Nebraska's head coach Matt Rhule is shaking things up in Lincoln, aiming to turn the tide for the Huskers. One of the most notable changes? A shift in practice schedules, moving from mornings to late afternoons and evenings for the first time in nearly a decade.
During a spring practice press conference, Rhule explained the rationale behind this strategic shift. While the team traditionally favored morning sessions, the dynamics of the league have evolved.
"We've studied a lot of people," Rhule noted, highlighting the challenges of travel, especially those taxing East Coast trips followed by quick turnarounds. It’s a move aimed at optimizing player performance and recovery.
Rhule emphasized the pursuit of any possible advantage. "We're just chasing edges, you know, we're chasing sleep.
We're chasing... Obviously, sometimes here it can be 20 degrees at 8 o'clock in the morning and maybe 50 in the afternoon," he explained.
This isn't just about avoiding the chill; it's about the overall feel and conditions that could impact practice quality.
He also mentioned Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, who made a similar adjustment with positive results. For Rhule, these changes are part of a broader strategy to gain any possible edge in what could be a pivotal year for Nebraska football.