Rhule embrace of Huskers tradition fuels popularity — so far

By ERIC OLSON
AP College Football Writer

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Matt Rhule has quickly endeared himself to one of the nation’s most ardent fan bases in five months. The true test of his popularity will come in a year or two, when his work to bring back one of college football’s biggest brands is fully underway. So far he’s proved to be a fast study and tells fans what they want to hear. He frequently references the program’s traditional staples of hard work, physical practices and a pounding run game. The Huskers close Rhule’s first spring practice on Saturday.