Nebraska’s Trip to UCLA Threatened by Government Shutdown
Nebraska football’s upcoming trip to UCLA may face disruptions due to a government shutdown. Coach Matt Rhule expressed concerns about air travel during a press conference on Thursday.
Impact of Government Shutdown on Travel Plans
The shutdown, which began at the start of October 2023, has raised uncertainties for travel logistics. Rhule mentioned that the Nebraska team is currently working on their travel arrangements, with potential delays expected.
FAA Traffic Reductions
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a reduction in traffic at 40 major airports nationwide. This includes three airports in Southern California:
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Ontario International Airport
- San Diego International Airport
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and UCLA are scheduled to kickoff at 8 p.m. CST on Saturday, live on FOX.
Travel Adjustments Ahead
Rhule noted that the assistant athletic director for football administration, Dr. Susan Elza, and her team are actively assessing travel options. He recounted that they received communication indicating travel plans could be impacted.
Typically, the team prefers to fly out the day before a game. However, Rhule indicated they are prepared to adjust their plans as needed. “If we need to get up early, so be it. We just want to focus on playing the game,” he commented.
Injury Updates
In addition to travel concerns, Rhule provided updates on player health. Both quarterback Dylan Raiola and teammate Gunnar Gottula successfully underwent surgeries this week.
Raiola announced the successful surgery to repair a broken fibula through his Instagram account on Thursday evening.
Conclusion
As the Nebraska Cornhuskers prepare for their game against UCLA, the team remains focused on adapting to any travel challenges. Their commitment to overcoming obstacles will be crucial as they aim to perform at their best on Saturday.
