Matt Rhule 'excited' for second primetime experience at Memorial Stadium vs. Colorado

As college football kickoff times begin to be released, one of the more eye-opening matchups is Colorado–Nebraska. NBC picked the game up, meaning the Buffaloes and Cornhuskers will face off in prime time. The game will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT, setting up Round 2 of Deion Sanders vs. Matt Rhule.

The news of NBC putting the game at primetime has brought a buzz to Lincoln and not just for the fans. Rhule is excited for a night game at Memorial Stadium, something Nebraska only got once last season. A lot of mid-day kickoffs fell onto the Huskers’ schedule.

And when you add in the magnitude of the opponent, Rhule knows a special night is awaiting him and his players on Sept. 7.

“I’ve only had one home night game here so far and it was a great experience,” Rhule said. “I think this is great for our fans, it’s great for the game. The Nebraska-Colorado rivalry over the years, what it means. Obviously, they beat us last year.

“And then for our guys, early in the season, have a chance to go out there on national TV and show the country the work that we’ve done and the team that we have. I’m excited. It should be an amazing, amazing game.”

The lone night game Rhule has experienced at Memorial Stadium came against Northern Illinois — not the most exciting opponent on the schedule. Colorado will have Husker Nation at a completely different level, hoping to get a win against their bitter rivals.

Last season’s game in Boulder kicked off at 10 a.m. MT in Boulder. FOX wanted to highlight the rivalry in its Big Noon Saturday window and even with the time zone meaning for an early kickoff, they went for it.

Nebraska fans will not want to reflect on the result, losing 36-14 as Sanders seemingly had the ball rolling early in his time as the head coach. To make matters worse, the rivalry has heavily sided Colorado in recent years as the Buffaloes have won three in a row dating back to a home-and-home series in 2018 and 2019.

All can be forgotten Week 2 if Nebraska comes away with a win. Rhule wants to make sure his team is ready to play, mentioning the great opportunity they have. But he surely will take a moment or two to soak up the atmosphere at Memorial Stadium when the time comes.