3 things learned from Nebraska football’s loss to Minnesota

Two days later, it’s still hard to fathom what happened to Nebraska football against Minnesota.

Except, it’s not that hard to fathom at all. Nebraska fans, many of them, keep believing things will be different. Friday was a reminder that they aren’t.

Matt Rhule loves to talk. He said the Huskers were on a “roll” earlier this week. He also talked a lot about the 2026 season on the Pat McAfee show. Maybe he should have been talking or thinking more about Minnesota.

Minnesota was prepared. Nebraska was shell-shocked — surprised that a former Big Ten West foe would challenge the Huskers to a street fight. The Gophers knew the Huskers weren’t up for it, and they were right.

Mentally, physically, in every way possible. One week or one game doesn’t make a season. But some disturbing trends keep rearing their ugly head. After re-watching the game, here are three things we learned.

Nebraska isn’t good enough in the run game

The Huskers aren’t good enough at running the ball or stopping the run in the Big Ten. Emmett Johnson has put up some great numbers in four games and throughout the season.

Yet, Friday was a reminder that the Huskers struggle to run the ball against some of the most physical teams in the Big Ten.

If Nebraska wants to start beating teams like Michigan, Iowa,  and Minnesota — teams that Matt Rhule is a combined 0-6 against– they have to start running the ball better and stopping the run.

Minnesota out-rushed Nebraska 186-36. Michigan out-rushed Nebraska 286-43. In five games against Power-4 opponents this season, the defense is allowing 177.6 rushing yards.

That would rank 110th in college football.

Offensively, Emmett Johnson has been great. Yet, the Huskers don’t have the commitment to the run game that’s needed. They also can’t run the ball in the red zone.

The running back depth is a major issue. Emmett Johnson needed more carries. However, he was already leading the conference in rushing attempts per game. He can’t carry the ball 25 times per game. That’s why you need more than one back, because if Johnson gets hurt, the run game will be in a world of hurt.

There’s a shocking lack of depth. It was also shocking to see just 18 true rushing attempts, while the offense surrendered nine sacks. Johnson rushed for 63 yards on 14 attempts (4.5 yards per carry). The game was close most of the way, and there was no reason to abandon the run as Dana Holgorsen did.

Offensive tackle is a crisis

If Elijah Pritchett wasn’t kicked out of the game for targeting, things probably wouldn’t have gotten that bad. Mental mistakes have been an issue, but truth be told, he’s the only one who has looked comfortable on the field.

Gunnar Gottula allowed four sacks on Friday. On one play, he didn’t even block the EDGE. It was unreal. Teddy Prochazka and Turner Corcoran have been awful this season.

Pritchett jumped on top of a player on a screen pass on 3rd-and-17. Just a bad mental mistake for a dude who made plenty of mental errors in fall camp.

Tyler Knaak played at guard for Rocco Spindler and got pushed around. I wondered where Grant Brix was. Either way, after investing heavily in the offensive line in the portal, Nebraska doesn’t have a single reliable player at offensive tackle, which is a roster construction problem.

The quarterback, who does need to be more decisive, is paying the price.

Matt Rhule has tough decisions to make

Like last season, when he relieved the play-calling duties from Marcus Satterfield, Rhule has some difficult decisions to make. The offensive line coach, Donovan Raiola, hasn’t been up to snuff. Whether a veteran assistant is needed to supplement him or a new O-line coach is needed altogether, something has to be done.

There is still too much inconsistency on the offensive line. There just hasn’t been enough improvement at the position since Rhule took over. You could argue there’s virtually been none.

The defensive scheme might be an issue, too. A lack of defensive line talent is the bigger problem. John Butler has done a decent job so far this season, but there hasn’t been much adjusting to stop the run.

And whatever you do on the backend, you can’t allow 177 yards per game on the ground. Rhule needs to decide if this defense can actually work in the Big Ten. Although it might be about the players rather than the plays being called.

The program needs to have a come-to-Jesus moment now, because if there is a loss next week to Northwestern, well, that’s too terrible to think about.

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