Nebraska football coach Matt Rhule demonstrated why college sports can be so much fun on Tuesday night.
The Cornhuskers (13–3) upset No. 1 Purdue (14–2) in Lincoln, 88–72, and the students stormed the court at Pinnacle Bank Arena to celebrate defeating the top-ranked team. Joining the rush of humanity from the seats was the school’s head football coach.
Someone in a leadership position at a school might not be expected to join in the fun with the student body, but Rhule showed that he’s part of the Huskers community by running onto the floor with his daughter after the buzzer sounded.
A fellow spectator filmed Rhule as the coach was recording the final seconds of Nebraska’s big win and the joy on his face is apparent as he briefly becomes a college student again. Check it out:
STORM THAT COURT!!
— Hail Varsity (@HailVarsity) January 10, 2024
(Hey, @CoachMattRhule) pic.twitter.com/GWx25xEiXY
Rhule’s first season at Nebraska was disappointing, with a 5–7 record. But he scored a big recruiting victory with quarterback Dylan Raiola. And his excitement for the men’s basketball team’s big win showed he wants to be a part of life in Lincoln.
#GBR @HuskerMBB pic.twitter.com/khnAG7V3PR
— Matt Rhule (@CoachMattRhule) January 10, 2024
The Huskers were led by senior guard Keisei Tominaga’s 19 points, with junior forward Rienk Mast adding 18. Zach Edey, last season’s Naismith Player of the Year, scored 15 points for Purdue in a losing effort.
Nebraska’s win was its first over a No. 1 team since 1982, when the Huskers won at Missouri. For the Boilermakers, Tuesday’s defeat was their second of the season to an unranked Big Ten opponent. Purdue lost 92–88 in overtime at Northwestern on Dec. 1.
