The defeat marked the Nebraska Cornhuskers‘ fourth straight loss, dropping them to 5-4 after a 24-13 setback against Illinois in Week 10. The result puts more pressure on head coach Matt Rhule and raises questions about the team's ability to finish the season strong.
According to On3 college football insider Brett McMurphy, Nebraska has struggled in November since joining the Big Ten in 2011. Bo Pelini went 10-6 during the month, while Mike Riley posted a 4-7 record. Scott Frost finished 3-8, excluding the 2020 COVID-19 season. Matt Rhule's 2-11 mark is the worst among the four coaches.
Nebraska finished with 426 total yards but failed to turn that production into enough points. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 32 of 43 passes for 284 yards and one touchdown without an interception. Jacory Barney Jr. led the team with 93 receiving yards on six catches, including a 51-yard touchdown. Jamal Rule added 69 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Mekhi Nelson scored on a 15-yard run. However, Nebraska missed both field-goal attempts and converted only one of four fourth-down chances.
Illinois was more efficient on offense. Quarterback Katin Houser threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-36 passing. He also avoided an interception. Collin Dixon led the receivers with eight catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns. The Fighting Illini finished with 376 total yards and scored on all four of their red-zone trips.
Article Continues BelowThe loss added to the growing frustration among Nebraska fans. One fan questioned the program's coaching, pointing out that the school has continued to invest in football without seeing the results it expects.
Nebraska now needs to find answers quickly, with its remaining games offering a chance to end the season on a stronger note.