Matt Rhule details how Jeff Sims has worked on decision-making process

It has been a quick transition for Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Jeff Sims since joining the program. Sims transferred to Lincoln, Nebraska, this offseason after starting his collegiate career at Georgia Tech. Since joining in the spring, the junior quarterback has earned the right to be the Cornhuskers’ starting quarterback in head coach Matt Rhule‘s first year leading the program.

Sims has worked hard to improve his game from a season ago. And recently, Rhule detailed how his new starting quarterback has made significant strides when it comes to his decision-making process on the field.

“I’m really excited about Jeff. I think the thing that we did was we made him live in the spring,” said Rhule on Always College Football. “And for a quarterback, you understand why you have to do it. The thing about quarterback play is its high-speed decision-making. You know, you make the throw, and it’s an unbelievable play, and it’s on Sports Center. Then (if) you make the same throw a second later or a second to the right, and all of a sudden, it’s picked off, and you’re the goat.

“So, to me, you need those high-speed decision reps. You can’t just have everything scripted, and every play is a touchdown. You have to fail a little bit; have some good (and) bad play.”

Sims was very productive with the Yellow Jackets, where he suited up for the last three years. Injuries slowed him in 2022, but he still finished the season with 1,115 yards passing and five touchdowns over three interceptions.

Rhule credits Sims for the work that he’s put in over the offseason. While, at the same time, highlighting how Nebraska’s practice system has helped him improve his decision-making. According to Rhule, instead of scripted practices, the Nebraska headman prefers to use situational practice in order to get his quarterback prepared for the real deal.

“The way that we’ve always practiced with a lot of things being in competition, good-on-good, I think that’s really helped Jeff,” Rhule said. “To go through the situations, put 8 seconds on the clock and one timeout or 12 seconds, and make him have to really think through every situation. He’s worked at it.

“I’m really excited about what we’ll do. I think he’ll be really explosive, (and) aggressive. And there’ll be a turnover. We’re not going to sit here and play not to lose; we’re going to play to win. We just want him to make really good decisions and do his best to try to take care of the ball because he has that capability,” said Rhule.

Sims and Nebraska will kick off their season with an early Week 1 matchup against Big Ten rival Minnesota. This will give the Cornhuskers’ new starting quarterback his first opportunity to see an opposing defense and really showcase the improvements rule spoke of when it comes to his decision-making process.