Report card from Nebraska’s blowout loss to No. 16 Indiana

To say Nebraska’s loss to the Indiana Hoosiers was rough would be an understatement. The Huskers suffered their biggest loss since 2016 when the Ohio State Buckeyes blew them out 62-3. Indiana ran and threw the ball all over Nebraska, and the Huskers’ offense posed little threat to the Hoosiers.

This was similar to Nebraska’s 45-7 loss to the Michigan Wolverines last year when the team looked completely lost. Now, as the Huskers enter their final five games, it’s hard to say what the end of the season will look like.

Nebraska could be in for another 5-7 collapse if it can’t get back on track. Ohio State is dominating despite losing to the Oregon Ducks. The UCLA Bruins found a groove against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The USC Trojans, despite their struggles, could pose a threat. The Wisconsin Badgers‘ offense is delivering as of late, and Iowa Hawkeye’s defense remains its focal point.

If the Huskers want to get out of this hole, the offense needs to step up and the defense needs to clean up.

Here are the positions grades from Nebraska’s 56-7 blowout loss to Indiana.

Quarterbacks: C

True freshman Dylan Raiola faced a lot in Saturday’s loss. He threw three interceptions but tossed the ball 44 times, nine more than his previous high.

He completed 28 passes for 234 yards, not getting much going downfield. He only hit three passes that resulted in more than 15 yards, as the offense resorted to short passes to the outside. Indiana however sniffed out these plays, not allowing Nebraska to punch in drives.

This led to Raiola trying to make big plays happen, forcing tough passes that resulted in picks. He is Nebraska’s quarterback but is still learning. However, it’s hard to pin the blame on him with the offense’s lackluster play.

Running Backs: C

Nebraska finished with just 70 yards off 29 carries. To make matters worse, Heinrich Haarberg led the team in rushing yards with 32 yards off five carries.

The running back room combined with just 49 yards off 20 carries. Emmett Johnson led the group with just 24 yards off eight carries. Dante Dowdell rushed for 16 yards off seven carries and even fumbled once. Rahmir Johnson, meanwhile, led the group in receiving, hauling three catches for 19 yards.

Nothing worked for the ground game, causing the team to lean on Raiola throughout the game, which reflects its struggle this season. On the year, Nebraska averages only 127.1 rushing yards per game. Right now, it needs to figure something out, or else this will only get worse.

Wide Receivers: C

The receivers did what they could when they got the ball. Raiola found a receiver 21 times on the day, and it led to 205 receiving yards.

Jacory Barney Jr. had eight catches but for just 32 yards. He did run the ball once, resulting in a score from seven yards out. Thomas Fidone II finished with a team-high 91 yards off six catches.

Jaylen Lloyd hauled in three catches for 36 yards, but also fumbled, which was swept under the rug due to Nebraska getting off the snap before it could be reviewed.

But the group overall struggled to get separation from defenders or hold blocks. That mixed with play calling kept the passing game from getting much going.

The group needs to lock in, otherwise, they’ll be forcing Raiola to throw more dangerous passes.

Offensive Line: C-

The pipeline burst in the run game, not allowing for much to be done on the ground. However, they allowed the passing game to have a few plays. But it also allowed two sacks, multiple unblocked defenders to come in.

Nebraska also surrendered seven tackles for loss, reflecting the line’s problems. Though it’s improved compared to last year, the group’s regressed the past few weeks.

The pipeline is the key to keeping the offense going strong. But until it patches up the leaks, Nebraska’s offense will remain in purgatory.

Defensive Line: C-

The defensive line couldn’t get to Rourke and couldn’t stop the run.

Indiana rushed for 215 yards and five touchdowns, the Blackshirts’ worst run defense performance this season by a mile. Rourke also had all day to throw the ball, allowing for Indiana’s passing game to go uncontested.

Like the offensive line, the defensive line is the key to Nebraska keeping offenses in check. If the line can’t slow down the run or get to the quarterback, this could be the beginning of the end for the Huskers’ defense.

Linebackers: C

Mikai Gbayor delivered Nebraska’s only sack of the game on a fourth-down stop. This was the highlight for linebackers as it was practically invisible to Indiana, and not in a good way.

The second level couldn’t fill gaps, didn’t make many tackles, and was outplayed by Indiana overall.

It raises a concerning question as to whether this group can become a major liability down the line. But that involves the other parts of Nebraska’s defense to fix its problems. If the linebackers continue to be invisible, more teams could start slicing Nebraska up on the middle.

Defensive Backs: D

The Achilles heel of Nebraska’s defense. The secondary surrendered 280 passing yards and three touchdowns after allowing 24 completions off 30 total passes.

Kurtis Rourke sliced up Nebraska in the air, throwing 17-of-21 for 189 yards and a touchdown. His backup Tayven Jackson also picked apart the Huskers by throwing 7-of-8 for 91 yards and two touchdowns.

Though the line didn’t help much, the secondary’s lack of contesting receivers remains a major problem. Even if the line gets back on track, the back five have to prove it can stand its ground against experienced quarterbacks.

With the remaining schedule, the Huskers’ passing defense needs to figure things out fast, or else they’re in for more games like this.

Special Teams: C+

With very little going the offense’s way, Nebraska’s special teams didn’t see much action.

Despite this, its performance was still a mixed bag. Barney caught a kickoff that resulted in Nebraska starting on the one-yard line. Brian Buschini also out-punted the coverage once in the game, resulting in the Hoosiers gaining a 20-yard return.

If Nebraska’s special teams continue to see little action, they need to make the most of it.

This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Report card from Nebraska’s blowout loss to No. 16 Indiana