Nebraska’s Fourth Straight Loss Raises Questions About Rhule

Nebraska’s 24-13 loss to Illinois on Friday, November 6, was the Huskers’ fourth straight defeat after they opened the season 5-0. The team’s struggles included penalties, missed chances, offensive execution problems and special-teams mistakes. Nebraska had averaged 43.6 points during its first five games but scored 54 total across the four losses, an average of 13.5 per game.

The defense allowed a season-high 24 points and 376 yards against Illinois. Linebacker Owen Chambliss departed during the third quarter because of a shoulder problem. Nebraska had relied on its defense to compensate for problems elsewhere, but the unit also gave up coverage breakdowns and big plays in the loss.

The defeat followed three close losses in which Nebraska had held a strong position. Its reported in-game chances of beating Indiana and Oregon reached 88.2% and 85.4%, respectively. Against Washington, the Huskers had a 94.4% chance of winning just before the opponent made a fourth-down conversion on fourth-and-18 with under two minutes remaining. Nebraska lost all three games.

Rhule is 2-11 in November at Nebraska, and his teams have gone 4-18 after reaching five wins in a season. At a Monday press conference, he defended offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, calling him “one of the best offensive minds of our generation.” Rhule said moving Holgorsen to the coaches’ box to call plays was initially Holgorsen’s suggestion. The change came amid criticism of Nebraska’s offense.