College Football can be odd.
There is a difference between a bad football team and a football team playing bad football.
And right now, Nebraska fans are trying to figure out which one they’re watching.
The Huskers opened the 2026 season with five consecutive victories, each by at least 18 points. Since then, they’ve lost four straight, dropping to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. The latest disappointment came Friday night in Champaign, where Nebraska outgained Illinois 426-376 but couldn’t turn
enough opportunities into points, eventually falling 24-13.
The offense has become a legitimate concern. Nebraska scored at least 31 points in each of its first five games but hasn’t managed 18 in any of its last four. Following the Illinois loss, head coach Matt Rhule made a change at offensive coordinator, dismissing Dana Holgorsen and handing play-calling responsibilities to Glenn Thomas. Sometimes a change is necessary. Sometimes it’s an admission that the current approach simply isn’t working. Probably a little of both.
Fortunately, the Blackshirts haven’t forgotten how to play football.
Nebraska ranks 12th nationally in total defense, allowing just 282.4 yards per game. The Huskers are also 11th in rushing defense, surrendering only 90.3 yards per contest, and lead the country in third-down defense. That’s not just good defense. That’s the kind of defense that gives an offense a chance to win football games, even when the offense isn’t doing it any favors.
Now comes a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey, to take on Greg Schiano’s Rutgers Scarlet Knights. Rutgers is 2-7 overall and 1-5 in conference play after a 31-10 loss at Wisconsin. The Scarlet Knights have struggled defensively, allowing 32.4 points and 411.9 yards per game. That’s 125th and 121st nationally, respectively.
Rutgers does have a capable running back in Antwan Raymond, who has rushed for 789 yards and six touchdowns. But Nebraska’s strength happens to be stopping the run. And Rutgers will be without its leading receiver, KJ Duff, who is out for the season following ankle surgery. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan is also listed out, while backup AJ Surace is questionable. That’s a considerable amount of uncertainty for a struggling offense.
There are some injury concerns on the Nebraska side, too. Linebacker Owen Chambliss and cornerback Andrew Marshall have been ruled out on the first availability report, so the Blackshirts won’t be at full strength.
TheFanDuel Sportsbook currently has Nebraska as a 14.5-point road favorite, with the moneyline at -780 for the Huskers and +550 for Rutgers. The over/under is sitting at 51.5.
Four consecutive losses are difficult to ignore, but this matchup presents an opportunity for Nebraska to get back on track. A struggling Rutgers defense, a depleted Scarlet Knight receiving corps, and a Husker defense that remains among the nation’s best make for an interesting Saturday morning.
Choose wisely. Play responsibly.
And Go Big Red. Always.
