**Nebraska Prepares for Showdown Against No. 16 Indiana: Key Insights from Coach Matt Rhule**

Nebraska football head coach Matt Rhule addressed the media on Monday to discuss the Huskers' upcoming match against No. 16 Indiana, scheduled for Saturday. The highly anticipated game sees Nebraska facing an unbeaten Indiana team that has yet to trail this season and leads the Big Ten in passing while performing impressively in rushing.

Rhule acknowledged the formidable challenge ahead, describing Indiana as "probably a top 10 team" deserving of more credit despite their current ranking. He spent Saturday analyzing various college football games, noting the impactful use of two-minute timeouts in close contests. Emphasizing his philosophy on building a team, Rhule stated he does not believe in "running kids off" and prefers a more traditional approach rather than relying heavily on the transfer portal.

Discussing the season's trajectory, Rhule highlighted that the goal is to be relevant, and the Indiana game offers a prime opportunity to achieve that. Reflecting on lessons learned from previous games, particularly the Illinois match, he noted significant improvements in the team's defense and tackling abilities. Rhule praised Javin Wright's performance since his return, citing his athleticism as crucial for the upcoming game against Indiana.

Addressing the logistical complexities of the Big Ten, Rhule pointed out that teams traveling across multiple time zones often face challenges, with statistics favoring home teams. Nebraska has also worked diligently during their off week, facing a series of strong opponents in the first half of the season. This break allowed players time to recharge, even if it meant simply relaxing in their dorms.

Rhule discussed the importance of preparing for crowd noise, recalling how the team managed it well at Purdue and aims to handle it better at Indiana. He commented on the trend of players focusing on their personal brands, endorsing a balanced approach to trash-talking that respects the game and their opponents. The coach underscored the significance of creating explosive plays and increasing the physicality of the team through the use of fullbacks and tight ends.

In terms of strategic preparation, Rhule emphasized the importance of clock management, employing two outside services to aid in game decisions. He appreciates the complexity added by two-minute timeouts, especially at the end of halves. Highlighting individual player contributions, Rhule noted Dylan Raiola's role in boosting team leadership and confidence, with an ongoing focus on weekly improvements.

Nebraska will need all available players against Indiana, including Tommi Hill, Ceyair Wright, and others. Rhule announced that new Blackshirts were awarded to Ceyair Wright and Brian Buschini, with players specifically advocating for Buschini's recognition. Finally, a deep dive into special teams performance is underway to identify effective strategies and key players capable of making significant plays in the upcoming clash.