LINCOLN, Neb. - Many refer to “Nebraska nice” when thinking about the Cornhusker state.

That was put away, at least during halftime, in Nebraska’s 68-0 win over Akron. Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule delivered a fiery speech, despite leading 33-0 at the time. The speech resonated with Nebraksa quarterback Dylan Raiola and others.

“That’s out leader,” Raiola said. “That’s our guy that we trust and we care for tremendously, so when the head of the snake says that we respond.”

“They don’t fear you, they don’t respect you enough yet,” Rhule said in the locker room at half.  “And if that sounds like coach speak, then you have the wrong brain… They’re cutting our O-Line at the end of the half.”

Rhule would go on to emphasize that players deeper in the depth chart could see the field - 105 players did just that. He also went on to boast the possibility of Nebraksa’s first shut out since 2009, and guess what, they did that too. 

Offensive doordinator Dana Holgorsen and defensive lineman Elijah Jeudy say Rhule's message resonated with the team, especially when it comes to the younger players who saw the field. 

“That message at that halftime got the message of the starters to keep it right, but for everyone else who got out there,” Holgorsen said. “That’s how you get a win of that level.”

“That’s the standard,” Jeudy said. “You got to put away the teams that you should put away.”