Matt Rhule describes the impact of Bud Crawford's special appearance

“It was special to me,” Rhule said. “I have a lot of respect for Bud Crawford.”

Crawford's appearance with the team was one of Rhule's highlights of the year. Rhule said he came to talk to the team Friday night.

When Crawford came to meet Rhule, he sat next to the Nebraska head coach.

“I'm talking to the pound-for-pound king,” Rhule said. “I'm sitting there in awe.”

Crawford told Rhule he didn't need to talk to the team, but Rhule wanted him to. He stressed that no one knew more about wrestling and fighting than he did and that his advice could help the team a lot.

Rhule said Crawford was the most humble starter. Even after the win over Colorado, Rhule tried to give him the game ball.

“He said no,” Rhule recalls Crawford's reaction. “I'm not happy with the way you played in the fourth quarter.”

Rhule emphasized that this moment is not just about Colorado, but about the entire season. He said Crawford can say something he's said 500 times and it will get through to the team.

“I can't thank him enough,” Rhule said. “He really impacted the game this week.”