
DUBLIN — Try as Nebraska fans might, the answer to the Huskers’ continued woes isn’t at the bottom of a plastic pint.
No, all the free alcohol due to internet issues at Aviva Stadium on Saturday wasn’t enough to drown the sorrows stemming from Saturday’s inexplicable 3-point loss to Northwestern when Nebraska was the double-digit favorite.
The seventh loss in a row for Nebraska was a roundhouse kick to the gullet, especially after the hope-springs-eternal-esque offseason full of change and optimism. It didn’t help either that Northwestern was the only Big Ten team the Huskers steamrolled last season.
“That’s a team that we handled last year,” a forlorn Scott Frost said in his post-game press conference. “Thought we won the match physically last year. We didn’t win it today.
“I’m surprised by that because of what I’ve seen from the guys in training camp and leading up to the season. I feel terrible for the guys.”
People are also reading…
Nebraska had a litany of issues crop up Saturday, but the one comes to mind first is the confounding onside kick attempt when Nebraska was up by 11 with nine minutes to play in the third quarter.
The call, Frost said, was his decision. Not Bill Busch’s, the man he promoted to get Nebraska’s special teams units out of the doldrums. It was Frost’s.
It’s a decision — to paraphrase another former Husker quarterback in Tommie Frazier — that’s going to keep him awake as Nebraska flies back home. Not only will it live in Frost’s brain, it will live in infamy among Nebraskans and football fans in general.
Frost explained that the onside kick came from a desire to be aggressive.
“I thought, if we got it, I thought we could end the game,” Frost said.
The game did end there, but not in the way Frost imagined.
Kickoff specialist Brendan Franke’s squib danced right to a Northwestern player, and the Wildcat didn’t let go. Northwestern made quick work of Nebraska’s defense to march down and trim the Huskers’ lead to four.
“The way we were playing, I felt like at that point, like we had a really good chance of winning the game and I felt like maybe we were the better team,” Frost said. “You can’t really foresee them scoring 14 straight and us sputtering after we played well to start the second half on offense.
“Again, those are excuses. If I had it over, I wouldn’t have made the call.”
Nebraska, on the other hand, didn’t score again in the remaining 24 minutes of the game.
In fact, they never got close.
The Huskers’ drives after that: three-and-out, three-and-out, interception, punt after a third-down sack, three-and-out, interception.
In those six unsuccessful drives, Nebraska gained just 84 yards. Before that, Nebraska had racked up 444 yards of total offense since the Huskers set the tone with their thrilling first series.
“It didn’t impact us in the moment because we were still in the middle of the game, but yeah, of course, it kinda made us fall short in the end,” edge rusher Ochaun Mathis said.
Truth be told, there’s never one sole reason for a team’s in-game demise. There’s plenty to think about for Nebraska on their 4,000-mile flight.
The all-around decision-making. The suboptimal run defense. The quiet pass rush. The tackling snafus. The turnovers. It all has to get fixed. There can be no post-Ireland hangover.
Where does Nebraska go from here?
For a sullen Garrett Nelson, there is no “magical answer.”
“It just can’t happen,” Nelson said. “It’s not how you win Big Ten football.”
He’s right. The miscues cannot snowball.
Losing to FCS North Dakota next week would be apocalyptic for the program, as would a loss to Georgia Southern two weeks from now. Even close games against those two schools would result in chaos.
“We’ve just lost too many close games,” Frost said. “These guys need something to believe in.”
That’s where it starts. That’s where it ends too.
“You gotta win in this business to keep your job,” Frost said. “That’s the way it is.”
What happens if the belief stops?
Frost won’t resign if things continue to sour. He shut down a question pertaining to the matter.
“No, absolutely not,” Frost said in response. “I love Nebraska. I’m going to fight with the guys as long as I can fight.”
Photos: The view from Dublin, where Nebraska takes on Northwestern

Mango, a 7-year-old chihuahua belonging to Brian Smith of Doha, Qatar, wears a Husker hoodie ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Colin, 6, gets a good view of Husker fans while walking with his parents, Jessica and Adam Taylor, of Lincoln, ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Dianna Whittle, of Valley, Neb., and Diane Etzelmiller, of Omaha, grab a drink ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Allison Johnson, of Grand Forks, N.D., gets a lift from Grant Kobes, of Bennington, Neb., and Ross Johnson, of Grand Forks, N.D., ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Husker fans ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Traci and Erik Vrbas, of Downs, Kans., meet Mango, a 7-year-old chihuahua belonging to Brian Smith, of Doha Qatar, ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Cherie and Steve Schemm, now living in Goes Netherlands, hang out with other Husker fans ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in the Temple Bar District on Saturday in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (7) makes a catch while warming up ahead of the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska warms up ahead of its game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska warms up ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium on Saturday in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Quinton Newsome (6) warms up ahead of the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Brant Banks (74) high-fives teammates ahead of the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) warms up ahead of the the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Brandon Moore (24) is shown before the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Chubba Purdy (6) warms up ahead of the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) warms up ahead of the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska fans watch as the team warms up ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Bonnie Schumacher, of Omaha, from left, Judy and Dean Schnitzler, of Brekenridge, Colo., and Harry Kurtenbach, of Lindsay, Neb., laugh with costumed characters ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in theTemple Bar District in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Husker fans ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in theTemple Bar District in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Husker fans ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in theTemple Bar District in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Lisa McNeal, of Lincoln, wears a ‘Go Big Red’ button with a shamrock, ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in theTemple Bar District in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Husker fans ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in theTemple Bar District in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.
Nebraska fans watch as the team warms up ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday.

Nebraska’s Brendan Franke (92) watches his field goal attempt miss as the first half ends on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) is brought down by the Nebraska defense on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) hands the ball off to Trey Palmer (3) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Ryan Hilinski (3) passes the ball against Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The Nebraska defense stands on the field during a break in the action against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (10) runs with the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Turner Corcoran (69) and Trent Hixson (75) hold back Northwestern’s Taishan Holmes (90) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson throws the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches his team play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Chris Kolarevic (31) hooks onto Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (2) celebrates a touchdown with teammates against Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (7) catches a pass against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Donny Navarro III (80) makes a touchdown catch in front of Nebraska’s Braxton Clark (11) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Marcus Washington (7) watches the final moments of Northwestern’s 31-28 win Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost runs off the field following the Huskers’ 31-28 loss to Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) and Marshall Lang (88) celebrate Hull’s go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Wildcats’ 31-28 win against Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

The Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks off the field following a timeout during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Malik Washington (6) is grabbed by Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (23) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost walks past his team during a timeout in the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) evades Nebraska’s Luke Reimer (28) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska defensive players look to the sideline during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Garrett Nelson (44) walks off the field following the Huskers’ 31-28 loss to Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Luke Reimer (28) walks off the field following the Huskers’ 31-28 loss to Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska head coach Scott Frost pats the back of Nash Hutmacher (72) during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Fans make a cup snake through the stands during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Tommy Stoller, of Omaha, puts his hands on his head during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (2) walks off the field following a Husker interception in the fourth quarter of Northwestern’s 31-28 win Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (3) runs with the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts watches Nebraska play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska defensive players look to the sideline during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Logan Smothers (8) watches the Huskers play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska fans watch the Huskers play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (10) rushes between Northwestern’s Rod Heard II (24) and Jeremiah Lewis (9) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Fans watch the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska offensive coordinator Mark Whipple speaks to his team during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson hands the ball off to Anthony Grant during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) is brought down by Nebraska’s Ochaun Mathis (left) and Luke Reimer (right) on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks with officials during the Huskers’ game against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Travis Vokolek runs with the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Trey Palmer is brought down by Northwestern’s Coco Azema (0) and Xander Mueller on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska fans watch the Huskers play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Trent Hixson (top) gets ready to snap the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska fans use binoculars to watch the Huskers play Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Travis Vokolek (83) runs a route against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson passes the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) gets over the pile for a touchdown against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Marcus Washington runs with the ball against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska’s Timmy Bleekrode (38) kicks an extra point against Northwestern on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald leads his team onto the field for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska’s Caleb Tannor (2) calls out to his team in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska’s Eteva Mauga-Clements (5) reacts after a Northwestern touchdown in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Northwestern’s Charlie Schmiidt (69) celebrates a touchdown in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska’s Ajay Allen (9) runs with the ball behind teammate Chancellor Brewington (82) against Northwestern Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Nebraska fans watch the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (99) eyes Northwestern’s Ryan Hilisnki (3) while being held back by Northwestern’s Josh Priebe (68) in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Nebraska fans react to a play in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Northwestern’s Evan Hull (26) is brought down by the Nebraska defense in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.

Northwestern’s Ryan Hilinski (3) passes the ball past the hand of Nebraska’s Ochaun Mathis (32) in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
The Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska on Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) walks off the field following the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Wyatt Liewer (85) reacts after missing a pass that was then intercepted by Northwestern’s Xander Mueller (34) in the fourth quarter of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) falls on a play in the third quarter of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) talks with Mark Whipple, the offensive coordinator, during a break in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (14) competes in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (3) rushes in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Casey Thompson (11) walks off the field following a drive in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Anthony Grant (10) watches his team from the sideline during the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Bryce Benhart (54) and Broc Bando (73) protect their quarterback, Casey Thompson (11), by holding back Northwestern’s Sean McLaughlin (97) in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (3) carries the ball against Northwestern Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
Nebraska fans watch the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (2) and Travis Vokolek (83) listen to the officials after a turnover by Garcia-Castaneda in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Trey Palmer (3) flips with the ball in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda (2) loses possession of the ball and it is recovered by Northwestern’s Greyson Metz (57) in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Saturday. Northwestern won 31-28.
Reach the writer at 402-473-7440 or ajust@journalstar.com
On Twitter @Amie_Just.
Commentaires
Enregistrer un commentaire