Nebraska is 4-4. Expectations were much higher for the Huskers this season.

Everybody knows that, as does Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander. Over the last two games, the Huskers have gone 0-2. It has been without quarterback Adrian Martinez during that time.

Is it all on Martinez and the offense being inept? Not exactly.

RELATED: Martinez gives promising update regarding his health, status for Purdue game

The defense allowed 34 points to Minnesota and then 38 to Indiana. Against Ohio State earlier in the year, the Huskers allowed 48 points. The defense has been much worse than stellar. You could call it bad.

Chinander talked about the defense and its toughness with the media on Tuesday:

The team needs to be tough. We’ve heard this before. It needs to be tough among other things. It’s not just one thing. But if the Huskers’ defense isn’t willing to battle and put up a fight, they won’t have a chance.

We’ll see what the Huskers’ defense and team looks like overall this week when the team travels to take on Purdue.