Nebraska Offense Stalls: 102 Rushing Yards, Three Interceptions in Loss to Washington

Nebraska’s offense produced 255 passing yards but failed to convert those numbers into a win, falling 17-10 to Washington on Saturday. The loss extends the team's recent struggles, leaving the Huskers at 5-3 overall and 2-3 in Big Ten play. The unit played all 77 offensive snaps with only 18 players seeing time on the field.

Senior quarterback Anthony Colandrea completed 24 of 44 passes for 255 yards and one touchdown. He was intercepted three times, including a pick-six that ended the game. Colandrea completed only one of nine passes traveling at least 20 yards downfield. That single completion was a 24-yard touchdown to Carter Nelson, a Nebraska native. This was Nelson's first receiving touchdown since a game against Northern Iowa in 2024.

The running game contributed 102 total yards on 21 attempts. Jamal Rule carried the ball 13 times for 72 yards. Isaiah Mozee was involved in nearly half of the offensive plays, with 25 of those coming on passing downs. Mekhi Nelson, who was arguably the healthiest option at the position, saw the fewest snaps among the top three ball carriers. No rushing play resulted in a first down for Colandrea's seven carries.

Wide receiver Kwazi Gilmer dropped a pass intended for a touchdown on Nebraska's opening drive. The very next play resulted in a turnover. Wide receivers were targeted 30 times by Colandrea and caught 16 of those passes. Tight end Luke Lindenmeyer was targeted once, resulting in the game's final interception. He stopped running his route on that play, a decision he said he was unsure of after the game.

The offensive line started five players who played all 77 snaps. The unit allowed four pressures on the quarterback but did not surrender a sack. Justin Evans, the only player on the line to allow zero pressures in eight contests, was part of the group. The line's run-blocking grades have trended downward this season, a factor that may complicate the final four games against Illinois, Ohio State, and Iowa.

Colandrea threw two interceptions on his first five pass attempts. He rarely scrambled on passing downs, opting for a stationary dropback approach. Washington’s defense contained him effectively on the ground, limiting his ability to extend plays. The Huskers will look to adjust their game plan as they prepare for their remaining schedule.