Matt Rhule optimistic about Billy Kemp's chances to play vs. Maryland

With each day, Billy Kemp grows stronger. On Thursday, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule provided a positive update on his standout wide receiver’s condition.

“Billy has a chance to play this week, practiced more this week. Still a couple of weeks out from what the doctors said, but Billy’s an elite, elite competitor,” Rhule said. “He’s done everything possible to get himself out there, he wanted to play last week. I think there’s a chance Billy could give us some reps this week in certain roles.”

Kemp missed Nebraska’s last two games after suffering an MCL injury in the Cornhuskers’ Week 8 win over Northwestern. Despite Kemp’s absence, he is still the second-leading receiver on the team, trailing Thomas Fidone II by only three total receiving yards.

In total, Kemp boasts 21 receptions for 216 yards and a touchdown this season. The sixth-year senior also has two carries for 13 yards and a score. Kemp transferred to Nebraska this offseason after spending five years at Virginia.

The 5-foot-9 WR is fourth on the Cavaliers’ career receptions list and 10th in career receiving yards. Altogether, Kemp caught 192 passes for 1,774 yards while in Richmond. He is expected to suit up for Nebraska on Saturday, but his playing status is questionable.

Matt Rhule keeps Nebraska focused amid injuries

With or without Billy Kemp on the field, Rhule knows his team must be at its best to defeat Maryland.

“It’s a heck of a challenge and an opportunity,” Rhule said this week. “The great thing about Maryland is that all of our guys know how good they are. They’ve seen them and they know who Maryland is. It was 17-17 against Ohio State late in the third quarter. They are an excellent, excellent football team.

“To me, the challenge for us has always been to humbly prepare for the other teams and the opponent but to never make it about the opponent. To not sit there and say, ‘What if they do this and do that?’ Instead, make it about us. We are studying them. We know what they can do and how explosive they can be. The lessons always go back to just, ‘Hey guys trust yourself. Trust your technique. Do your assignment. Play hard. Play together.'”

Sitting with a 5-4 record, the Cornhuskers are one win away from bowl eligibility in Rhule’s debut season at the helm. The team will square off against Maryland at noon ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on Peacock.