Matt Rhule liked Nebraska's response at Michigan State — but he has fix-it list, too

Photos: Nebraska football takes on Michigan State

Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (7) breaks up a pass intended for Michigan State's Rodney Bullard Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Dawson Merritt (40) sacks Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) reaches out to score a touchdown against Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) runs the ball against Michigan State's Charles Brantley (4) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) is tackled by Michigan State's Dion Crawford (18) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Jamir Conn (4) sacks Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) scrambles away from Nebraska's Jahsear Whittington (1) and Jamir Conn (4) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Trent Fraley (63) and Nick Sharpe (52) block Nebraska's Jahsear Whittington (1) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A Nebraska fan watches during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska takes the field before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska takes the field before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State takes the field before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A UH-60 Black Hawk does a flyover during the national anthem before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A UH-60 Black Hawk does a flyover during the national anthem before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Jamir Conn (4) sacks Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Dwayne McDougle III (26) tackles Michigan State's Brennan Parachek (82) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Cam Edwards (0) is carted off the field after an injury during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Cam Edwards (0) is carted off the field after an injury during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talks to an official during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (7) breaks up a pass intended for Michigan State's Rodney Bullard Jr. (3) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A mix of fans watch Nebraska take on Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Chrishon McCray (13) evades Nebraska's Dexter Foster (24) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Conner Moore (58) blocks Nebraska's Owen Stoudmire (34) from reaching Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Archie Wilson (83) punts during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State fans cheer during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) scrambles for yards on third down during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald reacts during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Flowers were left on the field in memory of Mike Sadler and Sam Foltz before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Flowers were left on the field in memory of Mike Sadler and Sam Foltz before the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Dawson Merritt (40) celebrates sacking Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule, left, and official watch the replay during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball under pressure from Michigan State's Nikai Martinez (21) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball under pressure from Michigan State's Nikai Martinez (21) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State fans, including one in a Spartan costume, watch their team take on Nebraska during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A mix of fans watch Nebraska take on Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) passes the ball during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Dawson Merritt (40) sacks Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) celebrates catching at touchdown pass from Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) celebrates scoring a touchdown with Nebraska's Mekhi Nelson (13) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) celebrates catching a touchdown pass during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER,THE WORLD-HERALD

A Nebraska fan stares down Michigan State mascot Sparty prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule arrives with the Huskers to Spartan Stadium prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska players arrive at Spartan Stadium prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald talk prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Spartans in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

A Nebraska fan holds up a flag as Michigan State fans cheer on during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Justin Evans (51) blocks Michigan State's Eli Coenen (96) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's John Hohl (90) returns the ball to Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Owen Chambliss (0) tackles Michigan State's Jaziun Patterson (4) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Brennan Parachek (82) catches a pass during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's David Höffken (53), Riley Van Poppel (44) and Williams Nwaneri (96) attempt to block a kick by Michigan State's Liam Boyd (37) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) catches the snap during the first half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) sails through the air after colliding with Michigan State's Nikai Martinez (21) during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Vincent Genatone (30) runs the ball into the end zone to score a touchdown against Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) celebrates after a touchdown against Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule high-fives offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen as Anthony Colandrea (10) watches on after a touchdown against Michigan State during the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald walks off the field after the first half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule shakes hands with Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald after the Huskers defeated the Spartans, 31-13, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Luke Sorensen (44) high-fives fans after the Huskers defeated the Spartans, 31-13, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska players high-five fans after the Huskers defeated the Spartans, 31-13, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) high-fives fans after the Huskers defeated the Spartans, 31-13, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Kyle Cunanan (91) and Demitrius Bell (11) high-five fans after the Huskers defeated the Spartans, 31-13, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Anthony Colandrea (10) throws the ball during the second half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Archie Wilson (83) punts the ball during the second half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

A look inside Spartan Stadium as Michigan State takes on Nebraska during the second half of a college football game in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Jamir Conn (4) tackles Michigan State's Chrishon McCray (13) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Donovan Jones (8) sacks Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Jones recovered the fumble.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Donovan Jones (8) recovers the ball fumbled by sacking Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Dwayne McDougle III (26) breaks up a pass intended for Michigan State's Jayden Savoury (31) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Cameron Lenhardt (2) blocks a pass by Michigan State's Alessio Milivojevic (11) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska defensive coordinator Rob Aurich celebrates during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts after a play against Michigan State during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Vincent Genatone (30) scores a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Vincent Genatone (30) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against Michigan State during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Andrew Marshall (7) celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half of a college football game against Michigan State at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Marshall celebrates with Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) and Anthony Colandrea (10)

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Nebraska's Kwazi Gilmer (3) catches a pass above Michigan State's Charles Brantley (4) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD

Michigan State's Rodney Bullard Jr. (3) fails to catch a pass in the end zone broken up by Michigan State's Andrew Brinson IV (14) during the second half of a college football game at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD