Nebraska dropped its fourth straight game for the third time under head coach Matt Rhule. The Huskers stalled offensively again, leading to Dana Holgorsen's firing. But the other two phases also didn't fare better.
Illinois got the better of Nebraska's defense, while mistakes plagued the Huskers' offense and special teams. Now, with three games remaining, it's hard to say whether this team can break out of this funk or keep slipping. But regardless, this game overall was not a good outing.
Here is the report card from Nebraska’s disappointing loss to Illinois.
Quarterback: C+
Anthony Colandrea looked better this week, despite again throwing over 40 passes and coming away with only one touchdown. However, things never seemed consistent or carried an identity that
benefited Nebraska’s offense. Granted, that isn’t entirely on Colandrea.
At the same time, though, whether because of questionable play-calling or tough setbacks, he still looked out of place at times. Colandrea still threw the ball off target at times, especially on deep shots that fell short, and still appeared indecisive when it came to runs and passes. He also took two more sacks.
Even Colandrea’s touchdown was a toss-up that still resulted in a score. On top of that, he finished with 32 completions for just 284 yards. Though he threw more efficiently here than against Washington and avoided turnovers, the passing game lacked explosiveness.
With Dana Holgorsen’s departure, it’s tough to say where the offense goes from here. For Colandrea, he needs to get back into the form he was in before this offensive drought began. At the same time, though, he’s got to be careful and not turn the ball over.
Running Backs: B+
Another week that saw the running back look efficient, despite being heavily limited. On just 22 carries, Jamal Rule, Isaiah Mozee and Mekhi Nelson combined for 115 yards, averaging over five yards per carry. However, this group once again seemed to disappear at times on offense.
Nelson got the ball only once all game, turning it into a 15-yard touchdown run. On multiple fourth-and-short plays, the Huskers never attempted to run the ball. What’s more, five of Rules’ 15 carries came on a single third-quarter drive.
After a string of games where this group struggled to put up yards, the trio has done a good amount even with limited carries. Nebraska’s final three games could determine a lot for the future of this team. With the run game finding some success, this group needs to get more involved.
Wide Receivers: C+
The receiving corps caught 25 of Colandrea’s 32 completions. However, they totaled only 248 yards. Jacory Barney Jr. picked up 51 yards on one catch, coming down with Colandrea’s toss up and then breaking out for a touchdown. This came well after Barney slipped up and was penalized for illegal motion.
Outside of Barney’s catch, however, this unit really lacked explosiveness. Yet that’s been the theme for this offense over the past four games. Again, it’s hard to determine whether play-calling or rough receiver play is what keeps this offense stalled.
Even then, Barney, Kwazi Gilmer and Luke Lindenmeyer saw at least two passes slip by them, which is costly. A rework is clearly needed. But for this unit, they need to find a way to get bigger plays downfield without needing a miracle.
Offensive Line: C+
The pipeline honestly played well. They opened holes for the running backs. Colandrea was sacked twice, but he still threw over 40 passes. However, the line's main issues were penalties.
The line coughed up four, and each one felt like it derailed drives. Not all of them did, but it's troubling that those moments can affect the offense so much. But whether it’s because the referees are being strict or the players are slipping up, penalties shouldn’t happen regardless.
The blocking has improved, but the penalties cannot continue, especially as the offense enters a three-game stretch without Dana Holgorsen. The Huskers can find some offensive success, but it starts with making sure the line, at the very least, doesn’t regress.
Defensive Line: C+
Much like the offensive line, the defensive line didn’t do a horrendous job. But crucial plays didn’t go the Blackshirts way in the trenches either. Despite holding Illinois up in the run game and even sacking Katin Houser once, the line just never delivered in the moments that truly counted.
When the Fighting Illini needed a few yards, they usually got it. The line just couldn’t get a stop or produce that much pressure in those plays. Now, such plays have occurred in recent weeks. But after weeks of offensive woes, those plays have become all the more crucial.
Nebraska’s been present in the trenches. However, presence isn’t enough. The line needs to come through on the big plays, particularly on third down. With the offense struggling, the defense still needs to come through.
Linebackers: B-
Nebraska’s second level earned a sack and three tackles for loss. Vincent Shavers also led the team with seven tackles. However, the group mainly remained inconsequential.
Illinois’ success in the passing game came downfield near the sidelines. As for the run game, the Fighting Illini never managed to break through the second level. However, the most noticeable issue for Nebraska’s linebackers didn’t help the defense create game-defining moments.
That’s another aspect that’s been absent not just for this group, but for all position groups. The lack of turnovers and other major plays has put the Huskers in tough positions each week. If groups like the second level close out the season like this, Nebraska could go 5-7.
Defensive Backs: C-
Nebraska’s secondary suffered some woes each game this year. But whereas past games saw the group fall late, they struggled early and often here. Illinois’ Katin Houser threw for 22-of-36, 292 yards, and three touchdowns. Three receivers also averaged over 15 yards per reception for the Fighting Illini.
Collin Dixon caught eight passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns but was targeted 15 times. Hudson Clement caught five passes for 87 yards. Laughery also got two catches for 37 yards. Add a couple of penalties, and the Blackshirts had no answers in the passing game.
It’s hard to say what needs to happen in order to turn this around. Beforehand, the group only allowed one or two major plays and kept the passing primarily in check. But with the next three teams in front of them each having unique quarterback obstacles, this Nebraska secondary cannot allow another performance like this.
Special Teams: C-
The third phase keeps finding ways to slip up, resulting in more costly plays for Nebraska. This week, two more missed field goals and an Illinois fake field goal handed the Huskers a massive loss.
The missed kicks, of course, left six points off the board and even led the offense to go for it on fourth down in the third despite being in field goal range. The fake field goal, meanwhile, set the Fighting Illini up inside the five and led to a touchdown that became a major factor.
Archie Wilson punted only twice for the Huskers, delivering a 51-yard bomb. Barney got two punt returns, including a 19-yarder. He also had three kickoff return attempts, totaling 54 yards and a 26-yard return.
The main issue lies in field goals, and now it has spread to both sides of the ball. Something needs to change, because if this part of special teams keeps taking steps back, these final three games will be even bigger nightmares.
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Report card from Nebraska’s disappointing loss to Illinois
