Matt Rhule provides initial update on Billy Kemp, Ethan Piper injuries following win

Matt Rhule’s Nebraska defense stifled the Northwestern offense on Saturday evening to propel them to a 17-9 victory over the Wildcats. But the big win came at a price, as the Huskers loss multiple players to injury, including wide receiver Billy Kemp and offensive lineman Ethan Piper.

Following the game Big Ten Network sideline reporter Brooke Fletcher spoke with Rhule about his defense, the injuries, and more.

The Cornhusker defense racked up eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss against Northwestern. How did Rhule think his defensive unit created opportunities for his offense on Saturday?

“Well, I mean, obviously, the short field, which we capitalized on, the option pass back to Malachi [Coleman]. Coach [Tom] Osborne came in this week…Coach Osborne drew that up for us one more time. And I turned and pointed to his box. It was…it was pretty cool. But the defense, they hung in there. What I was proud of is the early adversity, the turnovers. The defense just kept playing,” Rhule began.

“I saw our guys. Those guys are redshirts. James Williams #90. I don’t know what number he wears. He’s redshirting the year off. We used him this game. So, proud of those kids.”

What did Rhule think of the trust his quarterback, Heinrich Haarberg, had in his receivers?

“Well, you know, it certainly wasn’t a perfect day. But I mean, you make a big play like that, that’s how you win games. That’s how you win Big Ten games. Malachi [Coleman], that’s one of the routes that you never think you’re gonna get the ball. You just run your heart out for the team. He got open and went and made the play. So, I’m happy for him,” Rhule said. “I’m happy for Jaidyn Doss. Losing Billy [Kemp] was really hard for us. He’s the heart and soul of our offense. But those guys stepped up.”

Matt Rhule provided an initial update on injuries

Did Rhule have any more updates on the status of Kemp and Ethan Piper?

“I don’t. It didn’t seem like he was able to be out here for the second half. So hopefully it won’t be super, super, super long and super, super, super serious. Ethan Piper looked like it was a little bit worse. So, we had a tough go at it at the receiver position, but we’ll find a way,” Rhule explained after the win.

Next week, Nebraska will face off against the Purdue Boilermakers. That one is on October 28th. Kick time is slated for 3:30 p.m. EST.