The Nebraska Cornhuskers haven’t enjoyed their trips to Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium in recent years. They suffered devastating injuries and lost three times in five visits since 2015. So, looking to bounce back from their defeat to Illinois at the place where they have often come unstuck was never going to be easy. So it proved after a scoreless first half of football.

The Cornhuskers fans may have been forgiven for thinking that their side was destined for another painful outcome against Purdue as they trailed 3-0 late in the third quarter. The game was bereft of chances with the play being scrappy and sloppy for the most part. But QB Dylan Raiola’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Jahmal Banks with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter put them 7-3 ahead. Nebraska would score 21 points more without reply and eventually won 28-10. However, head coach Matt Rhule wasn’t impressed and was agitated on the field.

On the 29th September episode of the Husker247, insider Tom Shatel joined host Mike Schaefer to discuss the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Purdue Boilermakers Saturday showdown. During their conversation, Shatel unveiled what could be the reason behind the HC’s grievances in the game.

Speaking on the Huskter247, he said, “I thought yeah, they’ve got too much talent to lose this game, but they kept getting penalties and kept just letting Purdue hang around. I was prepared for the worst; that would have been the worst,” he said.

Purdue had come into the game as one of the worst teams in the conference with a 1-3 overall record and Nebraska were expected to deliver a result after an agonizing OT defeat at home to Illinois last week. But it turned out to be far from easy. Nebraska were thwarted by Purdue for longer periods and had two blocked fields and 11 penalties for 94 yards. They also missed a 42-yard field goal and had a touchdown called back for offensive pass interference. Understandably, Rhule was visibly frustrated by the penalties and careless play.

Nebraska got into the game in the second half and extended their lead to 14-3 on a fourth down. They added a 25-yard TD run by Jacory Barney Jr. and John Bullock’s 29-yard interception return for a touchdown and had enough to see out the Boilermakers. This was their first win in the Big 10 and while far from satisfactory it allows them to build from here and given their rough history at Purdue, they will take the ugly win.

They lost a high-scoring game 55-45 at the Ross-Ade Stadium in 2015 and suffered a narrow 27-31 defeat in 2019. In 2022, the Boilermakers would thump the Cornhuskers 43-37 in another high-scoring affair. Coming on the back of a defeat to Illinois, another loss would have been unthinkable according to Shatel.

Tom Shatel shared his opinion on what would have been the consequences of Nebraska losing, saying, “I kept thinking, I mean the season might almost be over if they lose this game because you know what it’s like around here, and you know what would have been like if they also lost to Purdue.”

A second defeat in a row that too to Purdue, would have set the alarm bells ringing around Nebraska. Despite the subdued game, star quarterback, Dylan Raiola shone and threw for 257 yards and a touchdown, which gave them an edge over Purdue.

However, there might be another reason behind Rhule’s anger on the touchline. The HC was not happy with some of the decisions from the referee and made his anger known.

Matt Rhule’s outburst nearly cost Nebraska

Well, Matt Rhule’s frustration was quite visible on the field because of penalties. During the second quarter, Huskers tight end Thomas Fidone was given a penalty for offensive pass interference. Because of this, a 22-yard touchdown by running back Rahmir Johnson was not counted.

Then in the fourth quarter, a holding call on wide receiver Jahmal Banks nullified Emmett Johnson’s first-down run. This triggered Matt Rhule who threw his headset on the ground, showcasing his disappointment with the decision.

However, Matt Rhule’s sudden outburst resulted in an additional penalty in Nebraska’s account. The Huskers were given a 15-yard penalty for the HC’s disrespectful conduct towards the game.

After the game he talked about the rules, which allow him to throw the headset on the white line, saying “I threw my headset and I was on the white. So I was under the impression on the white, I could throw my headset.”

He further added, “I was upset. Obviously, he didn’t throw the flag. So I was, I was just mad, you know, So, I’m not here to complain about officials. I’ll turn them in. I’ll get the responses on Monday or Sunday.”

Despite being at odds with the decisions and some of his team’s play, his side now sits with a 4-1 record and hosts Rutgers next Saturday. Rhule will be keen to rack up another win to build on the momentum in Purdue.

What are your thoughts on Nebraska’s performance against Purdue? Do let us know in the comments.