Nebraska had the edge for most of the night in Eugene. The Huskers led 14-6 after three quarters, was clearly better on both sides of the ball, and forced Oregon into an ugly, low-scoring fight. Then, as if Hollywood scripted it, former Husker Dylan Raiola came off the bench in the fourth, led two scoring drives, and found Jamari Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown with 28 seconds left. Oregon added the two-point conversion and walked off with a 17-14 win. Another lead late against a quality opponent gone. Woof.
1. Got to learn to win games like this.
This is two weeks in a row. Nebraska had a late lead against Indiana and couldn’t finish. It had an eight-point lead entering the fourth at Oregon and couldn’t finish. Oregon has had its rough spots this year—the Ducks are unranked and dealing with quarterback issues—but it is still Oregon. Still a preseason favorite with one of the most expensive rosters in the country and talent stacked at every position. Nebraska was the better team through three quarters, just like it was against Indiana. At some point, that has to turn into a win. You cannot keep handing these games back. Closing them is the next step this program has to take, and it has to happen sooner rather than later, as fans grow restless.
2. Special teams isn’t very special.
Football is a three-phase game. Right now Nebraska is only playing one of them consistently (defense). Archie Wilson fielded a low snap with his knee on the ground, essentially handing Oregon the ball in plus territory and a field goal. There were punts in the 30-yard range that failed to flip the field. Kickoff returns that ended up setting the offense up behind the 25 when a fair catch would have been the smarter play. Field position matters in games like this, and Nebraska kept giving it away. It is maddening, it is costly, and it is not acceptable against teams that can capitalize on every mistake.
3. The offense has to find consistency.
Oregon’s defense is good—it has been one of the better units in the country in several categories this season, particularly on third down, and it held Nebraska to 242 total yards. The Huskers managed a couple of timely scores but little else. Running lanes were nonexistent for long stretches. Receivers struggled to create separation. Yes, there were injuries to key pieces like Jamal Rule, and others such as Jacory Barney and others dealing with various issues, but that is football. You cannot bank on perfect health in October. The bye week needs to produce a clearer, more consistent plan on offense. The defense gave this team a chance again. The offense has to start matching it when the game is on the line.
