It’s clear Matt Rhule’s team isn’t ready for primetime. PJ Fleck’s Minnesota Golden Gophers made sure of that by exposing #25 Nebraska in their 24-6 win in Huntington Bank Stadium. The Cornhuskers will do some soul-searching against Northwestern. But in order for the program to exorcise its demons, the Huskers will have to fix these concerns.
Nebraska’s Biggest Concerns Against Northwestern
The Left Tackle Spot
Nebraska’s offensive line was severely outmatched against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers sacked Dylan Raiola nine times and hurried him another five. This was mainly due to the absence of two of the Cornhuskers’ starters. Right guard Rocco Spindler exited the game with a broken finger. Plus, Elijah Pritchett was also absent from the starting lineup. His offensive targeting penalty in the first half cost him his opportunity against the Gophers. Luckily, the pair will both make their return against Northwestern. And for that, Donovan Raiola can breathe a sigh of relief. But, he shouldn’t relax just yet. Nebraska still has to address the left tackle spot. Gunnar Gottula gave up four sacks and one hurry in Minneapolis. Nebraska has veteran options along the line. But maybe Raiola should experiment with one of the program’s redshirt freshmen. Grant Brix and Preston Taumua were both four-star recruits. Their youth should help revitalize the Cornhuskers’ offensive line. However, it could also backfire. The pair doesn’t have enough experience to defend against Brendan Flakes. In Northwestern’s victory over Purdue, the defensive end had seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
Stalling In The Redzone
Minnesota’s secondary completely shut down Nebraska’s offense. Jacory Barney was held to one yard, and Dane Key wasn’t a factor either. The Kentucky transfer ended up being the Cornhuskers’ savior against Maryland. But he was an afterthought against Minnesota. The Golden Gophers’ secondary shut him down, which forced Raiola to look towards Nyziah Hunter. The gamble paid off. For the second straight week, the sophomore was able to lead the Huskers in receiving. He had five catches and 40 receiving yards. Quinn Clark also flashed against the Golden Gophers. The redshirt freshman picked up from where he left off against Akron with a 43-yard catch. This put the Nebraska offense in a prime position to score. But the Big Red only managed a field goal. Kyle Cunanan was perfect in Huntington Bank Stadium. But Nebraska needs to get in the end zone against the Wildcats. This is where Emmett Johnson comes in. The junior has to redeem himself after mustering only 63 yards last week. He also had his second-lowest average when it came to yards per carry. It’s up to offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen to get Nebraska’s rushing attack going once again.
Secondary Struggles
Nebraska’s veteran secondary had a great start to the season. Through four games, the Big Red allowed its opponents to pass for less than 100 yards. But in the Huskers’ last two games on the road, Addison Williams’ group has struggled defending the pass. Their issues began at Maryland with Malik Washington. The Terrapins’ freshman quarterback threw for 249 yards and one touchdown. Plus, the Blackshirts struggled to contain Minnesota’s Drake Lindsay. The redshirt freshman was able to complete 80% of his passes for 153 yards and one score. Nebraska can easily stop this trend. But the Cornhuskers will have to make a statement against Preston Stone. The senior had two touchdowns and one interception against Purdue.
An Attitude Problem?
John Butler’s defense wasn’t mentally prepared to take on Minnesota. This allowed the Golden Gophers to take advantage on the ground with Darius Taylor. He was able to gash Nebraska’s defense for 148 yards and a touchdown. It also helped that the team’s wide receivers got open when they needed to. Le’Meke Brockington had a 20-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter, and Malachi Coleman had a 15-yard reception. The Blackshirts will need to rise to the occasion in Memorial Stadium. Northwestern head coach David Braun won’t make it easy. Griffin Wilde has four receiving touchdowns on the season. And Caleb Komolafe will be ready to go. The sophomore back has 483 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Back Home.
🗓️10.25
⏰11:00 AM CT
🏟️ Memorial Stadium vs Northwestern
📺 @FS1 pic.twitter.com/hYQ4lQX9gA— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) October 20, 2025
Main Image: Kylie Graham-Imagn Images
