Husker football coach Matt Rhule says Houston Christian defense will mix things up Saturday
By Aaron Bonderson 
, Reporter/Producer Nebraska Public Media
Sept. 11, 2025, 1:20 p.m. ·
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The Nebraska football team faces off with FCS foe Houston Christian University on Saturday. The Cornhuskers are 2-0 on the year, following wins against Cincinnati and Akron.
At a press conference Thursday, Husker head coach Matt Rhule said the Houston Christian Huskies’ defensive line will show the Nebraska offense many different formations.
“So you're constantly seeing different pictures,” Rhule said. “It's the way we play defense, so I think that presents a real challenge.”
This is the Huskers’ 16th-ever matchup with an FCS team, the Division I subdivision below FBS. NU is undefeated in those contests.
Houston Christian, 1-1, ranks third in the FCS in total yards allowed per game at 139 yards per game. The Huskies rank first in several defensive categories in the Southland Conference, including rushing, passing, total yards, third downs, and scoring defense.
The Huskies defeated NAIA school Arkansas Baptist, 69-0, in week one. Last weekend, they lost to Eastern Kentucky, 20-10.
Saturday will mark the first-ever meeting between the two schools. Houston Christian competed in football starting in 2014.
In practice this week, the Cornhuskers focused on precision and growth, Rhule said.
“There’s all these things on tape. If you just remove the emotion, you're like ‘Gosh, that's not good enough and that's not good enough’ or ‘That's better than I thought,’” Rhule said. “We're just trying to be very surgical, so this was a week about improving.”
Following a 68-0 win against Akron last week, the Cornhuskers rank inside the top ten nationally in passing yards per game, passing defense and third down conversions on offense and defense.
High temperatures are expected to be in the low 90s Saturday. Fans will be allowed to bring a sealed water bottle into Memorial Stadium.
The Huskies and Big Red kick off at 11 a.m. CT on Saturday. Fox Sports One will handle the broadcast.
Next weekend, the Big Red opens up Big Ten play. NU hosts No. 23 Michigan at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday, Sept. 20.