Hurrdat Sports Radio hosts Ravi Lulla and Damon Benning discussed the growing tensions surrounding Nebraska football’s season. Despite the early season optimism, the Huskers are facing criticism from both fans and media as their performance begins to waver following a tough road showing against Indiana. Their conversation was a theme of accountability, both within the coaching staff and among the players.
Benning emphasized that accountability starts from the top. “The number one word right now is accountability,” he said. He believes the coaching staff must hold themselves responsible for their decisions before they can expect the same from their players. Benning makes clear that this responsibility extends across all levels, from coaches to players, and even peer-to-peer among the players themselves. The Huskers’ performance, he observes, has been undermined by a lack of emotional toughness and discipline.Benning points out, “When things start to go south, you can’t just get reckless, and I think they got very reckless.”
Lulla and Benning both agree that accountability is key to turning things around, Lulla mentions that fans can accept a loss if they feel the team is putting forth its best effort, but the challenge is when losses come from lack of focus and mistakes that could have been avoided. “If you’re watching a team and you feel like you’re playing their best version of football, and they’re just better, I can live with that,” Lulla stated. However, both hosts agree that this hasn’t always been the case.
Coach Matt Rhule, who has frequently addressed these concerns publicly, was praised for his transparency about the struggles the team has been facing. Benning commends Rhule for owning up to the challenges, explaining that the coach has consistently emphasized building resilience from within the program. Rhule’s efforts to foster a culture of emotional toughness and accountability were recognized as necessary but not fully realized.
A critical issue for the Huskers has been penalties and undisciplined play. Nebraska has averaged over seven penalties per game, higher than the 2023 season. This level of undiscipline is unacceptable and must be addressed. Lulla raised the point that fans often call for significant changes, but Benning cautions against knee-jerk reactions, such as firing coaches mid-season. “Coaches aren’t afforded the same luxury as fans. You still have some goals in front of you,” he states, urging patience as the team works through these mid-season struggles.
As Nebraska moves forward, it is clear that the team’s success hinges on improving discipline, both on and off the field. Accountability remains at the forefront of their discussions, with the understanding that while challenges are to be expected, how the team responds will define the rest of their season. Benning finishes with, “If you can pass protect, you can run the ball… You have to make that come to fruition.
