Indiana Hands Nebraska an Embarrassing Blowout

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Any thoughts that the No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers (7-0, 4-0) were a “fraud” were put to rest with the Hoosiers' dominating 56-7 win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers (5-2, 2-2) at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington, Ind.

Close One Early

The two teams clashed offensively in the first quarter, with Indiana taking the lead with a 5-yard rushing touchdown from RB Justice Ellison. The Hoosiers then pulled even further ahead with a 7-yard touchdown reception for WR Myles Price to make the score 14-0. Nebraska would get on the board after a 7-yard rushing touchdown from WR Jacory Barney Jr., bringing the score to 14-7 halfway through the second quarter. Unfortunately for the Cornhuskers, that’s where the fun ended on Saturday afternoon. 

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Two quick touchdowns for Indiana before the end of the first half sealed the game for the Hoosiers. Tyson Lawton and Ellison put the game out of touch with back-to-back rushing touchdowns and coach Curt Cignetti’s rushing attack would provide all the offense Indiana would need as they ran for 215 yards. The bulk of those yards came courtesy of Ellison who ran for 105 and two touchdowns. Lawton also added to the total, picking up 64 yards and a touchdown as well. 

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Huskers' QB Struggles

It was not the day that Nebraska fans and quarterback Dylan Raiola were expecting. Raiola struggled as he threw 28-44 passes for 0 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Recently, Raiola has struggled to find the consistency that made him a possible Big Ten conference Freshman All-First Team candidate at the beginning of the season. After the game, coach Matt Rhule said that he was “embarrassed” at the play of his team. Nebraska was not favored heading into this game and most lines had them losing by a touchdown, but getting blown out wasn’t the outcome many predicted. 

What's Next for Indiana?

This win for Indiana has major implications. Their first “quality win” this season means that the No. 16 Hoosiers will surely move up in the rankings this upcoming week. Indiana's next game will be against the Washington Huskies, and Nebraska's next matchup will be a tough one against the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes.