In a disappointing 24-6 defeat against Minnesota, Nebraska’s offense struggled to establish any rhythm. The team managed only 213 yards on 55 offensive plays, placing them at a 5-2 record for the season. Below is a comprehensive analysis based on Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and snap counts following this challenging matchup.
Nebraska’s Offensive Breakdown Against Minnesota
Quarterback Performance
Quarterback Dylan Raiola faced immense pressure throughout the game, suffering nine sacks and recording a season-low QBR of 39.6. He completed 17 passes out of 36 attempts for 177 yards, but avoided turnovers, which was a small consolation. PFF indicated that three of the sacks were attributed to Raiola, further complicating his performance under duress.
Running Back Analysis
Junior running back Emmett Johnson had a subdued game, averaging 4.5 yards per carry—his lowest this season due to the ineffective offensive line. Despite the challenges, he managed to execute three runs of ten yards or more. Freshman Isaiah Mozee contributed minimally, tallying two carries for seven yards. Remarkably, after accounting for sacks, Nebraska ran the ball only 20 times, about 12 fewer than their average.
Wide Receiver Contributions
Facing a strong secondary, Nebraska’s wide receivers struggled to make an impact. Key starters Jacory Barney Jr. and Dane Key produced only one catch collectively. In contrast, sophomore Nyziah Hunter stood out as the leading target for the third week in a row. Redshirt freshman Quinn Clark’s 43-yard reception was the team’s longest play from scrimmage. Overall, they amassed just 45 yards on seven catches, marking Nebraska’s least productive passing performance this season.
Tight End and Fullback Highlights
Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer delivered a standout performance, recording four receptions for 52 yards. In the season’s first seven games, he has accumulated 23 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns, demonstrating his value as a reliable target for the offense. His ability to gain yards after the catch showcases his importance in sustaining offensive drives.
Offensive Line Struggles
The offensive line faced significant challenges during the game, with nearly 17% of plays ending in sacks. The line allowed five sacks and six quarterback hurries, reflecting a lack of protection for the quarterback. Key injuries affected the unit, with guard Rocco Spindler leaving early and left tackle Elijah Pritchett receiving an ejection for targeting. Despite these setbacks, Nebraska averaged 5.2 yards on first down plays, emphasizing potential that was largely unrealized.
Looking Ahead
Nebraska must regroup and address its offensive deficiencies before facing a 5-2 Northwestern team. The upcoming matchup will require significant adjustments to achieve bowl eligibility and to enhance overall team performance.
