The Nebraska Cornhuskers fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes 27-14 on November 25, 2023, marking the team's fifth consecutive defeat under head coach Scott Frost. The loss has sparked concerns about Frost's ability to lead the team to success, particularly given the team's high expectations entering the season. As the Cornhuskers struggle to find their footing, several key observations from the game have emerged that highlight the challenges facing the program.
Quarterback Play Remains a Concern
Nebraska's quarterback play was once again a major issue in the loss to Iowa. Adrian Martinez struggled to find his rhythm, completing just 15 of 28 passes for 173 yards and an interception. While Martinez has shown flashes of brilliance this season, his inconsistency has been a major factor in the team's struggles. Frost has stated that he remains committed to Martinez as the team's starter, but the quarterback's performance will need to improve if the Cornhuskers are to turn their season around.
The lack of depth at the quarterback position has also been a major concern for Nebraska. The team has few options behind Martinez, and the loss of backup quarterback Heinrich Haarberg to injury has only exacerbated the issue. Frost will need to find a way to develop his young quarterbacks and provide more stability at the position if the Cornhuskers are to be competitive going forward.
Run Defense Remains a Weakness
The Nebraska run defense has been a major liability all season, and the loss to Iowa was no exception. The Hawkeyes gashed the Cornhuskers for 245 yards on the ground, with Iowa's running backs averaging over 7 yards per carry. The team's inability to stop the run has been a major factor in their struggles, as opposing teams have consistently been able to control the tempo of the game.
Frost has stated that he is working with his defensive staff to find ways to improve the team's run defense, but the results so far have been underwhelming. The Cornhuskers will need to find a way to shore up their run defense if they are to have any chance of making a postseason push.
Special Teams Continue to Struggle
Nebraska's special teams unit has been a major disappointment all season, and the loss to Iowa was no exception. The team struggled with punting and kickoff coverage, allowing Iowa to start several drives deep in Cornhusker territory. The special teams unit also failed to capitalize on several opportunities to make big plays, including a missed field goal and a muffed punt.
Frost has stated that he is working with his special teams coach to find ways to improve the unit, but the results so far have been underwhelming. The Cornhuskers will need to find a way to shore up their special teams if they are to have any chance of turning their season around.
Frost's Job Security Comes Under Scrutiny
The loss to Iowa has raised questions about the job security of Scott Frost, who has been under intense pressure all season. The Cornhuskers were expected to be a major contender in the Big Ten West this season, but the team's struggles have left them with little chance of making a postseason push.
Frost has stated that he remains committed to his job and is working hard to find ways to turn the season around. However, the pressure is mounting, and it will be interesting to see how the administration responds to the team's struggles going forward.
In conclusion, the loss to Iowa has highlighted several key issues that are facing the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The team's struggles under Frost have raised questions about his ability to lead the program to success, and it remains to be seen whether the Cornhuskers can turn their season around going forward.