Nebraska football season ends prematurely in absolute gut-wrencher

Nebraska football once again snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in a loss to Iowa that was both unbelievable and totally expected.

In a game that once again should have gone differently, Nebraska Football gifted game winning chances to their opponent. While some fans are now numb to the feeling of close winnable losses, others feel heartbroken about a season that could have been so much different. Husker fans are once again asking themselves, is there an avenue for success under a new coach, or will a perpetual cycle of being so close be the story of this program?

Critical moments Nebraska Football wishes they had back

While the announcers made a lot of the refereeing error with the running clock, that is something that really didn’t affect Nebraska’s approach in terms of clock management. With or without those 12 seconds, the following game sequences are what actually changed the outcome of the game for the Huskers.

Opening fourth-quarter play from Nebraska Football

On a third and seven in Iowa territory, Chubba Purdy rolled out to the right and started to scramble for yards. It looked like it had the potential to be a touchdown run, similar to his score against Wisconsin. At the very least, he would’ve made it close enough to think about going for it. Instead, the ball slipped out of his hands, and a timeout was burned while showing a  field goal look without a kicker on the field.

Chubba has been better at protecting the football, and did not have a defensive player near him to cause the fumble. Iowa’s defense  was looking vulnerable at the point, a score on that drive is a likely backbreaker at that point in the game.

Interception thrown as Nebraska football was on game winning drive

Tommi Hill set up a short field for a go ahead score. It looked like at least overtime would be a certainty. But a holding call on the return, backed the offense up to their own half of the field.. Following a small gain, another timeout was burned pre snap. Purdy then threw to a defender without seeing the underneath coverage.

Iowa may not have then had enough time to gain yards after the turnover for the walk off field goal. The overall lack of composure of the team, in these critical moments, is what fans have seen for years. With two huge opportunities to control the game, the self-inflicted mistakes were ultimately what gifted Iowa the chance to steal the game.

What’s next for Nebraska football?

The lack of bowl season practices, showed their cumulative impact on the program in all of these close losses. Too much catching up every year means less time for buttoning up on much needed technique, and situational awareness during the fall.

Will 2023 prove to be the season of needed growing pains?  In a situation where many could potentially give up hope or belief, Matt Rhule and his staff will be tested. He believes these in-game lessons  will manifest into a winning football program of resiliency.