Star* | Nebraska still chasing RB balance as Johnson shines, Mozee rises
Inside Nebraska* | How Matt Rhule plans to attack Nebraska's first true road trip
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From the Other Side

The Diamondback | Maryland blew a 20-point lead to Washington. These 3 stats tell why.
Inside MD Sports | After balloon-popping collapse, Terps are underdogs vs. Nebraska in what feels like a must-win
Inside the Black and Gold | Malik Washington, Daniel Wingate detail what went wrong for Maryland vs. Washington

More info

Nebraska Football 2025 Schedule

Aug. 28 Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
Sep. 6 Nebraska 68, Akron 0
Sep. 13 Nebraska 59, Houston Christian 7
Sep. 20 Michigan 30, Nebraska 27
Oct. 4 Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27
Oct. 11 at Maryland 2:30 p.m. BTN
Oct. 17 (Friday) at Minnesota 7 p.m. FOX
Oct. 25 vs. Northwestern TBA
Nov. 1 vs. USC TBA
Nov. 8 at UCLA TBA
Nov. 22 at Penn State TBA
Nov. 28 (Black Friday) vs. Iowa 11 a.m. CBS

Home games are bolded. All times central.

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