This defense just can't make plays when they need to. Despite the fact that they looked good for parts of the game, they still gave up 28 points. Granted 7 of them were off a turnover, but even discounting that, they're still giving up way too many points, . Even worse, while the Huskers did win the game, they did so by a foot. When they needed to lock down on the final drive, they let them drive into field goal range after giving up 28 points already. They had at least 3 opportunities for clear picks on the final NW drive and could never come up with the ball. They make one of those plays and the game is over. It makes no sense that if that kick is one more foot to the left, the defense has problems and gave up the game losing drive, but because it sailed a foot to the right, the defense played great. The kick doesn't negate the failure of the defense.
I saw more tipped balls at the line and by our corners and safeties (linebackers to) than any game I've seen all year. They covered well, and contained properly, for going up against one of those dreaded mobile QBs. Take away that 80 yard TD run and NW has 221 yards and 100 rushing yards. They had 121 yards passing. Take away the fumbles and they have 111 yards passing and 211 yards total and 14 points. There were not a whole lot of broken tackles. I don't know what more you could ask for. The defense played well.
Offensively, it was frustrating at times. Some of the playcalling and offensive line play was annoying. But regardless, we put up 543 yards (342 passing, 201 running) on 26 first downs and scored 29. Without the turnovers it could've been more.
Now doing this for one game is great. If we can do this against Michigan, I'll be pleased. But at least improving off of a win will be much easier than improving off a loss.