Back in 2021, the Nebraska Cornhuskers had a pretty talented team that included several stars. However, they were 3-9, lost every game by less than 1o points, and lacked something massive-execution. It is something that so many talk about but not many can actually do. Nebraska is an example over the last decade of a team that has talent but has failed massively to execute. It’s one thing to say, “we must improve are execution”, then to actually do it. Simply put, if the Huskers did, they would be in the playoff picture right now…
2025 Showed Exactly What the Huskers Fail So Often At
Here are some massive examples in each game Nebraska lost this season of failed execution:
Michigan 30, Nebraska 27
Nebraska lost this game because they couldn’t stop the run, but also because it should’ve been 10-0 in the early going. Nebraska failed on a 4 & 3 deep in the red zone and missed a field goal in the fourth quarter. They also had a TD overturned that cost the Huskers four points. Total, Nebraska left too much off the board and failed to execute at all.
Nebraska 6, Minnesota 24
Nebraska got pretty much blown out by a team that they were far better than (at the moment). The Huskers settled for two field goals instead of touchdowns in the first half, moved the ball well in the first half and beginning of the second half. They didn’t run enough with Emmett Johnson and couldn’t protect Dylan Raiola. The offense allowed nine sacks and did nothing well as Nebraska again failed to execute against a worse team.
USC 17, Nebraska 21
With good execution, Nebraska could have blown USC out of the water. Nebraska had several opportunities to make a two score game, but after an interception and having the ball deep in USC territory, Nebraska should’ve made it 21-6. Instead, Raiola got injured, fumbled the ball, and the Huskers lost. Nebraska also had to settle for a two field goals, one they missed on a 4th down and 1 and Nebraska was too scared with their backup QB. Nebraska gifted USC a win.
Nebraska 10, Penn State 37
Nebraska got the ball first but turned it over on downs at the 3 of PSU. With a score Nebraska would’ve had momentum. Instead, it turned into a game where the Huskers couldn’t stop the run and moved the ball pretty well but executed horribly on their drives.
Iowa 40, Nebraska 16
Finally, Nebraska got a monster effort from Emmett Johnson, but didn’t do anything with it. The Huskers were held to three field goals in the first half, which just isn’t enough to beat a team that couldn’t be stopped offensively. Nebraska’s offense was also on the sideline for a massive part of the second half as Iowa executed much better than Nebraska.
Nebraska Must Find a Way to Execute Better
No one, not even the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers, or the 2001 Miami Hurricanes executed perfectly. However, in order to win games, you must find a way to perform better than your opponent, or you will never win. Nebraska over the years has had talent, in fact, many players are stars that entered the transfer portal to go someplace else, or others are playing in the NFL. Perhaps, there are certain players waiting to blow up into stars on the current roster or already have like Johnson.
Nebraska is 7-5, last season they were 7-6, and in other words, they were mediocre. However, the team is talented, it is good, and it has potential of competing in the Big Ten Conference. With better execution, by both the players and the coaches, the confidence and greatness of the Huskers will go up. Nebraska can win. But that’s up to the coaches and players to perform better. Execution wins games.
Main Image: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
