Nebraska football was blown out by Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers 56-7

Nebraska football was supposed to be the toughest opponent Indiana had faced all season. Instead, the Huskers were just another opponent that was steamrolled by the Hoosiers.

Under first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana defeated Nebraska 56-7 on Homecoming weekend. The No. 16 Hoosiers remain undefeated on the year while the Huskers fall to 5-2, including a 2-2 record in Big Ten Conference play.

For superstitious people, Nebraska wore all-white uniforms. The Huskers are now 7-15 with the All Whites since 1970.

Nebraska has now lost three games to Indiana by more than 40 points: 2024 (56-7), 1945 (54-14), 1944 (54-0) and 1943 (54-13).

The Hoosiers struck first, scoring eight plays on their first drive to score a touchdown. The ensuing kickoff led Husker fans to suspect that no special teams work was done during the bye week, as Jacory Barney Jr. caught the ball at the 1-yard line and went out of bounds.

Although the Huskers got a first down, they were forced to punt. Indiana returned freshman Blackshirt Brian Buschini’s punt from 20 yards to set up in Nebraska territory.

A few plays later, Indiana was stopped on fourth down and gave the ball back to Nebraska. This, along with an interception at the end of the first half, marked the only time the Hoosiers did not score a touchdown until a punt with 6:25 left in the game.

Nebraska, on the other hand, only managed a single touchdown in the first half. Barney got a key outside block from Thomas Fidone II. Nebraska then followed up with two three-and-outs, essentially sealing the game until halftime.

Indiana defeated Nebraska 495-304 that day.

Hoosiers quarterback Kurtis Rourke left the game with 189 yards on 17-for-21 passing. He had a touchdown pass and the interception came with a Hail Mary to end the first half. Tayven Jackson came in and threw for 91 yards and two touchdowns in garbage time.

The Hoosiers ran for 215 yards, led by Justice Ellison with 105 yards and two scores. Indiana had five rushing touchdowns on the day.

Nebraska hadn’t given up the touchdown before the loss in Bloomington.

The Huskers signed Dylan Raiola for 44 passes. Raiola completed 28 of them for 234 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.

Nebraska’s rushing game didn’t seem to get to Bloomington as the Huskers only managed 70 yards. The leading rusher was Heinrich Haarberg with 32 yards, mostly in garbage time.

NU is back on the road next weekend at No. 4 Ohio State. The Huskers and Buckeyes kick off at 11 a.m. CDT on FOX.

Nebraska Athletics Notes

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