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Rapid Reaction: Horrible start dooms Nebraska in loss to Northern Illinois
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Final score: Northern Illinois 21 Nebraska 17
Quick recap
It was ugly from start to finish for Nebraska. Saturday’s loss was bookended by a pair of Tanner Lee interceptions and filled with costly mistakes all throughout the contest.
Lee threw a pair of pick-sixes in the first quarter and trailed 14-0 at the half. The defense did its part, but the offense struggled mightily again. It was the second-straight week the Huskers’ didn’t show up in the first two quarters of a game. It was as disappointing an outcome as you could’ve imagined.
Nebraska made a late push and even took a 17-14 lead in the fourth quarter. But Northern Illinois answered the call and regained the lead with 8:52 left in the game. It was just enough to pull out the win in Lincoln.
Three turnovers, a scoreless first half and 85 total rushing yards won’t cut it, regardless of opponent. Nebraska learned that lesson.
Key play: Tanner Lee’s second pick-six
Mistakes happen. Pick-sixes can be devastating to a team but Lee’s first interception came early enough in the game that it could’ve been overcome. A few drives later, though, the Nebraska quarterback threw another.
At that point, the game kind of had that “what can go wrong will go wrong” feeling. It really set the tone for the rest of the game.
Stat of the game: 85 rushing yards
Northern Illinois has been good against the run, allowing just 104 yards per game through the first two weeks of the season, but Nebraska should’ve had an advantage on the line in this one.
The loss of Tre Bryant is significant. He rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns in two games but couldn’t go against Northern Illinois. That definitely hurt the rushing attack. But the Huskers still should’ve been more effective than 85 measly yards against a MAC opponent.
What it means
Maybe Oregon was give way too much credit last week. Nebraska was viewed as an up-and-comer while the Ducks had “resurfaced” in the national spotlight. That might not be the case, though.
Nebraska just simply might not be very good right now. There’s still a lot of talent on the roster but it’s not showing up on Saturdays.
There’s still a lot of football left to be played and the Huskers can certainly turn things around. Right now, however, this is a team that’s going to have to scratch and claw for every single win this season.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB