This one was hard to digest.
Nebraska, now 5-2 (2-2 Big Ten), traveled to Eugene, Ore., and lost 17-14 to Dylan Raiola and the Ducks (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten). Despite leading in the fourth quarter for the second week in a row, the Cornhuskers once again found a way to lose.
Here are three things we learned from this loss.
1. It’s time to sound the alarm on special teams
In each of Nebraska’s losses this season, the Huskers have struggled to find consistency on special teams. This is disappointing, especially considering how much the third phase of play seemed to be improving for the Big Red a season ago.
Despite the return of the same kicker and punter, as well as the addition of the No. 1 ranked long snapper in the transfer portal, special teams has not been a consistent strength or advantage for the Huskers this fall.
Against Oregon, the Big Red turned the ball over after a bad snap while lining up for the punt, missed a punt return that cost them field position, and repeatedly chose to attempt returns on kickoffs to no avail. Those issues came after a missed 40-yard field goal against Indiana that, if converted, could have at least resulted in an overtime opportunity at the end of regulation.
Special teams wasn’t a major concern in non-conference games, but that has changed dramatically over the past two weeks. While that’s not the only reason Nebraska has lost back-to-back games, no other part of this team has presented more glaring issues. The third phase must improve quickly if the Huskers hope to turn things around. Otherwise, it will remain their Achilles heel.
2. Nebraska doesn’t do enough on the field
A week after totaling just 71 rushing yards on 20 attempts by its running backs against Indiana, Nebraska managed just 58 yards on 18 carries against Oregon. To be fair, the Hoosiers and Ducks are the two toughest defenses the Huskers have faced. Still, NU’s inability to establish a consistent rushing attack is becoming a concern.
Against Indiana, 66 of the running backs’ 71 rushing yards came after contact, meaning nearly 93 percent of their production came on their own. Although the numbers are not yet available for Week 7, the eye test suggests a similar trend against Oregon.
According to Pro Football Focus, Nebraska’s blocking grades against Maryland and Indiana were the two lowest of the year. Against the Ducks, it looked like this would continue for at least another week.
The Huskers have had the opportunity to run down the clock each of the last two weeks, and yet here we are after seeing them fail to do so.
3. The bye week couldn’t come at a better time
In all honesty, the Huskers are pretty banged up, although that’s to be expected at this point in the season. Nebraska entered its game against Oregon without Jamir Conn, Rex Guthrie and Riley Van Poppel on defense, then saw several other players go down during the game.
During his postgame press conference, Matt Rhule alluded to injuries involving offensive players such as Gunnar Gottula, Isaiah Mozee and Jamal Rule. While the extent of these injuries remains unclear, there is no doubt that the Big Red could benefit from a bye week.
The bye comes at a perfect time, but NU will only be able to say it made the most of the break if it returns with a win against Washington at home. This team desperately needs a spark, and its Halloween matchup with the Huskies could provide the opportunity the Big Red needs.
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