A football team is often compared to a family. And while that’s usually viewed in a positive light, sometimes getting away from that family is the best thing.

That’s the case for Nebraska this week, according to tight end Austin Allen. Following an ugly 34-7 loss to Minnesota on Saturday night to drop to 4-3 on the season, the Huskers will have the opportunity to get away from each other and relax for a weekend before entering the second half of the season.

Allen believes the break is coming at the perfect time.

“We’ve been together since Aug. 2,” Allen told the Omaha World-Herald. “We’ve had fall camp and seven straight weeks. I think we just need to get away from each other for a bit. We get so locked up in this. If you get to relax sometimes (that helps). I think that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to relax.”

Most teams in the B1G have enjoyed a free Saturday by now, but this will be the first off week for the Huskers, a bit late in the year. Michigan State is also experiencing a late bye week and will have a free Saturday this weekend.

Through the first seven weeks, Nebraska has had some flashes of brilliance, but has also had some serious struggles during that stretch. While the Huskers have a very manageable schedule to try to get back to bowl eligibility this year, the break comes at a good time to get rejuvenated for the final five games.

Nebraska’s next five games comes against Indiana, Purdue, Wisconsin, Maryland and Iowa.

There’s still a great chance Nebraska gets to the postseason this year, but it’ll have to play much cleaner football after the break. It’ll be interesting to see how the Huskers respond following the off week.