Matt Rhule’s Nebraska faces its toughest test yet as the Huskers prepare to battle No. 21 Michigan this Saturday. After escaping Maryland with a gritty 34-31 win, Nebraska’s red zone struggles (ranked 89th nationally in TD conversion rate) threaten to derail their upset bid against the Wolverines’ stifling defense.

The matchup presents Rhule’s most significant opportunity to snap Nebraska’s nine-year ranked win drought. While quarterback Dylan Raiola showcased clutch fourth-quarter heroics, his three interceptions and the offensive line’s pass protection woes loom large against Michigan’s conference-leading pass rush.

Matt Rhule’s Nebraska Faces Michigan: Can Huskers Fix Red Zone Woes and Pull Off Upset?

Nebraska’s Red Zone Struggles Threaten Upset Bid Against Michigan

The Cornhuskers’ inability to convert red zone opportunities into touchdowns has emerged as their most glaring weakness heading into the Michigan showdown. Despite their 4-1 record, Nebraska ranks 89th nationally in red zone touchdown percentage at just 55% – a statistic that could prove fatal against Michigan’s stingy defense.

Matt Rhule’s squad left at least 8 points on the field against Maryland, settling for field goals twice inside the 20-yard line. This recurring issue stems from three critical failures:

• Freshman QB Dylan Raiola forcing throws into coverage
• Predictable play-calling in short-yardage situations
• Drive-killing penalties at the worst moments

Michigan presents an even greater challenge, having allowed touchdowns on just 42% of opponents’ red zone trips this season. Their disciplined defense rarely blows assignments near the goal line.

The chess match between Rhule’s red zone play designs and Michigan DC Jesse Minter’s pressure packages will decide this game. Nebraska must show new wrinkles they haven’t put on film yet.

Dylan Raiola’s Bounce-Back Opportunity Against Elite Defense

The highly-touted freshman quarterback experienced his first true adversity against Maryland, throwing three interceptions before redeeming himself with clutch fourth-quarter drives. His performance against Michigan will reveal much about his development under Rhule’s tutelage.

Michigan’s defense presents unique challenges with their:

• Complex coverage disguises
• Elite pass rush rotation
• Ball-hawking secondary (7 INTs this season)

Watch how Raiola handles Michigan’s simulated pressures in practice this week. If he’s making the right protection calls pre-snap, that’s a great sign for Saturday.

Defensive Showdown: Can Huskers Contain Michigan’s Ground Game?

Nebraska’s defensive front faces its toughest test against Michigan’s punishing rushing attack, which averages 218 yards per game. The Huskers showed vulnerability against Maryland’s run game, allowing 189 rushing yards with several explosive plays.

Rhule emphasized these key improvement areas:

• Edge containment responsibilities
• Gap discipline from linebackers
• Finishing tackles in space

The Huskers particularly struggled with:

Javin Wright’s Emergence as Defensive Leader

The junior defensive back has become Nebraska’s most consistent playmaker, leading the team with 32 tackles while adding 5 tackles for loss and 2 forced fumbles. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Tony White to deploy multiple schemes.

Wright’s ability to play nickel, safety, and even some linebacker gives Nebraska crucial flexibility against Michigan’s diverse formations. His development under Rhule has been remarkable.

Special Teams: The Hidden Battle That Could Decide the Game

While often overlooked, Nebraska’s special teams struggles could prove costly against Michigan’s disciplined units. The Huskers rank last in the Big Ten in punt return average (3.8 yards) while Michigan boasts the conference’s best net punting (42.6 yards).

Field position battles take on heightened importance in matchups between evenly-matched teams. Nebraska must improve in these areas:

• Kickoff coverage (allowed 58-yard return vs Maryland)
• Punt return decision-making
• Placekicking consistency

Special teams often reflect a program’s overall discipline. If Nebraska wants to prove they belong in the Big Ten’s upper echelon, they need to win this phase decisively.

Matt Rhule’s Biggest Coaching Challenge at Nebraska

The Michigan game represents a measuring stick for Rhule’s rebuilding project. Nebraska hasn’t defeated a ranked opponent since 2016, and breaking that streak would signal the program’s return to relevance.

Rhule faces several critical decisions:

• How aggressively to manage fourth-down situations
• Balancing Raiola’s development with win-now playcalling
• Adjusting to Michigan’s halftime defensive tweaks

The Huskers’ recent performances suggest both progress and remaining gaps:

This is exactly why Nebraska hired Rhule – his ability to develop programs for long-term success while competing immediately. A win here would accelerate their timeline dramatically.

Offensive Line: Nebraska’s Make-or-Break Unit Against Michigan

The Huskers’ rebuilt offensive line faces its sternest test against Michigan’s formidable front seven. Left tackle Bryce Benhart in particular must contain Michigan’s Jaylen Harrell, who leads the team with 4.5 sacks.

Nebraska’s protection issues stem from:

• Communication breakdowns on stunts
• Inconsistent anchor against power rushers
• Limited help from running backs in protection

The individual matchup to watch:

Nebraska might need to keep a tight end or running back to help Benhart, but that limits their passing options. Rhule’s play designs must account for protection while still stressing Michigan vertically.

Can Nebraska Finally Break Through Against Ranked Opponents?

The Huskers’ prolonged drought against ranked teams has become psychological as much as tactical. Rhule’s challenge involves preparing his team to expect success against elite competition rather than hoping for it.

Key factors that could swing the game:

• First quarter scoring (Michigan outscoring opponents 59-17)
• Third-down conversion rate (Nebraska at 38%, Michigan at 46%)
• Explosive play differential (20+ yard gains)

Rhule’s culture-building faces its toughest test yet. A victory would validate Nebraska’s progress while announcing their return to national relevance. A competitive loss could still show growth, while a blowout would raise questions about the program’s trajectory.

The mental hurdle matters as much as the physical one here. Nebraska needs to believe they belong on this stage – Rhule’s entire tenure has been building toward moments like this.