Iowa Postgame and Butler fired!

Wow…that was quick.

Iowa rolled into town and - despite the heroics of team MVP Emmett Johnson - steamrolled the Big Red 40-16. While Jay was optimistic in calling for a Big Red victory, Bob saw this coming in last week’s podcast, predicting an Iowa blowout.

The game actually started well and was a 1-point game late in the 2nd quarter. A late score put Iowa up by 8 at halftime. Not great, but not insurmountable. The problem is, Nebraska is a terrible second-half team.

Not counting the tomato cans from Akron and Houston Christian, Nebraska was outscored 138-82 this season in the second half. The only two times they scored more than an opponent were the Michigan State and Northwestern games.

There are really only two reasons for continually getting outscored in the second half. The first (and most obvious) is the lack of halftime adjustments by the coaching staff - time after time SMQ seemed to see a light switch go off with other teams that said “here’s how we’re going to beat them and they’re powerless to stop us.” The second reason is that the team is out of shape and gets worn down. With the advent of the 3-minute break on timeouts, you would think this is a lesser concern…but who knows.

The end result? Embarrassment, combined with a serious re-thinking of Coach Rhule’s extension.

While we were busy licking our wounds and wondering what was going to happen, Coach Rhule dropped a bomb and fired defensive coordinator John Butler. In a world where things move fast, THAT was fast.

Whenever you make such a big decision, it begs one question: Did Rhule know that he was going to do this before the game? As business guys, Bob and Jay know that “knee-jerk” decisions aren’t really so knee-jerk.

The next question is, what other dominoes are going to fall? While TJ Lateef did his best to run the offense, the Huskers went from over 25 points a game with Raiola (not counting the tomato cans) to only 18 with Lateef (and 13 in the last two games.) To be fair to Butler, if your offense can’t score, you’re already behind the defensive 8-ball.

At SMQ, we think the problem is one of philosophy - we keep bringing in JV offensive and defensive philosophies into the Big 10. For the defense, we bring in a Pro-style defense that protects the pass first…while teams maul the Huskers in the run game. For the offense, we have long, long, long-developing plays that lack the speed needed to win in the Big 10.

Letting Butler go is a good first step. The big question is - what happens next?
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SUNDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK: The “Corn Supremacy” Edition

Nebraska rebounds and defeats Iowa 21-14.

Black Friday in Lincoln has always carried its own electricity, but this year’s Heroes Game feels especially charged. Nebraska sits at 7–4, coming off a humbling 37–10 loss at Penn State, licking wounds and reevaluating identity. Yet here come the Iowa Hawkeyes, the annual reminder that while both states grow corn, only one grows the kind people actually want to eat. Nebraska’s is sweet, golden, and worthy of a Thanksgiving table. Iowa’s… well, it looks like it was grown in a ditch beside a fireworks stand and tastes like gravel

This week marks the beginning of a new chapter for Nebraska football. With Dylan Raiola sidelined for the season and recovering from a fractured fibula, the offense now belongs to T.J. Lateef. The freshman brings California cool, but Black Friday in Lincoln demands something more elemental, grit that cuts through cold winds and pressure-filled drives. The question isn’t whether Lateef has talent. It’s whether he can shoulder the weight of a rivalry defined by razor-thin margins and emotional swings that carry through the entire offseason.

If Lateef is going to succeed, he’ll need help from the most dependable unit on the team: the ground game. The Law Firm of Johnson, Nelson & Ives must be open for business from the opening whistle. Emmett Johnson has been the workhorse, but this is a game that demands depth and physicality. Mekhi Nelson and Kwinten Ives can spell him with the kind of complementary styles that challenge even Iowa’s famously stubborn front. Establishing the run does more than control the clock, it unlocks Lateef’s play-action ability and gives threats like Dane Key and Jacory Barney Jr. the downfield opportunities that Iowa hates to defend.  Oh and let’s not forget about the tight ends.  SMQ has been calling for the tight ends for weeks.

On the defensive side, the Blackshirts must rediscover their bite. Without Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher after their departures to the pros, the burden shifts to Cameron Lenhardt and Elijah Jeudy to impose themselves at the line of scrimmage. Marques Watson-Trent remains the emotional heartbeat of this group, a missile against the run and a disruptor in passing lanes. Iowa’s offense thrives only when opponents make mistakes. Clean football takes the Hawkeyes out of their comfort zone.

Special teams could likely be the difference and Mike Ekeler will have his group ready as always, the most dependable unit on the Husker’s squad.

Ultimately, this game comes down to discipline. Iowa survives on field position, turnovers, and forcing opponents into ugly football. Nebraska cannot oblige them. No giveaways. No special-teams disasters. Make Iowa earn every inch, they usually can’t.

Memorial Stadium will be loud, cold, and restless. Fans are tired of Iowa’s recent success in this rivalry, tired of close losses, and tired of watching the Heroes Trophy sit on the wrong side of the river. This feels like a day when the energy of Lincoln tilts the field.

In a game where style points evaporate and toughness reigns, I’m picking the Huskers to take back what’s theirs.

Prediction: Nebraska 21, Iowa 14.
The Heroes Trophy returns to Lincoln, and the nation is reminded once again: the good corn grows west of the Missouri.
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Nebraska vs. Penn State: Saturday Night Lights, Corn vs. Mysterious Cat Creature

Vegas Odds Makers have this all wrong a +9.5 for Nebraska

Saturday night in Happy Valley means one thing: national television, 100,000 fans, and a showdown between two programs that both believe they’re climbing back toward Big Ten supremacy. Nebraska rolls in with momentum, toughness, and a defense that has quietly matured into one of the more disruptive units in the conference. Penn State counters with talent, speed, and of course the Nittany Lion, a mascot that continues to confuse zoologists everywhere. Is it a mountain lion? A house cat with a gym membership? A taxidermy project gone wrong? No one really knows. But he’ll be there, leaping awkwardly and doing that single-paw flex he loves so much.

Nebraska arrives with a swagger we haven’t seen in years, and a big chunk of that starts with TJ Lateef, the California-cool quarterback who plays like he’s ordering acai bowls between drives. Lateef has settled into the offense with surprising calm, reading defenses, making smart throws, and keeping plays alive with his legs. He’s not rattled by the moment, the noise, or the fact that a grown man in a furry lion suit is going to be screaming at him from six feet away. TJ’s seen weirder things in Los Angeles.

Next to him is the engine of the offense, Emmett Johnson, the best running back in the Big Ten and the human embodiment of “we’re gonna keep running it and there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.” If Emmett hits the second level, call your insurance agent because someone’s about to file a claim. Penn State’s linebackers may be fast but fast doesn't matter when you’re meeting a man who treats arm tackles like minor inconveniences and/or speed bumps on the highway to the end zone.

Penn State’s defense will throw athletes at Nebraska, but this isn’t the old Huskers offense. This version has rhythm, purpose, and a nasty streak. And defensively, Nebraska is built for this kind of game. The Blackshirts have been punching offensive lines in the mouth all year, and they’d love nothing more than to turn the Nittany Lion into a nervous house cat by halftime.

And speaking of the Lion, look, if that creature showed up on your porch at night, you wouldn’t run. You’d hand it a bowl of milk and call animal control. Meanwhile, real corn feeds nations, feeds livestock, and feeds victory. Corn is currency. Corn is power.

Prediction: Under national-television lights, Nebraska leans on Lateef’s poise and Emmett’s relentless motor.Huskers 27, Penn State 23.
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Swimming pools, movie stars, and VICTORY

The Big Red brings an old-fashioned Big 10 offense to Pasadena to come away with the victory!

The Big Red flew into Los Angeles after last week’s defeat to USC at a pivotal point. Without Dylan Raiola - and facing a resurgent UCLA team - would the Huskers have what it took to shake off the loss? Would true freshman TJ Lateef be able to survive behind a porous offensive line? Would we win enough games to go a warm-weather bowl game?

For 2+ seasons, the team at SMQ has been screaming for (1) POUND THE ROCK, (2) quick crossing patterns, and (3) 4-5 TE passes per game. You know, BIG TEN FOOTBALL! It turns out that Meatloaf was right - “two outta three ain’t bad.”

SMQ has strong feelings for the UCLA game plan. While the final score was 28-21, the real final score was a resounding 39-15! THIRTY-NINE runs against 15 passes. At one point, we even said “maybe they should take a shot downfield!” The Huskers were a study in ball control. Emmett Johnson was a workhorse with 28 carries and TJ Lateef showed just enough speed to keep UCLA’s defense on their heels. The passing game was crossing routes and screens that got the ball out of Lateef’s hands quickly and efficiently.

Against all odds, we even saw the inclusion of a WHEEL ROUTE, which SMQ has been screaming about all year! What happens? Touchdown!

One thing you didn’t hear about this game? Complaints about the offensive line. While our TE’s didn’t have a catch, they provided power in the running game with multiple “heavy” sets.  The Big Red opened lanes for Johnson to let the Huskers “pound the rock and eat the clock.”

Lateef was decisive with his runs and finished 13-15 in passing. The kid can play. Being back home could have been a challenge but the Big Red faithful filled the stands and were loud and proud for the Huskers.

The result? Victory!

7-3 is a nice place to be.
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Sunday Morning Quarterback – Nebraska vs. UCLA: Corn vs. Anthropomorphic Bears

Huskers will thrive with TJ Latiff and Emmett Johnson emerging as a new dynamic duo in the Big 10.

Saturday night under the lights at the Rose Bowl, Nebraska marches into Pasadena for a fist fight without their leader Dylan Raiola. UCLA may have the palm trees, the sunshine, and a few anthropomorphic bear mascots, but Nebraska has something far more real, a team built on grit, growth, and good old-fashioned corn-fed toughness with the league’s best running back, Emmet Johnson and a new quarterback TJ Lateef, who is very comfortable in California. This is a dynamic duo that has the potential for a record night.

Let’s start with the obvious: Bruins aren’t real (mostly in children’s fables). Corn is. You can feed your family with corn. You can power your car with corn. Heck, you can even brew a little something from it for after the game. Meanwhile, try to find a real-life bruin wandering around Los Angeles, you’re more likely to run into a TikTok influencer in a retro jersey. Advantage: Corn.

This game is about more than mascots and metaphors, though. It’s about identity. Matt Rhule’s Cornhuskers are at a crossroads with a new quarterback. The defense has found its rhythm in the secondary, but the trenches are concerning.  Will TJ Lateef have a breakout game or wilt under the lights?  SMQ predicts a breakout game.

On the other sideline, UCLA’s high-octane offense can score in bunches, but their line play has been shaky against physical teams. If the Blackshirts can contain the edges and force UCLA into long third downs, the “Corn Curtain” could turn the Rose Bowl into a long night for the blue and gold.

SMQ predicts that for Jerry Neuheisel it will not be a great day to be a Bruin.  Nico Lamaleava will be pressured and contained.  Matt Rhule will emerge from this crossroads with a victory and continue year three of his rebuild with momentum heading into Thanksgiving.

Prediction: Nebraska 21, UCLA 14.

Corn is greater than Bears all day every day.
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Nebraska throws victory into the jaws of defeat against the worst coach in the Big 10

The Big Red start hot but fail down the stretch. Plus, why do we hate our tight ends so much?

It was Blackout Night in Lincoln. The crowd was pumped. The team came out firing. Our offense finally got the message and began the game by pounding the rock. Emmett Johnson - one of the two best backs in the Big 10 - turned in an Ahman Green-type performance with 29 (!) carries for 167 yards and a touchdown, the most number of carries since Roy Helu toted the football 28 times against Missouri in 2010.

The result? USC spent a lot of time grasping hand-warmers and tossing bad passes. At halftime the Cornhuskers led, 14-6. There was joy in Lincoln.

Then came the dreaded halftime adjustment. USC outscored the Huskers 15-3 in the second half. This, despite facing quite possibly the worst big-game coach still employed in th Big 10 - Lincoln Riley. He needed an extremely fortunate trick play to get USC back into the game, when all they really had to do was run the ball over and over - as Nebraska could not stop the run.

Dylan Raiola did what he could to keep Nebraska pointed in the right direction until he got crushed on a sack and broke his leg. His injury - combined with a prior injury to Elijah Pritchett - meant that the Huskers would have some real challenges matriculating the ball down the field.

If you really think that Nebraska has a leaky offensive line, then there’s an antidote that Nebraska firmly refuses to take - the 5-yard pass to the tight end. For three seasons, we’ve watched long-developing plays turn into sacks (and now, a broken leg) and this game was no exception. While you might want to blame Holgerson, the fact that it’s spanned two OC’s puts the blame squarely on Coach Ruhle.

If you really think that Nebraska has a leaky offensive line, then there’s an antidote that Nebraska firmly refuses to take - the 5-yard pass to the tight end. For three seasons, we’ve watched long-developing plays turn into sacks (and now, a broken leg) and this game was no exception. While you might want to blame Holgerson, the fact that it’s spanned two OC’s puts the blame squarely on Coach Ruhle.

Enter TJ Lateef, the dual-threat freshman from California. The coaching staff seemed to strap him with an ultra-conservative game plan, including NOT going for it on 4th and 1, taking a highly questionable timeout, then missing the field goal. Even if they had ran the play and failed, it would probably not have been a worse outcome than what actually happened. The kid has a cannon. Let him eat.

Overall, Nebraska threw victory into the jaws of defeat, primarily because of coaching and an offensive philosophy that continues to ignore the realities of playing in Memorial Stadium. Here’s hoping that light dawns on the staff sooner rather than later.
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Was the Minnesota game an aberration - we’ll find out soon!

Here we go with the kickoff of a “Former Pac-10 Back-to-Back” set of games. First up? The Trojans of USC.

Lincoln Riley is a whiz at recruiting and developing quarterbacks. Winning tough road games? That might be another matter.

USC comes to town with a high-powered offense and a low-powered defense. Will they score points? Of course - they’re a Ferrari on offense. Will they give up points? They’re a Ferrari on snow on defense.

USC’s biggest enemy in this game might be…the airplane. The last two times they’re ventured east from the warm climate, sandy beaches, and mind-numbing traffic of Southern California, they’ve come up losers and given up 34 points. Here’s hoping for a three-peat!

USC’s second worst enemy might be…the weather. It’s in the 80’s this week in LA but kickoff should be somewhere in the mid-40’s in Lincoln. While no self-respecting Husker fan would consider that to be cold, the thin-skinned West Coasters might be getting more than a little chill AND have a terrible case of the winds.

The plan for Nebraska? Try not to turn this into a track meet. Control the rock and the clock. Will they be able to resist winging it at every turn? Doubtful.

This is Nebraska’s “stake in the ground” game for the rest of the season. Are the Huskers tough enough to beat a ranked team? Will their “Blackout” uniforms provide the perfect antidote for the “Surrender Whites?” Will the denizens of the University of Spoiled Children be able to handle the cold? We shall see!

USC - 33
Nebraska - 34
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Big November Tests Await After Huskers Take Care of Business vs. Upstart Northwestern

Commitment to the run and 4th quarter situational excellence carry the day.

On a crisp fall evening in Lincoln, Nebraska showed grit, discipline, and timely execution in a 28–21 victory over Northwestern. The win pushed the Cornhuskers to 6-2 on the season and reestablished their momentum heading into the back half of the Big Ten schedule.

First Half: Slow Grind and Defensive Battle

Both teams opened with strong defensive efforts. Nebraska struck first midway through the first quarter when running back Emmett Johnson capped a 69-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown run to give the Huskers a 7–0 lead. Northwestern responded with a pair of Jack Olsen field goals, one from 40 yards and another from 25, after stalling deep in Nebraska territory. The Wildcats’ ground game, anchored by running back Caleb Komolafe, found some rhythm, but the Husker defense tightened when it mattered most. Nebraska took a narrow 7–6 lead into halftime.

Third Quarter: Momentum Turns Red

The second half started with a thunderbolt. Nebraska’s return man Kenneth Williams took the opening kickoff 95 yards to the house, igniting Memorial Stadium and putting the Huskers ahead 14–6. Moments later, quarterback Dylan Raiola found receiver Nyziah Hunter on a 12-yard touchdown pass after a Northwestern turnover, pushing the lead to 21–6. The Wildcats fought back late in the quarter with a four-yard scoring run by Komolafe to trim the deficit to 21–13, setting up a tense final period.

Fourth Quarter: Northwestern Surges, Nebraska Responds

Northwestern found life early in the fourth when Komolafe broke free for a 56-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Preston Stone hit Hayden Eligon II for the two-point conversion to tie the game at 21 with just over 11 minutes remaining. But Nebraska refused to fold. Raiola calmly led a 13-play, 64-yard drive, converting four third downs along the way. Johnson finished it off with a four-yard touchdown run to put the Huskers back in front 28–21. The defense took it from there, forcing a turnover on downs in the closing minute to secure the win.

Game Notes

Johnson led Nebraska with 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Raiola showed poise in key moments. Komolafe paced Northwestern with 125 yards on the ground and two scores. The special teams touchdown by Williams proved to be the difference.

Nebraska’s ability to finish drives, control the fourth quarter, and deliver on special teams underscored a team maturing under Matt Rhule, one that now sits firmly in the Big Ten title hunt as USC comes knocking.‍‍

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Nebraska vs Northwestern Pregame

Two weeks ago, the fans of the then-mighty Cornhuskers were flying high and ready to take on any and all comers in the Big 10.

It's amazing the difference a week makes.

After last week’s pantsing by Minnesota, the Huskers now face a must-win game against the Wildcats of Northwestern. Two weeks ago, Husker fans would have predicted this game would be a blowout. Today…Nebraska fans stand at the edge of a dark and foreboding abyss – the “we’ve been here before and it stinks” chasm.

Alternatively, maybe it was just a stinker of a day. in the words of renowned philosopher Hannah Montana, "Everybody makes mistakes. Everybody has those days." It happens.

One good thing for the Big Red? Northwestern has had zero sacks in its last two victories. Then again, we also thought that Minnesota had a bad pass rush!

The coaching staff has to dig deep and come up with a solid game plan to defeat the suddenly resurgent Wildcats. As we’ve seen with both Indiana and UCLA, it’s the coaching that makes all the difference between winning and losing football.  Here's the most perplexing question of all about last week's shellacking...How did one of the top two backs in the Big 10 - Minneapolis native Emmett Johnson - only manage to get 14 carries for the entire game? Husker fans know that pounding the rock is the key to winning in the wild and windy Big 10 – SMQ is starting to wonder (actually, we've been wondering for the last two seasons) if that fact is lost on the current coaching staff.

Will they finally commit to the run game? Will they have more safety-valve plays to the tight end or quick-release passing plays? Or will they insist on doubling down with a slow-developing pass game that gets Dylan Raiola knocked on his butt NINE times in one game? Without a better plan, things might look grim for the Big Red.

We were at the Minnesota game and watched the bad offensive game plan unfold in front of us. We are keeping the faith that the Huskers will right the ship and emerge victorious in this suddenly critical game. However, we’re WAY less optimistic than we were two weeks ago – we’re not touching the point spread or the over.  Here’s hoping that the Huskers regain their winning ways.

After all, Nobody's Perfect.

Nebraska 21, Northwestern 17.‍‍

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Huskers were embarrassing in Minnesota: 9 sacks and no touchdowns.

Matt Rhule to Penn State suffers a fatal blow.  PJ Fleck deserves more consideration than Matt Rhule.

Friday night in Minneapolis, the Nebraska Cornhuskers under Matt Rhule ran into a buzz saw against the Minnesota Golden Gophers and walked off the field 24 to 6 wondering how it could go so wrong. Early on, Nebraska appeared to have its bearings with two long drives and respectable field position, but instead of touchdowns the Huskers settled for field goals. That first red zone stumble foreshadowed the disaster to come.

Minnesota brought relentless pressure, and Nebraska’s offensive line folded. Nine sacks allowed, a school record for Minnesota in this rivalry. Quarterback Dylan Raiola was hurried, flushed, hit, and harassed all night long. Combine that with the loss of two offensive linemen, guard Rocco Spindler to a broken finger and tackle Elijah Pritchett ejected for targeting, and you had a recipe for chaos.

What makes this one sting even more was the short week after the Maryland game, limiting preparation time, and the swirling rumors about Rhule’s candidacy for the Penn State job that didn’t exactly help keep the focus razor sharp. The sideline chatter made a difference.

Critically, Nebraska didn’t score a touchdown. Not one. For the first time in the Matt Rhule era, the Huskers went an entire game without finding the end zone. Two field goals, a hushed locker room, and the palpable sense of a program stumbling. On the flip side, Minnesota executed perfectly, including a 98-yard, 14 play drive in the third quarter. Their backs ran with purpose, and the Gophers punched through Nebraska’s front seven and pride.

Nebraska had the talent on paper.  Unfortunately, the game is played on grass. They can rush, they can pass, they’ve got the big recruits. But when the game got nasty, when Minnesota decided to make it a trench fight, the Huskers wilted. The narrative now isn’t just “we lost.” It’s “we got embarrassed.” And given the fact that rumors about Rhule’s future hovered all week, one wonders if the head coach was mentally checking the calendar instead of the tape.

To borrow from Carl Spackler, Nebraska came in with a license to kill Gophers but instead managed to shoot themselves in the foot. The Huskers had the targets lined up, the motivation in place, and every reason to make a statement, yet they fumbled the opportunity in spectacular fashion. Now the question remains: can Nebraska bounce back and show up for Northwestern next week, or is this unraveling the start of something deeper? Because if you surrender nine sacks and fail to score a touchdown, you’re not just off, you’re lost.

Matt Rhule needs to drop the podcast, cancel the Pat McAfee appearances, drop the special uniforms, skip the hair salon and eat some junk food.  Then take Mike Ekeler to lunch and ask him how to just focus on being a great football coach.  Rhule forgot about that this week, and his team paid the price.  Consequently, Husker Nation has more questions than answers.  Hopefully the Northwestern game fills in the blanks for the most loyal fan base in college football.‍‍

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Sunday Morning Quarterback – Nebraska vs. Minnesota: License to Kill Gophers

Huskers to end a five-year Losing streak!

Nebraska vs. Minnesota — Friday night lights, revenge on the line. Can the Huskers finally end a five-year drought and take back the North?

Matt Rhule’s squad rolls into Minneapolis ready to exterminate some Gophers. Dylan Raiola leads the charge — 73% passing, 1,591 yards, 16 TDs — with weapons Nyziah Hunter, Jacory Barney Jr., and Dane Key lighting up defenses. Emmett Johnson powers the ground game with 650 yards and seven scores.

Nebraska’s defense? Elite. Top in passing yards allowed, near the top in total defense. The only question: can they stop the run?

It’s grit vs. growth, patience vs. potential. But this feels like Nebraska’s night.

Prediction: Nebraska 31, Minnesota 17.
License renewed. Gophers exterminated.

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It was the messiest of wins, it was the mightiest of comebacks.

From turnovers to triumph — Nebraska earns it the hard way. SMQ says this one was EARNED. AGAIN.

The backdrop: Nebraska, riding a 4–1 record, rolls into College Park as underdogs by some, favorites by others — but Jay, Bob, and the faithful in the SMQ cornfield believe this is Nebraska's for the taking. Early on, the model is simple: feed Emmett Johnson, give Dylan Raiola just enough runway to play, and dare Maryland to stop the ground game. As I predicted in the preview, the Terrapins’ defense might roar early — but can they sustain it?

First Half: A back-and-forth circusNebraska gets on the board almost immediately. A 64-yard catch-and-run from Raiola to Nyziah Hunter sets the tone — this isn’t going to be a slog. Nebraska Athletics+2ESPN.com+2 Maryland pushes back, though. Nolan Ray scampers 28 yards for a score; then Raiola coughs one up, and Washington strikes deep to Leon Haughton Jr. for a quick punch. ESPN.com+2University of Maryland Athletics+2 Nebraska recovers via special teams: Kenneth Williams rips off an 85-yard kick return to the Maryland 10, and Raiola hits Lindenmeyer. Two plays later, Hunter hauls in a 12-yard strike, and suddenly it’s 24–14. University of Maryland Athletics+3Nebraska Athletics+3Corn Nation+3 But the Terrapins, unwilling to be embarrassed, respond: a field goal before the half makes it 24–17, and the crowd leans in. The half ends with both sides grinding, but it’s clear: this is going to be a game of runs. Maybe the last one with the ball wins?
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Third Quarter: Maryland seizes controlThe momentum swings hard. Maryland opens with a 75-yard drive, DeJuan Williams powering in a touchdown to tie it. University of Maryland Athletics+2ESPN.com+2 Then comes the dagger: Raiola’s third interception of the day — and Dontay Joyner returns it 67 yards for a Terps pick-six. Boom. Suddenly, Nebraska is reeling, down 31–24, and fans of past Huskers teams are bracing for the collapse. Corn Nation+5Nebraska Athletics+5ESPN.com+5

Fourth Quarter: Dial it up, babyThis is the territory Twain warned of — where legends get made, or fade into the Nebraska night. The Cornhuskers refuse to blink. Midway through the quarter, Emmett Johnson breaks loose on a 50-yard run to the Maryland 10, setting up a field goal to cut the lead to 31–27. Corn Nation+3Nebraska Athletics+3University of Maryland Athletics+3 But Jay and Bob know this team: when it counts, they’ll lean on their pivot. Nebraska’s final possession is poetry in pressure: 81 yards in seven plays, with Raiola completing 4 of 5 passes — including a 23-yard strike to Lindenmeyer, a 33-yard bomb to Hunter, and a final 3-yard touchdown to Dane Key with 1:08 left. 34–31. University of Maryland Athletics+3Nebraska Athletics+3ESPN.com+3 Maryland gets a last shot, but a controversial intentional grounding call pushes them back, and the final fourth-and-4 pass is knocked down. Nebraska bleeds out a win. ESPN.com+2Nebraska Athletics+2

Takeaways through the Stockwell lens

Raiola: three interceptions are glaring — and you usually wouldn’t let your kid get the keys to the car after that many errors. But he responded. He leaned into the moment, hit big throws under duress, and finished 20 of 29 for 260 yards and four touchdowns. ESPN.com+2Nebraska Athletics+2

Emmett Johnson: SMQ wanted MOAR EMMETT, and he delivered! 21 carries, 176 yards, including that explosive 50-yard play when Nebraska needed it most. Nebraska Athletics+2Corn Nation+2

Defense & scheme: they allowed yards — Maryland had 379 — but they bent, didn’t break. In that final stretch, they refused the big play, held firm when the Terps put it in reach. Wikipedia+2Nebraska Athletics+2

Coaching & identity: Matt Rhule keeps talking about inoculating his team to close-game pressure. Well, this was another shot in the arm: two straight one-score wins now. University of Maryland Athletics+3ESPN.com+3Nebraska Athletics+3

Still unresolved: the turnovers worry SMQ. The interceptions nearly cost this game. If Nebraska wants to compete with the top of the Big Ten, they can’t live on the edge every week.

This was Nebraska’s kind of win, messy, dramatic, and wholly dependent on heart. Jay would light a match under the fan base and say this is a turning point. Bob would smirk (that's his move), and George would promise that if the Huskers can clean up the rough edges, they’re not just playoff pretenders — they’re the kind of team you lay odds on. Sunday Morning Quarterback: in three words
— EARNED. AGAIN.

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READY THE ROAD CREW — THE BIG RED IS ROLLIN’ EAST!

Can Nebraska keep the fire burning on the road? SMQ says: absolutely!

The Huskers are hittin’ the highway for a two-week road trip, and the first stop is College Park. Four-and-one. Confidence high. Kool-Aid supply fully stocked. The vibes? Immaculate. The mission? Simple — silence the Terrapins and prove that Nebraska travels just as well as it celebrates at home.

Maryland’s a curious case. They look shiny on paper — 19 sacks, freshman QB Malik Washington, a defense that bites. But scratch the surface and it’s a different story. Up 20–0 on Washington… and lost 24–20. Oof. A stat like that says it all: talented, sure, but not yet battle-tested.
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SMQ’s George called it: “A battle of the lines.” He’s not wrong. The Terrapins’ pass rush is real, but Nebraska’s got the antidote — a sharper Dylan Raiola, a more balanced playbook, and a little something called momentum. Last week’s sack-fest taught this team lessons that stick. Holgerson and Raiola both said it — not every sack is on the O-line. Sometimes it’s play design, sometimes it’s timing, sometimes it’s experience. And experience is growing fast in Lincoln.

Jay’s got faith. Bob’s got swagger. And the whole crew agrees: Nebraska’s special teams and secondary are elite — and those travel well.

Maryland’s defense might roar early, but they can’t run, and that’s trouble. Nebraska’s biggest weakness has always been the mobile quarterback — and the Terrapins don’t have one. Translation: the Huskers can pin their ears back and let it rip.

We’ve got the law firm of Johnson, Nelson, and Ives ready to clock in. Feed Emmett early and often. Let Dylan cook from a clean(er) pocket. Bubble screens, quick slants, and a little play-action spice — that’s the recipe. And when it hits? The scoreboard’s gonna light up like Memorial Stadium in prime time.

Vegas has Nebraska favored by five and a half. We say that’s disrespectful. The over’s creeping up. We say it’s not high enough.

Because this isn’t just another Saturday. It’s a statement Saturday.

Prediction: Nebraska 34, Maryland 21.
(Because we’re polite — but we think it’ll be more.)

The Big Red is about to roll through College Park like a corn-fed freight train. The Terrapins might crawl out of their shells… but they won’t like what’s coming.

Go Big Red!

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It was the best of games, it was the worst of games. Talk about a game with two different faces!

The first wave on the “Michigan Invasion” ended in heartbreak for the Big Red. The second wave? Despite pitching and rolling like a plane in a thunderstorm, the Huskers emerged victorious with a 38-21 victory over the Spartans of Michigan State.

First Quarter: Dylan Raiola looked calm, collected, flipping passes downfield, stretching the Spartan defense like taffy. Receivers beat press coverage, found gaps, and the Spartans looked helpless. After an Emmitt Johnson touchdown, the Husker special teams did their thing and blocked a punt - resulting in a scoop and score for a 14-0 lead. Bob and Jay (who were predicting a big day for the Huskers) turned to each other and said “this might be a little easier than we thought!” Oh, optimism, you are such a fickle beast!

Second Quarter: To (almost) quote Bob Seger, “we’re still (passing) against the wind.” Against all forms of common sense, the Huskers largely abandoned the ground game and tried passing against a stiff 30-40 mph breeze. From there, the game unraveled into the…
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Third Quarter: What looked like a blowout suddenly found the Huskers down 21-14! What happened? The backslide brought memories of game after game that Nebraska has dropped over the last several years. Fortunately, Raiola completed a long pass off a scramble and Emmitt ran it in again (THAT’S HOW YOU BEAT THE WIND!!) to knot the score at 21 going into the…

Fourth Quarter: Once they had the wind at their backs, the Huskers attacked, dropping 17 straight points and letting all Husker fans breathe a tremendous sigh of relief! The Spartans scored a late touchdown that only did one thing - it made sure that SMQ would not get the correct score for the 4th time in 5 games!

Final Score & Takeaways: Nebraska 38, Michigan State 27. It was closer than it appeared, yet also further than it appeared…it was that sort of game. It was a game we would have probably dropped in the past. But not this year!

While there’s a lot to pick on, the fact is the team showed fight and resilience to pull victory from the jaws of defeat! Go Big Red!

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STAND BACK! WE DON’T KNOW HOW BIG THIS THING COULD GET!!!

Is Nebraska primed to keep piling up the points? SMQ thinks so!

The SMQ crew is fired up and the Kool-Aid is flowing! Saturday afternoon, the Spartans roll into Lincoln for a showdown with Nebraska, and the only real question is: will the Huskers win by a little…or by a lot?

Last game’s stumble against Michigan left scars, but it also left a burning itch for redemption. This isn’t the same script. Michigan State isn’t Michigan, and Nebraska isn’t about to let another one slip at home. Unlike the Wolverines, the Spartans bring the nation’s 116th-ranked pass defense to Memorial Stadium — and that’s the kind of stat that makes SMQ’s eyes go wide. Someone’s gonna feast and it won’t be the Spartans.
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Dylan Raiola has been steady to great this season and this matchup screams a high completion rate, lot ‘o yards, and TD’s galore!! Nebraska’s line will give him the time and the vertical shots will be there all game long. Expect the Huskers’ receivers to stretch the field, exploit mismatches, and turn the secondary into Swiss cheese.

The oddsmakers have installed the Huskers an 11.5 point favorite. We think that’s low. The over has jumped from  48.5 to 50.5. We also think that’s low. How far we’ve come in one season where all we could do was pick the under!

We’re not just sipping the Kool-Aid — we’re guzzling it by the gallon. Over, points, confidence, swagger: give us all of it.

Prediction: Nebraska 37, Michigan State 21 (because we’re nice - we think it’ll be more.)

A whoopin’ is coming, and the Spartans are the unlucky ones holding the short end of the corn stalk.

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Big Ten Statement Game Saturnday in Lincoln – Nebraska vs. Michigan

SMQ will attend in person and predicts a fistfight with Nebraska coming out on top 28-24.

The Big Ten spotlight shines on Lincoln this weekend as Nebraska welcomes No. 21 Michigan to Memorial Stadium in what promises to be one of the defining early-season matchups of 2025. For the Huskers, it’s a chance to prove their 3-0 start is more than just a hot opening stretch. For the Wolverines, it’s an opportunity to steady themselves after a stumble against Oklahoma and reassert their presence in the national conversation.  One thing I am sure about is Archie Wilson will enter the game as a punter as a part of the number 1 special team unit in the country.

Nebraska enters with confidence thanks to the emergence of Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola (backed up by TJ Lateef who would be starting anywhere else), whose poise and precision have brought stability to an offense long searching for consistency. Wide receiver Dane Key has quickly developed into his go-to weapon, stretching defenses vertically and opening space underneath. But Michigan’s defense, long known for its physicality, will be Raiola’s stiffest test yet. The Wolverines have allowed little on the ground and pride themselves on winning in the trenches. Nebraska’s offensive line will need to deliver its best performance of the season to keep the balance between run and pass intact.
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On the other side, Michigan is turning the page to a new era with freshman signal-caller, Bryce Underwood. A dynamic dual-threat, Underwood can hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs, though his inexperience has shown in moments under pressure. Nebraska’s defense, which has held all three opponents under 100 yards passing, will look to force the young quarterback into mistakes. Safeties Deshon Singleton and Omar Brown give the Huskers a chance to disguise coverages and bait Underwood into turnovers.

The matchup may ultimately come down to which team better handles the spotlight. Nebraska has the home-field advantage in one of college football’s most intimidating venues, and Memorial Stadium’s Sea of red is hungry for a signature victory. Michigan, however, boasts superior depth and battle-tested talent across both lines of scrimmage, areas that often decide Big Ten contests.

Oddsmakers have installed Michigan as a slight favorite, with the spread hovering around 2.5 points and the total set in the mid-40s. The expectation is for a tightly contested game that could swing on a single big play, whether a deep shot from Raiola, a scramble from Underwood, or a defensive stand in the fourth quarter. Here again Nebraska special teams will create the difference.
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For Nebraska, a win would signal a true return to national relevance advancing our cause for the college football playoff. For Michigan, it’s about proving the program’s foundation remains strong despite transition. Either way, fans should buckle up for a bruising, high-stakes showdown in Lincoln.  Unfortunately, the outcome will send Michigan and Biff Poggi (a very likable Coach) on a path to the Ozempic Bowl!

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Exhibition Season Is Officially Over!

Huskers cruise past Houston Christian, but tougher tests loom as Big Ten play arrives.

For the second week in a row, Nebraska football treated Memorial Stadium to a glorified scrimmage. The Huskers flattened Houston Christian 56–7, following up last week’s laugher over Akron with another rout that felt more like a spring game than a September showdown. Sure, Houston Christian left Lincoln with a healthy payday, but for Nebraska, it was another box checked with minimal stress.

The SMQ crew couldn’t help but pose the obvious question: why not line up a good FCS team? North Dakota? South Dakota State? At least keep that money in the Midwest and give Husker fans something resembling competition.

The schedule is what it is and the Huskers did what good teams do - they beat the pants off an overmatched opponent while playing nearly everyone on the squad. The win moved the Huskers to 3–0, and while the strength of schedule hasn’t turned any heads yet, the team has avoided the pratfalls that doomed seasons past - I’m looking at you, Mister Onside Kick!

Dylan Raiola once again was impressive, passing Tommie Frazier for 9th place on the Nebraska all-time passing yardage list with 222 yards in one half of work. TJ Lateef got the attention of quarterback-hungry teams with his second consecutive stellar relief appearance. If they’re not backing up the truck loaded with NIL money for TJ…they should.

Emmett Johnson is stepping nicely into the RB1 role, while Kwinten Ives chipped in with 121 total yards of offense and a score.

The question of the week from the SMQ team became “how many times in a row can the same person yell GO BIG RED?” Jay thinks it’s only once, while Bob thinks that more than 3 in a row is a bit much….but that the real answer is “as long as someone is responding.”
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The bigger takeaway? Nebraska is already one-quarter of the way through the regular season, sitting undefeated and untested. That’s not a bad place to be. But it also means the cupcakes are gone, and the real season begins now. If the Huskers want to prove they’re more than a paper tiger, they’ll need to dominate teams that actually punch back.

It’s time to see if the Huskers are more like Jake Paul or Bud Crawford. Let’s GO BIG RED!!

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Say a prayer for Houston Christian!

Nebraska will dominate despite 1000 rosaries from Houston Christian players.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers (2–0) return to Memorial Stadium on Saturday morning for a non-conference matchup against Houston Christian (1–1). While the SMQ team is ambivalent about the decision to schedule an FCS team in Week 3, it does represent a nice payday fo the Huskies.

Nebraska’s Start:

Through two games, the question remains - just who is this Nebraska team? Are they the narrow, one-score victory over Cincinnati (who actually turned in a good performance against Bowling Green) or the dominant offensive (and defensive) power that defeated the Akron Zipless?

Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has gotten off to a great start, vaulting up to 10th on the all-time Husker passing yards list. Raiola should handily pass Tommie Frazier for ninth place in only his 16th college game. His 68.7% completion rate is #1 on the all-time list for a starting quarterback.

On defense, we saw better pressure against the Zipless, including the firstt sack of the season. Have we also seen the potential emergence of true freshman Kate Pietrzak, last year’s number one player from South Dakota? Defensive line play is critical in the Big 10 - who else might make their case for more playing time this week?

Houston Christian’s Challenges:
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Houston Christian arrives in Lincoln after splitting its first two games. The Huskies ran roughshod over an NAIA opponent but dropped their next game when the quality of the opponent improved. This week’s step up to Nebraska will be a major, major, major, major, major challenge - that’s too many majors to overcome.

Key Storylines:

Last week 108 players got into the game for the Cornhuskers, most of whom appeared in the 4th quarter. Here’s hoping for a repeat! While it looks like a glorified scrimmage on paper, the games aren’t played on paper!

Nebraska enters as a massive favorite - so massive that there isn’t even a line for the game! The Cornhuskers are deeper, faster, and more talented across the board. Expect Raiola and the offense to put up points early, while the defense sets the tone. Once the lead is secure, look for Rhule to cycle in reserves. Last week’s prediction of 56-7 was a good one, so we’re sticking with what works!

Prediction:

Nebraska 56, Houston Christian 7.

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Zipless Zips get Zippers Stuck in the Land of Corn!.

Joe Morehead, Zips Head Coach: "An ass-kicking of Epic Proportions!”

As predicted by the team at SMQ, Nebraska unleashed a merciless pounding on Akron, blanking the Zips 68-0 in what quickly became a rout from the opening kickoff. While we’re still not clear on whether Nebraska is the football equivalent of Jake Paul, we know for sure that Akron is Nate Robinson. They went down hard.

Team SMQ was busy patting ourselves on the back for getting a “closest prediction” win from Week 1, when Commander Jay Stockwell of the American Navy came out with a bold 56-7 prediction for Week 2. No other prediction surpassed 50 points - could another asterisk be in store for Team SMQ? You better believe it!

From the outset, Nebraska dominated every statistical facet. They piled up a staggering 728 total yards, their most productive showing since 2014—and their 68 points were the program’s highest since 2012. While this IS Akron, Nebraska did what they’re supposed to do - they beat up on an overmatched opponent.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola used his 364 passing yards (and four touchdowns) to pass Tanner Lee, (friend of SMQ) Vince Ferragamo, and Turner Gill for 10th on the all-time Nebraska passing yardage list while also setting a Husker-record completion streak of 20 straight completed passes. Emmett Johnson bulldozed Akron, rushing for 140 yards and three touchdowns, delivering his second straight 100-yard game. Jacory Barney Jr. amassed 219 all-purpose yards (132 receiving, 87 punt return.)

Defensively, did we find a diamond in the rough? True freshman Kade Pietrzak made a memorable entrance, recording a safety on his first collegiate tackle, while leading the team in tackles. Nebraska’s ability to generate pressure will continue to be a huge question mark, especially when dealing with a mobile quarterback.

As you should with any blowout, 108 players saw the field overall, a testament to coach Matt Rhule’s ability to deploy a full roster against such a mismatched opponent.
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Oh yeah - it was a doubly-good day because Iowa LOST!

All in all, a good “get right” week for the Big Red! Up next is Houston Christian, which should be another “108” game!

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The Akron Zippers will get stuck in the land of corn!

Despite Matt Rhule’s anxiety, the Husker will dominate.

The bowl-banned, zip-less Zips from Akron bring a big basket of scheduling bravery into this weekend’s clash with the Cornhuskers. Fresh off a shutout loss to Wyoming, the Zipless enter the game as 34.5 point underdogs.

Or maybe - just maybe - this “Jake Paul versus Nate Robinson” football game will end up as a trap game for Nebraska. Akron has the ultimate Lloyd ”so you’re tellin’ me there’s a chance” Christmas sense of optimism. Is this Georgia Southern 2.0?

The big question - Is Nebraska more like Jake Paul (still waiting to see if it’s real) or Terence Crawford (oh, we know it’s real.) While SMQ is as optimistic as ever that this team is the real deal, we’re still waiting on proof. Saturday will give us some clues!

The second big question is whether Nebraska - with 250,000 beer cans in the house - will run out of beer. The SMQ team puts the over/under at halftime, as it’s the first time alcohol sales have been allowed in Memorial Stadium AND it’s a night game. The crowd will come ready!

For Nebraska, this game should give the team a chance to work out the kinks both offensively and defensively. For Akron, it’s both a chance to shock the football world and/or make sure that too many kids don’t get hurt.

Overall, the SMQ team thinks the Cornhuskers will both cover the 34.5 point spread AND the over of 47.5 points.

Prediction - Nebraska 56, Zipless 7.

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Taylor Swift Bowl: Nebraska Defeats Cincinnati in Kansas City

Nebraska shows well in all three phases vs. the Cincinnati Bearcats.  Defensive line play emerges as a concern

The season opener in Kansas City between Nebraska and Cincinnati was billed as the “Taylor Swift Bowl,” and for good reason. With Taylor Swift and her fiancé Travis Kelce in attendance, the game attracted national attention. But once the lights came up at Arrowhead Stadium, it was Nebraska that stole the show, pulling out a hard-fought 20–17 victory to start the 2025 season on the right foot.

Nebraska’s defense was the difference, forcing two key turnovers in the second half that halted Bearcat drives and gave the Cornhuskers the edge. A late fourth-quarter field goal sealed the win and set off celebrations from the thousands of Husker fans who made the trip to Kansas City. The Huskers’ ground attack was also strong, controlling the tempo with a bruising run game that kept Cincinnati’s offense off the field. One concern thought.  The Blackshirts gave up 202 yards or 6.7 yards per carry with four runners contributing to the verage.

The victory was particularly meaningful given the setting. The matchup was technically a Cincinnati home game but played in Kansas City, only the second time these programs have met since 1906. Nebraska’s ability to grind out a close win on a national stage offered an early statement about the team’s toughness and discipline. For head coach Matt Rhule, it was validation that his squad is ready to compete against anyone, anywhere.

Off the field, Swift and Kelce generated nearly as many headlines as the game itself. Media outlets referenced Swift dozens of times in coverage, analyzing her fashion choices, her sparkling new engagement ring, and her role in turning a regular season opener into a cultural spectacle. The buzz intensified when Nebraska’s athletic department posted, then quickly deleted, a controversial image of mascot Herbie Husker photoshopped into the couple’s engagement photo. Swift fans blasted the move as disrespectful, forcing the school to walk it back amid national attention.

Still, the night ultimately belonged to Nebraska. While the Taylor Swift storyline trended across social media, the Cornhuskers left Kansas City with a win that could set the tone for their season. With strong defensive play, timely offense, and the ability to deliver in the clutch, Nebraska showed resilience under pressure. For fans, it was a memorable evening, part football showcase, part pop-culture frenzy, that ended with the scoreboard in the Huskers’ favor.

Nebraska’s 20–17 triumph in the so-called Taylor Swift Bowl will be remembered not only for the celebrities in the stands but for the grit and determination of the team on the field.

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Adam Carriker of ‪@carrikerchronicles90‬  stops by SMQ to preview the Cincinnati Game.

Kansas City Showcase: Nebraska Meets Cincinnati in the Battle Sports Classic

The stage is set at Arrowhead Stadium this Thursday, August 28, when the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Cincinnati Bearcats kick off the 2025 season in the inaugural Battle Sports Kansas City Classic. It’s a neutral-site showdown in a packed venue more than 66,000 tickets sold (90% Nebraska) and a sea of scarlet Husker fans primed for a raucous night under the lights.

Nebraska enters the contest riding strong momentum. Under third‑year head coach Matt Rhule, the Cornhuskers are eager to build on a successful close to 2024 that included a Pinstripe Bowl victory. Their offense now coordinating under Dana Holgorsen, showcases rising star quarterback Dylan Raiola, whose poise and arm talent have been lauded throughout fall camp. Freshman wide receiver Carter Nelson, newly transitioned from tight end, adds big‑play potential on the perimeter.

But Nebraska’s defense isn’t to be overlooked. With early losses on the defensive line, Elijah Jeudy is stepping into a critical leadership role as he attempts to anchor the run defense and bring pressure up front. His presence could be key in slowing down Cincinnati’s attack.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, enters as a resilient mid‑tier Big 12 squad coming off a disappointing 5–7 season last year under coach Scott Satterfield

Bearcats are looking to surprise early but face an uphill battle against Nebraska’s balanced and improved roster.

Expect fireworks. ESPN’s FPI gives Nebraska a 66.2 %-win probability, signaling a clear but certainly competitive edge. Betting models echo that outlook, projecting a Huskers win in the 7–10-point range.

Both SMQ and Mr. Carriker, the Dean of Nebraska podcasters, are expecting a double-digit victory.  SMQ is calling for a 28-14 victory.  Mr. Carriker is going further and taking the over at 35-21 betting that offense will hit on all cylinders.

Beyond the analytics, this game matters, a sentiment echoed by Husker fans who ranked this opener, above even big rematches like Michigan and Iowa, as the most important of the season It’s more than a game, it’s a tone‑setter.  Nebraska fans expect the Huskers to be 3-0 heading into the Michigan game.

Game details: Thursday, August 28 at 8 PM CT / 9 PM ET, broadcast nationally on ESPN from GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

In sum: Nebraska brings explosive offense, a developing defense led by emerging leaders, and an energized fanbase. Cincinnati arrives battle-tested but with work to do. Expect an intense early-season showdown—Kansas City’s stadium should be electric.

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SMQ predicts a major season 3 Matt Rhule bounce!

SMQ welcomes Demoine "DeMO" Adams, CEO of Teammates and former Husker Defensive End under Coach Solich.

Expectations are sky-high among the SMQ crew and their guests. George and Bob have us in the conference championship and the College Football playoffs. DeMo has us losing to Iowa in a year-end gut punch. Only Commander Stockwell, USNR (ret.) takes a more sober, yet still successful 8-4 view.

SMQ is proud to extend our relationship with David Max, Joe Hudson and HuskerMax team for our third year. We are very excited for Coach Rhule, Dylan Raiola and the entire Husker team.  GO BIG RED!

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SMQ visits Las Vegas for the season-end podcast. Matt Rhule gets an A+ rating in Executive Function as CEO of the Husker Franchise.

Bob and Jay visit a friend of the SMQ Podcast, Tim Miles in Las Vegas where his San Jose Spartans were playing UNLV.

Nebraska follows up a spirited performance in the Pinstripe Bowl with some deft moves in the transfer portal racking up the number one-rated transfer class in the Big Ten and eighth in the nation.

As a bonus, the SMQ crew took over the sports book at The Fontainebleau Hotel to watch Fred Hoiberg’s basketball team beat UCLA.

All in all, a great basketball day and wrap-up to the season for SMQ.

See you at the spring game! GO BIG RED!

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The curse of the Bambino will rock the Boston College Eagles At Yankee Stadium!

The Christmas joy of Bill O’Brien will turn into New Year’s Eve despair in New York City.

Dana Holgorsen will turn Mini Mahomes loose! But a few ground balls will get through the legs of Nebraska defense in the Bronx, but the Huskers will prevail 21 to 17!

Happy New Year!

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Deja vu all over again!  Huskers lose to Iowa in a walk-off gut punch.

Huskers dominate on offense and defense and still find a way to lose.

The SMQ crew needed a day to process this one. Ridiculous turnovers, combined with a momentary lapse in tackling and poor special teams play combined in a trifecta that yielded calls of "you can't make this up."

Oh yes, you can! Nebraska can.  And somehow you just knew it would happen. And the not shaking hands thing is a whole nother matter. Dr. Zatechka tweeted: "This isn't my program." SMQ couldn't agree more.

But there is a bowl game and a strong recruiting class which in springtime will yield a whole new corn crop of hope.

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Expect Holgerson Highlights to continue vs. Iowa!

There will be no Thanksgiving indigestion on Friday. Only multiple trips to the Red Zone for second, third, and fourth servings of touchdowns!

Tony White will put 8 in the box to stop the 13th-ranked running attack. Kirk Ferentz will think his son is running the offense again.

Emmet Johnson will have Iowa defenders tearing their shoes loose.  Dylan Raiola will get the ball out early and often and have a record-setting day as the offense gains confidence under Holgorsen.

Expect a dominant Husker performance 42 - 21.

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Badgers go down 44-25! Husker Nation breathes a sigh of collective relief!

Holgorsen Revives Moribund Offense with Much-Needed Swagger.

Oh, what a season this could have been! But better late than never. Troy Dannan should back up the truck to keep Mr. Holgorsen around.

Two more wins and a top-15 recruiting class could keep the ship sailing in the right direction. Adam Carriker and Charlie McBride called out that the team would “ascend” in the final two games, and the team delivered. Students and fans alike poured onto the field.

“This is the last time we’ll celebrate like this for six wins,” said Matt Rhule. Amen. The demons are officially exorcised.

On to Iowa City! Happy Thanksgiving.

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Adam Carriker of ‪@carrikerchronicles90‬  reaches out to the SMQ crew for some Husker Therapy!

Adam and Charlie McBride predict that we have hit the nadir of the season and that the team will "ascend" in the final two games.

Did you know that Kool-Aid was invented in Adam's hometown of Hastings, Nebraska?  Perhaps that's why we are so willing to drink the Kool-Aid way back when we were 5-1!

Podcasting can be lonely and frustrating, especially during a four-game skid.  This discussion with Adam Carriker was my favorite of the season due to his passion, insight, and detailed understanding of what is happening in Husker Nation.  The depth of his knowledge is only outdone by the enthusiasm with which he delivers it each week on "The People's Show" Carriker Chronicles.

SMQ agrees with Adam and Charlie McBride. The Huskers will ascend and win the game 21-14. Take the under.  Pour us another glass of the Big Red Kool Aide!

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Another one-possession loss! But reason for optimism! USC defeats Nebraska 28-20.

“Players need to make plays!” says Matt Rhule.

SMQ couldn’t agree more. The plays were available to the team but they left them on the field. Especially the secondary.

However, the offense looked better. So there is reason for optimism in what Matt Rhule called “the most important coaching week of my career!”

Wisconsin rolls into town at 5-5 just like Nebraska. What an opportunity to send the Huskers to a bowl game for the first time in eight years!

Players it is time to make some plays!
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Matt Rhule makes a bold decision that will save the season.

Marcus Satterfield should be commended for accepting this humbling demotion.

Two struggling proud traditions clash in the coliseum on Saturday. The game is an opportunity for both teams to reverse some bad trends.

SMQ is already drinking the Kool-Aid for the Air Raid offense.

Get the ball out early and often! Take the under: Nebraska 24 USC 21.
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Coach Tim Miles stops by SMQ to talk Bob and Jay off the ledge after the UCLA debacle.

Coach Miles advises Nebraska to stay the course on their turnaround. "Stick to your process" and "Stick with the team."

Matt Rhule is in familiar territory.  2024 could be just like 2023. Or will they rise above the fray and use the bye week to turn things around in the final three games?

Coach Miles, a 400+ win coach gives sage advice to an ailing Husker nation. USC, Wisconsin, and Iowa with a combined losing conference record of 9-11 certainly give Nebraska the opportunity to become bowl-eligible and finish on a positive note.
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SMQ invades California for the UCLA/USC takedowns!

We predict “Windy and 60s”, just like Bob and Jay on Saturday!

Don’t take UCLA lightly they have had a fierce schedule.

But SMQ predicts a stout defense, stable special teams, and that Marcus Satterfield is sick of getting chirped in every direction.

24-7 Huskers and a return to Bowl Eligibility!
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Nebraska bounces back on the road at Ohio State with a respectable showing in a 21-17 loss to the 4th-ranked Buckeyes.

The officiating crew seemed hell-bent on helping Ohio State avoid an embarrassing loss at home.

Marcus Satterfield continues to disappoint in his unimaginative playcalling. The defense gave him every chance to win the game.

Oh my gosh we have a kicker! John Hohl is the real deal. If this defense continues to show up we can win out!  And the mobility of Railola was on full display. He needs to continue to call his own number.  9-3 still possible. The next month will be fun to watch.
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Out of the frying pan and into the inferno Nebraska travels to Columbus for its second mid-term exam.

Marcus Satterfield "has to remind himself to run" and doesn't have a handle on basic performance metrics of his offense. Expectations are on the floor after the offensive coordinator held a press conference.

There is still a lot to play for as Nebraska could become bowl-eligible this week, but SMQ sees another blowout loss at 42 - 7 from Jay.  Bob's 11-1 preseason prediction is already in a landfill near Anselmo-Merna Nebraska.  The only choice was do we dump it in Anselmo or Merna?  Bob is coming in with the 35-21 Buckeyes. Jay's prediction of 9-3 lives on but only by a thread!  Both of us are calling the over at 48.5.

Hold on tight. This could be a track meet!
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Nebraska massively fails its first midterm and gets decimated by Indiana 56-7.

The performance against Indiana failed on every level. It was so bad that Sunday Morning Quarterback's guest was the Unknown Husker Fan!

While butt-whoopings happen occasionally the SMQ team was left scratching their collective heads about how Nebraska failed in EVERY aspect of the game, with special attention to how Nebraska always seems to be massively underprepared on offense.
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Huskers face a likely Top-10 team as mid-term exams begin in the form of Indiana and Ohio State in back-to-back weeks.

Curt Cignetti and Kurtis Rourke will be names that Husker fans will never forget as they are introduced to a new brand of Indiana Football.

Big Noon Kickoff rolls into Bloomington which could produce a classic, with the league's best offense going up against a stingy Nebraska defense.

SMQ will bet the moneyline and the under predicting a 24-21 victory sending them to Columbus with a 6-1 record.
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Husker Defense "Bows their necks!" and defeats a tough Rutgers team 14-7.SMQ also invited Dean Kathy Farrell on the podcast to discuss her number 7 ranked online MBA program and other College of Business matters.

SMQ believes that Dean Kathy Farrell should be paid more than Matt Rhule because her program is ranked higher!

But Matt and Tony White deserve a lot of credit for a defensive performance "that is better than any that I have been a part of" according to Coach Rhule.

The bye week comes at an opportune time as the Huskers will heal up for an undefeated Indiana in two weeks.
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Greg Schiano brings an undefeated Rutgers team to Lincoln for the Big 10's BEST matchup of the week. We expect another hard-fought battle with the Big Red emerging victorious.
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The SMQ squad was hugely distracted by the VP debate but still managed to squeeze out some football talk amongst all the nonsense. Rutgers DID give up over 500 yards - at home - to Washington last week. We expect more of the same.
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Negative Nebraska "fans" wail in agony as the team improves to 4-1. Someone needs some warm milk and a nap!

After a quick-ish recap of their time in Italy, Jay and Bob spend their time wondering why so many fans are negative after beating the Boilermakers by 18 points!!! Is it because they're betting the over? Knock it off Husker fans, we're 2 wins from a bowl game! Even if it is the Duke's Mayo Bowl!

Greg Schiano brings a reset and motivated Rutgers team to town. Matt Rhule will have to work hard to pass this test!
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The SMQ crew phones in from Italy to recap Illinois and Predict Purdue.

The Illinois game was in the middle of the night in Rome, Italy. SMQ did not see the game live but consumed everything available online.

Our belief is this step back will not be a regression to the mean. Rather leaders will lead and we'll bounce back.

What happened to the defense? Thank God for Brett Maher to the rescue regarding our sub-par kicking game.

The Boilermakers will not be Spoilermakers this year. Nebraska will win 45-7.
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Nebraska enters Big Ten play with swagger and confidence not seen in years.

Illinois vs. Nebraska on Friday is set to be an exciting clash in the Big Ten Conference. Both head coaches, Matt Rhule of Nebraska and Bret Bielema of Illinois have deep respect for each other and are preparing their teams accordingly.

Matt Rhule emphasized the importance of discipline and mental toughness, stating, "Every game in the Big Ten is a challenge, and we have to bring our best effort. Our guys need to be ready to handle the pressure and execute our game plan effectively."

On the other side, Bret Bielema highlighted the challenges of playing at Nebraska, at night in front of a raucous crowd: "It will be a challenging environment."

Both teams will learn a lot about themselves under the lights Friday night.

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SMQ thinks the only reason people aren't happier is because they were paying too much attention to the gambling lines.

The Huskers gave up a grand total of THREE points AND covered the ridiculous (but surprisingly accurate) spread of 30.5 POINTS, yet some Husker fans seem a little sore that they didn't cover the over. Dylan Raiola looks like the NFL's future #1 draft pick and future all-time passing yards leader at Nebraska - after 3 games he's #41 on the all-time list!

Plus, we teach young George how to properly execute the GO BIG RED chant.

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Special guest DeMoine Adams joins Jay and Bob to talk recruiting, rushing the field, and defensive domination.

The SMQ team and Teammates CEO DeMoine Adams are still a little hung over from the victory over Colorado but shake it off to predict a rout of the Panthers of Northern Iowa. We get DeMo's perspective on recruiting and defensive domination and his take on whether he'd want a single digit on his Husker uniform.

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Jay And George describe the incredible in-person atmosphere at Memorial Stadium.

The Blackshirts came and delivered the pain to Colorado before a loud and raucous crowd in Lincoln! The offense once again held onto the ball and put crooked numbers up on the scoreboard as the Huskers DOMINATED Colorado.

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It will be a high-scoring affair with Nebraska prevailing 45 to 35.

This Saturday, the Colorado Buffaloes will face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a highly anticipated college football matchup. As two traditional rivals, this game is expected to bring exciting action and intense competition. Both teams have passionate fan bases, making for an electric atmosphere at the stadium.

Shadeur Sanders and Travis Hunter are sure to dazzle, but Dylan Raiola and a stable of receivers and running backs will rise to the occasion and overcome these two first-round draft picks.

Expect thrilling moments, pivotal plays, and the kind of rivalry spirit that makes college football so special. With both teams eager to secure a win, this matchup promises to be a memorable one for players and fans alike. Whether you're watching from the stands or cheering from home, anticipation runs high for this clash under the Saturday night lights. Bring your Nebraska Not So Nice!

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The quarterback, receivers, running backs, offense, defense, and special teams, all impressed.

Nebraska football delivered an impressive performance against UTEP, securing a commanding victory with a final score of 40-7. In an exciting college debut, quarterback Dylan Raiola showcased his talent by throwing for 238 yards and connecting for two touchdowns, demonstrating both poise and skill in leading the Cornhuskers' offense. The team's overpowering defense and cohesive balanced gameplay contributed significantly to this decisive win, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the season.

Next Up Colorado!  Saturday night will be a spectacle!

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The Huskers will bounce back from a very tough season in 2023. Two future NFL quarterbacks in the quarterback room, coupled with amazing weapons on the outside will dramatically improve the turnover-plagued offense from last season.

An already stout defense will benefit from the maturation of key senior leaders returning, and will be anchored by the best defensive line in the league: Death Row. This plus an enhanced coaching group with John Butler could make this defense the top defense in the Big Ten.

This could be the year we’ve been waiting for 20 years as long-suffering Husker fans.

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SMQ tastes the salty tears of frustration, as there is no bowling joy in Lincoln (or Hartington, or wahoo, or Beatrice, or Valentine, or even Red Cloud) for our beloved Cornhuskers.

The final podcast of the season spends a few minutes reflecting on the gut-busting loss to Iowa, the false hope and bitter disappointment of a 5-3 start, but also our unrelenting faith in the new path of Husker football. We also invite Coach Ruhle to come on the pod and set us straight! See you at the Spring Game!

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Satterfield will throw the kitchen sink at Iowa. We expect trick plays aplenty!

The team at SMQ has been pie-eyed optimists all year - there's no reason to stop now! Plus, responses to listener feedback, how desperation has led to Nebraska becoming betting favorites in the game, the comical over/under the line, and lots more on this week's episode!

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Clock mismanagement, not going on offense in OT, and general questions about the offensive scheme led to another tough, tough loss for the Huskers.

All season long SMQ had wondered what would happen if the team raced out to a TWO touchdown lead... and now we know that the coaching staff seems a little rusty on the college game. Plus lots of chatter about Chubba, doing what works, why we've abandoned the tight end, giving thanks that SMQ was NOT at the game, Jay at Black Friday, Bob's (very limited) hopes and dreams, how much it might cost SMQ to sponsor the Birmingham Bowl, and, most importantly, which bowl game will have more fights - the Pinstripe Bowl or the Fenway Bowl?

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SMQ has abandoned all hope on offense but thinks the Blackshirts will deliver a 10-3 victory!

SMQ has a sneaking suspicion that - unlike with Nebraska - the Wisconsin locker room is not picking up what their coach is throwing down. We remain eternally optimistic about the work Matt Ruhle is doing at Nebraska - way more so than the Fickle Badgers of Wisconsin. Because if there's one thing you can't count on, it's a Fickle Badger! Plus, lots of chatter about why we chose not to head to Wisconsin for the game.

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The Huskers once again ignore the obvious calls, resulting in yet another gut-busting loss.

While Matt Rhule has done many, many good things to raise up the Huskers this year, the SMQ team asks when there will be some accountability for continuing - despite amassing the most turnovers in college football - to throw the ball to the opposition in critical situations. While you can blame the players, the players don't call the plays. Plus, lots of chatter about management accountability and debate about whether attending the Wisconsin game is a sound idea. 

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SMQ mangles the description of a Terrapin yet manages to predict a 20-17 Husker victory!

While we all know that little brothers are the best, the Blackshirts will hold Tua's little brother enough for the Huskers to emerge victorious! Plus, lots of chatter about replay, bowing down to television money, smart TVs, Skynet, Jay's new twist on "Go Big Red!" and more on this week's episode.

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Huskers stumble in East Lansing in 20-17 loss.

Matt Rhule's crew did not live up to their standards, lost the turnover battle, played anemic tentative offense and special teams were dominated by Michigan State. Even the defense while good against the run left gaping holes in the secondary. All this led to 0-1 for the week. Failure can be Matt Rhule's friend, but another hungry team awaits in the Maryland Terrapins.  Turning failure in every phase of the is the challenge for Husker coaches this week. Heinrich Haarberg is at a turning point.  Does he move forward or continue to regress?

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Nebraska continues its winning ways with a 35-7 thrashing of the Tuckered-Out Spartans.

Nebraska and its vicious defense head to Michigan State to take on a reeling - but still dangerous - Michigan State team. We are estimating empty seats aplenty as our beloved Huskers will their way to another victory!!

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Matt Rhule has a team that doesn't panic despite plenty of reasons to do so.

At 5-3 and a share of the Big Ten West lead all sorts of positive outcomes lay before the Huskers. But Matt Rhule's mindset of going 1-0 each week is the order of the day. Don't think about bowl games or the Big Ten West. Just go 1-0 vs. Michigan State and good things will happen. We have a top-20 defense that can keep the Huskers on a winning track. Please subscribe to SMQ on⁠ Spotify⁠, ⁠iTunes⁠, and⁠ YouTube⁠.

It’s the next-man-up time on the offensive line and receiving corp.

Matt Rhule says he’s never seen anything like it on the injury front. Despite that SMQ predicts the fifth Husker victory in six games. Expect a dominant, defensive performance and young players, stepping up left, right, and center to fill the injury gaps.

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Despite early stumbles, Huskers maintain composure and throw the dagger to Malichi Coleman.

The Cornhuskers avenge the loss in Dublin with impressive poise and a complete lack of panic. It was fitting that the game ended in a sack, one of eight on the day.  Nebraska's defense is now ranked 20th in the country coming in 4th overall in rush defense.  Imagine the possibilities if we can improve on offense in the back half of the season.  A hat must be tipped to the Husker women for an epic five-set win vs. Number 1 Wisconsin in volleyball. Very fun to watch!
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Football and mentoring Coach Osborne shares stories from his 60+ years of association with Nebraska Football.

From very meager beginnings as an unpaid graduate assistant, Coach Osborne built a national powerhouse.

From Bob Devaney to Barry Switzer Coach shares some great memories and stories. His legacy will be closely tied to the Teammates mentoring program. Teammates have a 98% graduation rate and have mentored 47,000+ students. SMQ believes that more than any other single person Tom Osborne is responsible for the unmatched Husker sell-out streak!

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Heinrich Haarberg gets the start and will lead the Huskers to a 28-7 victory!

On the 100 year anniversary of Memorial Stadium, Matt Rhule will begin to break out a series of wins that will lead to bowl eligibility and contention for the Big 10 West championship. And he will do it one game at a time getting one percent better each day.

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Bob and Jay explore all aspects of Corn in an episode entitled: Fun w/Corn.

Know anything about Corn? How many kernels are on a cob? What are the types of corn? Know any good corn jokes? It's all covered here during the bye week on Sunday Morning Quarterback!

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SMQ checks in with former Husker B-Ball Coach Tim Miles, the Mountain West Coach of the Year.
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Nebraska's defense stops Illinois on three fourth downs including a goal line stand to start the game.  That combined with stifling run defense held Illinois to just 7 points.  The Huskers could be bowl eligible by November 4th and then the Big 10 West emerges as a possibility.
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SMQ also checks in with former Nebraska Tim Miles who discusses the reality of operating in the new NIL and Transfer Portal ERA.  Coach Miles was Mountain West coach of the year leading the Spartans to a 24-14 season.  Coach Miles delivers a masterclass on the new realities of college athletics.
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Matt Rhule challenged the team to "show up!" We predict they will.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have an opportunity to return to .500 and could be bowl-eligible in one month. Much depends upon how the team responds after the underwhelming show vs. Michigan. There is a lot to play for under the Friday Night Lights in Champaign. This is an important inflection point on the trajectory for Matt Rhule's first season. Quoting Coach Rhule: "We'll know a lot about this team on Friday."

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Harbaugh took his foot off the gas or it could have been much worse.

Michigan served up a reality check for the Husker hopeful.  SMQ, Urban Meyer and Will Compton all saw a much closer game, but Michigan let their players do the talking.  Jim Harbaugh's crew looked like Tom Osborne teams of the 90's.  Dominance on both sides of the ball, elite runners and a quarterback who is extremely accurate completing 80% of his passes coupled with a dominant defense made for a long afternoon in Lincoln.  Rebuilds are like renovating a home.  It always takes longer than you think.  But the soft underbelly of the schedule lies ahead so the possibility of a bowl game is intact. 

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Michigan is over rated. They have played all games at home and haven’t faced a difficult opponent.

The data suggests Michigan is overrated. While their defense is rated 6th overall their level of competition has been light facing only: East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers…all at home. Now they will face the number 1 rated Husker rush defense (nationally) on the road. This will force Michigan to pass and Nebraska will have two takeaways in the form of interceptions as the pass rush will cause J.J. McCarthy to force errant throws. Their offense is ranked 60th in the nation. The law firm of Haarberg/Grant will again rush for 300 yards. The game will be tied 28-28 at end of regulation. Tristan Alvano will shock the Big 10 with a walk off field goal to win the game in overtime.

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Huskers deliver another stout defensive performance combined with 312 yards rushing to overwhelm Sonny Cumbie's Bulldogs.

SMQ forecasted a stout defense and another gritty performance by Heinrich Haarberg. They both delivered.  Anthony Grant rushed for 135 yards and 1 touchdown and earned his alpha status. Nebraska now has the number 1 rush defense in the nation.  They'll need it as number 2 ranked (overall) Michigan rolls into town.

Bob and Jay welcome American war hero Andrew Bundermann to the podcast.  Andrew was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan in 2009 (the most decorated battle since WWII).  He was prominently featured in the movie The Outpost based on a book written by Jake Tapper.  

Captain Bundermann is a Minnesota Golden Gopher and a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

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Huskers will survive a depleted running back room with stout defense and another gritty performance by Heinrich Haarberg.

The Blackshirts are ranked 2nd in the nation in rushing defense while playing 37 players.  This strong defensive trend will continue while Anthony Grant emerges as the Alpha running back for the rest of the season.  Minnesota native Emmet Johnson will shine as the solid number two running back.  Special teams will continue flawless execution in this 35-7 victory which will deliver the under for a theoretical parlay.

SMQ is also pleased to announce the weekend podcast guest American hero Andrew Bundermann. Captain Bundermann was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism in the Battle of Kamdesh in 2009 in Afghanistan.  He is prominently featured in the movie The Outpost. Andrew is a Minnesota Golden Gopher and a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

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Bob and Jay break down strong defense, reliable special teams, an emerging quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, and low penalties adding up to a strong first win for Coach Rhule.  Trev Alberts gives Coach Rhule the game ball.
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The slow rebuild of the Matt Rhule era takes a positive step with a Northern Illinois team that has shown they can be dangerous beating Boston College, who in turn took Florida State to the mat.

Even the offense showed well late in the game with 95 yards in the fourth quarter.  There is a lot to like in this game.  Injuries take a toll though with the loss of Gabe Ervin and Rhamir Johnson.

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In this episode, Jay Stockwell and Bob Frady discuss all things Nebraska football and make their predictions for the upcoming game against North Illinois. But before diving into the game, they talk about some interesting topics, including the impressive performance of the Nebraska volleyball team and the power of leadership in sports. They also address the recent controversy surrounding the Nebraska vs. Colorado game. Jay and Bob then analyze the team's turnovers and concerns about the coaching staff's performance. Finally, they make their game predictions and discuss the over/under bet.

Jay and Bob are optimistic about Nebraska turning the page after two opening losses.

Get ready for an insightful and entertaining episode as they share their thoughts and predictions on the Nebraska vs. Northern Illinois matchup. Don't miss it!

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Vince Breaks Down Colorado Game with Jay And Bob.

Husker legend, Vince Ferragamo rose from seventh on the depth at Nebraska to a long and highly successful NFL career.

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into the rich history of football, coaching strategies, and the power of teamwork. Join us as we explore the legendary football team of Colorado and the key figures that made their mark on the field. We also shift gears to discuss the fascinating journey of one individual, from their humble beginnings to their remarkable success in both the football and real estate industries. Get ready for an episode filled with gripping anecdotes, insightful analysis, and a dash of personal triumph.

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In this episode, Jay Stockwell and Bob Frady discuss the highly anticipated Nebraska vs. Colorado football game. Jay is reporting live from the Times Square Edition Hotel in New York, adding some excitement to the conversation. Jay and Bob share their insights on the teams' strengths and weaknesses, as well as their predictions for the game's outcome.

With stakes this high, they share their thoughts and predictions for the game, analyzing both teams' strengths and weaknesses. Will Nebraska's defense be able to contain Colorado's potent offense? Can Nebraska's running game make a significant impact?

Tune in to hear their expert analysis and bold predictions for this historic showdown. Get ready for an exciting and insightful episode filled with all the anticipation and excitement leading up to the big game. Stay tuned as we unravel the possibilities and debate the potential outcome of this much-anticipated clash.

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In today's episode, Jay Stockwell and Bob Frady have a lot to cover, from the impressive performance of the defense to the frustrations of a close game loss. They'll dive into the mentorship program that aims to provide guidance and support for at-risk students, emphasizing the importance of role models in today's society. Plus, they'll take a deep dive into the fan experience and discuss some eye-catching statistics from a recent game. And finally, they'll touch on a fundraiser that made a significant impact and hear from a special guest speaker who shares his experiences from an intense battle. So sit back, relax, and join Jay and Bob as they delve into all this and more in the game with Minnesota. Let's get started!

They give you the inside scoop on the best places to go and things to do in this small town, all within 15 minutes of the stadium. From great hotels to delicious restaurants and even the famous Mall of America, can provide 5-star recommendations for every fan. So get ready for an unforgettable fan experience as they take you through the must-visit spots in Minnesota.

Now in their triumphant return to Sunday Morning Quarterback they’ll focus on Nebraska sports supported by their season-long title sponsor HuskerMax and its founder David Max.