Rutgers football: 5 takeaways from loss to Nebraska

PISCATAWAY – This seemed like the perfect chance for Rutgers.

A struggling Big Ten opponent in Nebraska, a team that’s been terrible defensively all season. This was a primetime match at home. So much seemed like it lined up in the Scarlet Knights’ favor. So much seemed like it could help jumpstart Greg Schiano’s team at the most opportune time.

But Rutgers couldn’t take advantage.

The defense was so strong that Nebraska was unable to score for most of the game, which created golden opportunities for the offense. But the offense continued the inconsistency that’s plagued it all season, and a failure to capitalize on those opportunities led to a 14-13 loss to the Cornhuskers Friday night at SHI Stadium.

Rutgers lost to Rutgers 3-3 in the loss. This defeat hurt Rutgers' bowl hopes. It now has lost 21 consecutive home Big Ten games.

Schiano stated that "we didn't make the most of the opportunities in half one." "And I've been doing this a long time and when you do that, sometimes you get away with it but more times than not, you don't − more times than not, it comes and bites you in the rear end in the game, and it sure did us."

The Scarlet Knights came into this game needing a victory after two straight defeats – both to top-tier defenses in Iowa and Ohio State. Nebraska seemed like the perfect place to be, as it was home to a team that had already fired its defensive coordinator and head coach after a poor start to the season.

And Rutgers held the lead most of the night, including a 13-point advantage – although that lead should’ve been much larger.

With four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Scarlet Knights almost got the ball back. However, Kessawn Abraham was assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty for a sideline hit. Nebraska threw a one yard pass on third-and-11 from its 25.

The penalty extended Rutgers' drive, and Rutgers didn’t get the ball again until it was 1:03.

Evan Simon threw his third interception on the drive, ending any chance of a comeback.

The Scarlet Knights had nine penalties for 97 yards, although some were questionable. This is a lot for a team that's not yet strong enough to overcome them.

Rutgers suffered yet another disappointing loss.

The offense and the quarterbacks

Noah Vedral, who had played four snaps (all rushes), in the previous Ohio State game, started again and stayed in the game for a long time. The offense ran smoothly for the most part early on with Vedral back – he had a 33-yard pass to Shameen Jones the second play of the game and then scored on a 21-yard touchdown run.

But Vedral didn’t play the last two series of the first half and was replaced by Simon. Vedral was then rotated in and outside in the second half.

Vedral finished 6-of-15 for 133 yards.

Simon had another up-and-down day. He was 6-of-13 for 100 yards and had three interceptions. His second pick, by Myles Farmer, helped set up Nebraska’s go-ahead touchdown.

Gavin Wimsatt was injured and missed his third consecutive game.

So once again, Rutgers’ quarterback situation remains muddled.

Schiano stated that Noah was the most fit he's ever been. "So when he is the most healthy, it's also the most experienced. He's the one who needs to be playing right now. He can't do it for a whole game and, as you can see, some of his passes got away. It's frustrating for him, because he used to be able to do it and now he can't.

Overall, however, the offense is not performing well right now. It's not good enough to win.

The Scarlet Knights still have a lot of work to do on this side of the ball.

Schiano stated that "we have a lot to do." "This bye week, we will have to examine everything we do, why we do it, who is doing it, and when. This will take time. We have the bye week to accomplish it. We have a lot more football ahead of us.

Too many missed opportunities

Overall, Rutgers played a solid first half. Its defense was dominant, twice intercepting Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson – one by Max Melton and one by Christian Braswell.

Melton also made a big play on special teams. He blocked a punt Parker Day recovered to set up an initial-and-goal at 9.

The problem was the Scarlet Knights didn’t do enough to capitalize on those opportunities. Melton’s blocked punt led to a 25-yard field goal by Jude McAtamney after Vedral ran for one yard and then threw two incomplete passes (no one was open in the end zone on his second pass so he had to throw it away).

STEVE EDELSONRutgers football reeling following the collapse of Nebraska, with no end in view

Rutgers went three-and-out after Braswell’s interception, and then couldn’t take advantage of Melton’s either – although the officials didn’t help. On second-and-4 from Nebraska 45, center Ireland Brown was called for holding that brought up 2nd-and-14 from Rutgers 45.

Simon made a 27-yard pass from Simon to Sean Ryan, but Ryan was called for offensive pass interference. It was, to put it mildly, a questionable call.

This penalty effectively ended the drive, and Rutgers came away with nothing.

So while the Scarlet Knights went into the locker room with the lead, that advantage could’ve been much bigger.

Schiano stated that there was an opportunity to score three or more goals at the half, but it wasn't possible.

Sam Brown’s impact

It’s tough to say enough good things about how good the true freshman running back has been this season.

He’s had a huge impact on the offense – and the offense has needed it considering its struggles.

Brown runs with force, he has good vision, he’s tough to bring down. He’s a bowling ball.

He finished Friday’s game with 63 yards on 16 carries (3.9 yards per attempt).

At times it seemed like Rutgers should’ve given him even more opportunities. Of all the Scarlet Knights running backs, Brown’s been the most productive the last few games.

Defense continues to do its job

Rutgers has been a solid defensive team all season. The unit has done everything it’s been able to give the Scarlet Knights chances.

They had two interceptions on Friday night and then had a huge fourth-down stop late third quarter when Nebraska had fourth to 1 at the Rutgers 27.  

The defense is doing its job. The offense isn’t hold up its end of the bargain.

Schiano stated that it was frustrating when you don't play well enough in one or two phases. It's a team sport. It's the ultimate team sport, and as the head coach, I have to work with my staff to improve that part of our team and continue to make the other phases better.

The road ahead

Rutgers enters its bye week. This is a good thing because of the many injuries that the Scarlet Knights are fighting.

Safety Avery Young stated that "Pressing reset" is mandatory. "Not even when you lose a game like this but when you win, when you’re thriving. It's not difficult to find a way of pressing reset and getting back to zero in order to execute the next mission or job.

They then play at home against a struggling Indiana team before traveling to Minnesota. Then it's a battle against Michigan, Michigan State (although they have struggled), and Penn State before the final against Maryland.

It's difficult to see how Rutgers could win three without major offensive adjustments.