If the Huskers want to become a championship-caliber football team, they have a lot of work to do.

That was the message from Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule on Monday as he reflected on Saturday night’s 28-10 win over Colorado and looked ahead to this weekend’s game against Northern Iowa, the No. 21 team in the latest FCS poll.

Rhule cited special teams, wide receiver blocking and offensive intensity as areas that need improvement. “The worst special teams performance I’ve had in a long time,” he said.

Rhule said there are three phases to turning a program around: “First you have to get rid of losing football, then you have to play winning football and then you’re going to play championship football. I think we’re playing winning football and that’s why we have to get to championship football.”

Regarding Northern Iowa, Rhule noted that the Panthers have the fourth-best offense in the FCS. “They’re going to have to deal with 298 yards a game. They’re going against Coach (Mark) Farley, who won a ton of games. When I was in the NFL, I looked at Northern Iowa’s lineup. I never looked at Nebraska’s lineup. The way they play, you better be ready for a physical battle. Run defense and run attack.”

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