The scoreboard already said plenty. Nebraska led 33–0 at halftime, but in the locker room Matt Rhule’s voice cut sharper than the scoring margin.
“They don’t fear you. They don’t respect you enough yet,” he barked. “I want them to never say our name again.”
The eyes in the room were locked on him, every player frozen in place. Veteran safety Marques Buford nodded along, as if the coach’s words echoed his own thoughts. The Huskers had dominated the first half but left cracks—a late Akron drive crossed midfield—and Rhule demanded they slam the door.
When they returned to the field, his team responded with its own fire. Thirty-five more points, a smothering defense, and a 68–0 demolition that left no doubt.
Defense Zips Akron Offense
Akron’s most credible threat came late in the second quarter, when the Zips drove into scoring range only to miss a field goal off the left upright. That close call was enough to draw Rhule’s ire. The Blackshirts had held Akron almost entirely in check, but the killer instinct was missing.