Nebraska football faced a crushing defeat against Indiana, finishing the game with a score of 56-7. This marked the highest point total allowed by Nebraska since 2018, when they lost to Michigan 56-10. The team’s recent performance continues a troubling trend, as this loss was their second-largest since joining the Big Ten.
Indiana, now ranked No. 16, improved to 7-0, while Nebraska falls to 5-2 and remains without bowl eligibility. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who struggled throughout the game, completed 28 of 44 passes for 234 yards but was intercepted three times. Coach Matt Rhule noted that not all of those interceptions were solely Raiola’s fault. The Huskers also committed two fumbles, finishing the game with a disappointing minus-four turnover ratio, with Indiana capitalizing on these mistakes.
Indiana’s starting quarterback, Kurtis Rourke, completed 17 of 21 passes for 189 yards and one touchdown before leaving the game due to a thumb injury. His replacement, Tayven Jackson, threw for 91 yards and two touchdowns, as Indiana wrapped up the clock with three consecutive kneel downs.
Despite a time of possession advantage of 32:08 to 27:52, Nebraska could not overcome Indiana’s dominance on the field. The Hoosiers rushed for 215 yards and five touchdowns against a Nebraska defense that had previously excelled in stopping the run. Nebraska managed to generate 304 yards of offense, yet fell short, ending the first half with 39 fewer yards than Indiana amassed by halftime.
Indiana has been a scoring powerhouse this season, averaging 47.5 points per game. Coach Rhule expressed disappointment over the team’s performance but maintained confidence in the players’ efforts. He is hopeful they will bounce back, as Nebraska prepares for an upcoming challenge against No. 3 Ohio State.
The defeat has left the team and fans reeling, with Raiola commenting, “It is what it is right now.” Ultimately, the heartbreaking score signifies a challenging moment for the Huskers, who must regroup as the season progresses.