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College football often delivers surprises, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers are currently a prime example. The team is mired in a four-game losing streak after a promising 5-0 start, leaving fans to wonder whether the Huskers are a bad team or simply playing bad football.
Nebraska opened the 2026 season with five straight wins, each by at least 18 points. Since then, the Huskers have dropped four consecutive games, falling to 5-4 overall and 2-4 in Big Ten play. The latest setback came Friday night in Champaign, where Nebraska outgained Illinois 426-376 but managed only 13 points in a 24-13 loss.
The offense has become a legitimate concern. After scoring at least 31 points in each of their first five games, the Huskers have failed to reach 18 points in any of their last four. Following the Illinois loss, head coach Matt Rhule dismissed offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and handed play-calling duties to Glenn Thomas. The change may be both necessary and an admission that the previous approach wasn't working.
Fortunately for Nebraska, the Blackshirts defense remains elite. The Huskers rank 12th nationally in total defense, allowing just 282.4 yards per game. They are 11th in rushing defense (90.3 yards per game) and lead the country in third-down defense. That level of defensive prowess gives the offense a chance to win even when it struggles.
Next up is a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey, to face 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, ranking 125th and 121st nationally, respectively.
Rutgers does feature a capable running back in Antwan Raymond, who has rushed for 789 yards and six touchdowns. However, Nebraska's strength is stopping the run. The Scarlet Knights will also be without leading receiver KJ Duff, who is out for the season following ankle surgery. Quarterback Dylan Lonergan is listed out, and backup AJ Surace is questionable, creating significant uncertainty for an already struggling offense.
Nebraska has its own injury concerns. 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.
FanDuel Sportsbook lists Nebraska as a 14.5-point road favorite, with the moneyline at -780 for the Huskers and +550 for Rutgers. The over/under is set at 51.5.
Key Analysis
Four consecutive losses are hard to overlook, but this matchup offers Nebraska a chance 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 intriguing Saturday morning. The odds favor Nebraska, but the outcome will depend on whether the offense can capitalize on the opportunities presented.
Originally reported by yahoo.