Nebraska football faces a critical test this Saturday, Oct. 10, as the 5-0 Cornhuskers host the defending national champion Indiana Hoosiers. Matt Rhule’s team, currently on a 31-game losing streak against ranked opponents, looks to secure its first victory over a top-10 team since 2015 at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Opportunity to End a Decade-Long Ranked Losing Streak
Nebraska enters the matchup with an undefeated 5-0 record, marking the program’s strongest start since 2016. Despite this momentum, the Cornhuskers face a daunting historical hurdle: they have not defeated an AP Top 25 opponent in 31 consecutive attempts. The last such victory occurred on Sept. 17, 2016, against No. 22 Oregon. Nebraska has spent a decade attempting to return to the level of high-stakes games like this one, with the program now nationally relevant and hosting a top-10 opponent.
The stakes are amplified by the opponent. Indiana arrives in Lincoln also undefeated at 5-0, riding a 21-game winning streak following a 47-15 victory over Rutgers. While Nebraska has dominated its early schedule, winning each of its first five games by at least 18 points, head coach Matt Rhule faces the challenge of cleaning up disciplinary issues. The Cornhuskers are currently averaging 43.6 points per game while surrendering just 14.2.
Charlie McBride’s Defensive Strategy Against Indiana
Former Nebraska defensive coordinator Charlie McBride, a three-time national champion who served the program for 18 years, emphasizes that the game will be won or lost in the trenches. Speaking with Adam Carriker, McBride suggests that Nebraska’s defense must prioritize containment, specifically keeping Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover in the pocket to prevent explosive plays and ensuring the defense knows where help is coming from to avoid letting plays reach the perimeter.
He warns that missing a single tackle could be the deciding factor in such a high-stakes matchup. The objective is to disrupt Indiana’s offensive rhythm while ensuring the defense remains assignment-sound to avoid giving up long runs. McBride stressed that the Huskers must make Hoover feel pressure, but they must also remain under control to avoid losing containment.
Rhule Uses Colandrea in Run Game to Open Passing Lanes
On the offensive side, Matt Rhule plans to utilize quarterback Anthony Colandrea as a dynamic component of the run game. Rhule noted that incorporating Colandrea into zone reads and RPOs creates necessary spacing for the team’s passing attack. Rhule indicated that the team must make opponents defend the quarterback to open up the passing lanes.
“It was good, one thing about the run game is we look at Anthony’s (Colandrea) part in the run game. We’re going to make people defend our quarterback and it opens up the passing game.”
Matt Rhule, Nebraska Head Coach
Rhule also addressed the team’s preparation, emphasizing that while players may not always enjoy the repetitive nature of practice, they must respect the process to develop technique. Regarding player health, Rhule noted that Jacory was uncertain to play last week, but the player woke up on Saturday morning ready to compete. The team also prepares for specific offensive looks, including RPO threats like Nick Marsh or Charlie Becker, which require precise tackling practice.
Nebraska Faces No. 7 Indiana on Oct. 10
The matchup between Nebraska and No. 7 Indiana is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m. (CT). The game will be broadcast on FOX, with radio coverage available through the Huskers Radio Network. This contest offers Nebraska a chance to announce its return to the national conversation and prove it belongs among the top teams in the Big Ten.
Worth a look
