Rhule's Seat Hot? Nebraska Stumbles to 5-4

The Nebraska Cornhuskers dropped to a 5-4 record following a disappointing 24-13 road loss to Illinois, intensifying scrutiny on head coach Matt Rhule. This defeat extends Nebraska's losing streak to four games, with the team failing to surpass 17 points in each of those contests. The season appeared promising at one point, with the Huskers holding a 5-0 record before a crucial loss to Indiana.

Since that pivotal game, Nebraska's performance has significantly declined. They suffered a close three-point loss to Oregon, a seven-point home defeat against Washington, and now an eleven-point loss to Illinois. Coach Rhule's efforts to downplay the recent struggles, suggesting the team needed "a couple more plays," have been met with skepticism, especially considering the team's win-loss records and low finishes in the Big Ten under his leadership.

Rhule's tenure has seen win totals of five, seven, and seven games, with a 1-1 record in bowl games. Their finishes in the expanded conference have been poor, tied for 10th and 12th. Given Rhule's substantial salary, with potential earnings nearing $14 million, questions are being raised by school officials regarding the return on investment.

Looking ahead, Nebraska has one remaining game where they are favored, a road trip to Rutgers. However, their schedule concludes with challenging matchups against Ohio State at home and an away game against Iowa, further testing Rhule's team.