Nebraska's 31-Game Ranked Losing Streak Continues After Fourth-Quarter Collapse vs. Indiana

LINCOLN, Neb. (Just The News Iowa) — Nebraska blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead Saturday, falling 20-17 to No. 7 Indiana and extending its losing streak against ranked opponents to 31 games. The Huskers have not beaten a ranked team since a 35-32 win over No. 22 Oregon on Sept. 17, 2016.

The loss stings for a Nebraska program desperate for a breakthrough. A win would have been the biggest since beating defending national champion Oklahoma in 2001, according to CBS Sports. Instead, the Huskers added another close loss to a painful list that includes 30-27 and 21-17 defeats against Michigan and USC last season.

Nebraska Dominates the Box Score but Not the Scoreboard

The statistics favored Nebraska in nearly every category. The Huskers finished with 25 first downs to Indiana's 13, held the ball for more than 39 minutes, and limited the Hoosiers to 1-of-10 on third down. Nebraska's defense held Indiana to just 65 rushing yards on 22 carries.

Quarterback Anthony Colandrea broke a 39-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter to give Nebraska a 17-6 lead. His Pro Football Network Impact grade of 88.5 ranks 10th among 165 graded FBS quarterbacks this season.

But the lead evaporated in seconds. Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover hit receiver Nick Marsh over the middle, and Marsh outran Nebraska's secondary for a 75-yard touchdown on the very next play.

After a Nebraska punt, the Hoosiers faced fourth-and-1 at the Nebraska 44. The Huskers played the run, and Marsh ran free for a 44-yard touchdown that put Indiana ahead 20-17 with just over seven minutes remaining.

Matt Rhule Falls to 0-10 Against Ranked Teams at Nebraska

Coach Matt Rhule acknowledged after the game that he should have called a timeout on that critical fourth down. His defense expected one personnel grouping from Indiana but saw another, and the Hoosiers hurried to the line to run the play.

Rhule said he was angry Nebraska didn't win but not embarrassed, likening the matchup to a prize fight. The loss dropped him to 0-10 against ranked opponents in four seasons at Nebraska.

“Indiana got to the fourth quarter and remembered they were Indiana. In all phases. Unfortunately so did Nebraska.” — Stewart Mandel, The Athletic

Nebraska still had chances to win. Trailing by three with under five minutes left, the Huskers went for it on fourth down and turned the ball over on downs. Their next drive started at their own 5-yard line and ended with Indiana defensive lineman Tobi Osunsanmi sacking Colandrea on fourth down. A final possession with 13 seconds left went nowhere.

Fourth-Quarter Failures Continue to Define the Huskers

Held to six points through three quarters, Indiana scored 14 in the fourth. Hoover finished 12-of-22 for 263 yards, and Marsh caught six passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Indiana sacked Colandrea five times.

A 16-play drive late in the first half ended with kicker Kyle Cunanan missing a 40-yard field goal. After going up 17-6, Nebraska managed just 60 yards on 19 plays before its final possession.

One Nebraska fan summed up the frustration and hope: “Huskers played D played more than well enough for us to win which makes it disappointing but Matt Rhule deff has us going in right direction so I'm good.”

Week 7: Nebraska Travels to Oregon

Nebraska now heads to Eugene for a Week 7 matchup against Oregon at Autzen Stadium. Pro Football Network's College Football Playoff Meter gives the Huskers a 19.3% chance to win that game.

With a win in Eugene, Nebraska's playoff chances sit at 4.7%. With a loss, they drop to 0.2%. The Huskers also host Ohio State on Nov. 21 and visit Iowa on Nov. 27.

Indiana hosts Ohio State next Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.