Iowa fan here. Nebraska really lost the game more than Iowa won it, with the exception of special teams. We played on a much shorter field than Nebraska due to the short kickoffs and we won the field position battle in the punting and return game.
Positives for NU on the first half run defense and the defense overall. We were in 3rd and long all day due to a lot of nice run stops. The offense also made plenty of big chunk against us, it just wasn’t enough to overcome the mistakes.
The negatives - mistakes. The boneheaded tackle out of bounds in the first series that moved us into the red zone was the first of many gifts from mental errors. Emotion is huge, but discipline must be maintained. Games come down to 2-3 plays. When I think about playing Nebraska, there is no fear. I’m far more nervous playing ISU right now, because they don’t have the drive killing mistakes. It feels like you guys play with emotion, but seem to struggle with focus. A team that struggles with the little things is not mentally strong. If you want people to fear playing Nebraska again, you have to clean up the mental errors. It does feel like you guys are getting closer, you just have to get out of your own way imho. It can get better fast! Coaching wise, year 3 is when you want to see a step forward. This is a weird year though.
Stay patient.
Also, there is absolutely no way we are the number 3 team in the country. If we had Brad Banks, then maybe I’d agree. Petras right now is raw and not ready.
Good luck the rest of way!