Nebraska defense attempts to ‘turn the page’ after worst performance under Matt Rhule

Nebraska stumbled off the field in Indiana, back to Lincoln with no choice but to pick up the pieces.

The 56 points allowed made for the Huskers’ worst defensive performance under Matt Rhule, and the optimism of a 5-1 start evaporated.

Three days removed from the beatdown, there was nothing for NU to do but move on, review the film and prepare for Ohio State. Defensive coordinator Tony White took responsibility for his own performance. He attributed some of the Huskers’ tackling issues to plays in which only one defender was in the area and the margin for error was minimal.

Nebraska was hesitant and tepid as Indiana dictated the tempo and flow of the game. White said he wasn’t able to get his unit to “play with their hair on fire.” A greater task in No. 4 OSU now looms for a unit that has performed well for most of the season — another test to the Blackshirts’ mettle and resolve.

“I think it’s about the consistency, and when you do well, you don’t get too high, and when you don’t do as well, you’re able to focus in on the things that make you good and then really, really bounce back from those things,” White said. “That will be the mark of a good team, right? Is how well you bounce back, how well you’re able to turn the page, whether good or bad performance, and then move on and get ready for another challenge.”

Photos: Nebraska football at Indiana on Fox’s ‘Big Noon Kickoff’ — Oct. 19

Singer John Mellencamp watches Indiana take on Nebraska during the first half of a college football game at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024.

NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD