Rapid Reaction: Nebraska's defense is no match for Wisconsin's rushing attack

Something drastic was going to have to change for Nebraska to snap its eight-game losing streak against No. 16 Wisconsin on Saturday night. Instead, it was more of the same.

More of the same from the Badgers, who used a potent rushing attack to overpower the Huskers. And more of the same from Nebraska, which was flagged 10 times for 100 yards in Madison.

That combination resulted in a 41-24 win for Wisconsin. Nebraska is now 0-5 on the season and has a nine-game losing streak. The Badgers, on the other hand, are 4-1 and a perfect 2-0 in B1G play.

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 221 yards and three touchdowns in the win. Alex Hornibrook had a solid outing, throwing for 163 yards and a touchdown. Once again, the Huskers were gashed defensively.

Scott Frost has explained how frustrating it is, losing some of these games. This was the third time Nebraska racked up over 500 yards in a game and recorded a loss. That doesn’t happen too often, but the Huskers’ defense has been that bad.

Adrian Martinez was stellar, throwing for 384 yards and two touchdowns. He added 57 yards and a score with his legs. JD Spielman had 209 receiving yards. The offense had just one turnover. And it still came up three scores shy of a win.

Defeating Wisconsin to record a win for the first time this season was an incredibly difficult chore. And yet, if Nebraska’s defense could make a stop or two, it would’ve been right in the mix. If it wouldn’t have surrendered a field-length in penalties, it could’ve battled down to the wire.

Instead, it was more of the same. Another Saturday of winless football passes by.

Progress is being made. The Huskers wouldn’t be putting up such huge numbers against Wisconsin’s defense if there wasn’t some improvement. But it’s clear that the defense is still way behind the offense.

And it was left way behind Wisconsin’s running backs on Saturday night.