On Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m, the 5-4 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team kicked off against the also 5-4 Maryland Terrapins for their second to last home game of the season. The “Sea of Red” in Memorial Stadium was ready to watch the Huskers battle for their sixth win of the season in hopes to earn a bowl game and extend the season, something the team hasn’t accomplished since 2016.

With both teams scoreless in the first quarter, the Huskers fell behind right before halftime, 7-0. After an interception, Heinrich Haarberg, the starting quarterback, took a hit and got injured. Head Coach Matt Rhule put in the second and third string quarterbacks, Jeff Sims and Chubba Purdy. Coming back from half, the Huskers tied the game with a 2-yard rush for a touchdown. They then forced a turnover and took the lead, 10-7, after Tristan Alvano nailed a 38-yard field goal.

In the fourth quarter, Maryland tied the game with a field goal to make it 10-10, and eventually created a drive downfield from turnovers to win the game on the last play 13-10.

“I think our offense needs to improve in many ways,” senior Kate McCullough said. “It may take a little time, but I think Rhule will eventually be able to pull the team back together.”

The Huskers had five turnovers on the day to Maryland’s three. Nebraska currently leads the nation in most turnovers by a single team this season, a title no team wants to receive. 

“Rhule will probably be able to transform the program, it depends on the recruiting problem,” freshman Ben Kline said. “We need to find a better quarterback.”

Nebraska plays in Wisconsin against the Badgers Saturday, Nov. 18, at 6:30 p.m, in hopes to earn a bowl game.