Brian Christopherson
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Articles by Brian Christopherson
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The stakes may not be as high as past meetings on Saturday night. But you can forgive those who romanticize with old stories about Huskers-Hurricanes.
Eight straight, then the Huskers never look back in sweep
(Photo: 247Sports) Eight in a row, then in control. Nebraska swept Northwestern 25-17, 25-14, 25-15 in front of 5,329 fans at Welsh-Ryan Arena, extending its regular-season match win streak to 49. The Huskers improved to 18-0 overall and 7-0 in the Big Ten, while Northwestern fell to 7-11 and 0-7. The first set was the closest of the night. Northwestern had just pulled even at 17. Then came an Andi Jackson kill. See ya. Nebraska scored eight straight to close out the set.
Another Husker safety ruled out, standout Oregon receiver now doubtful
Nebraska is now down two safeties from its two-deep for Saturday's game. One of Oregon's key receivers who could try to burn them might not be out there, either. It was already known that the Huskers would be without starting safety Jamir Conn. Thursday's report showed that safety Rex Guthrie is also out. He hadn't been on Wednesday's report. Guthrie has battled injuries this season, with his snaps limited to 42, all in nonconference play.
Rhule talks Nebraska’s response, setting the body clocks right, and preparing for Oregon’s QB unknowns
In a final interview before departure for Oregon, Matt Rhule sees a team that has put its eyes in the right place. "I think they turned the page quickly," Rhule said. "As I said to them, that game's over. Pretty much every team in the country has had to deal with. There's six, seven, maybe eight teams left undefeated. It's really about focusing on a great Oregon team. A Top 25 team.
Know Thy Husker Foe: What are strengths for the Ducks? What most needs repair? What about Raiola and the QBs?
(Photo: Eugene Johnson, 247Sports) They started the year No. 2 in the polls. Now the Oregon Ducks have two losses in the first five games. Amid the challenges coming off a 17-15 loss to UCLA, which includes whether Dylan Raiola will face his old Husker team, it's still a Ducks team loaded with talent. What are the strengths and weakness shown so far? What are the differences between the quarterbacks? What's the reaction around the program going into this game?
Nebraska has a big opportunity if a stout run defense travels west
(Photo: Shandie Stewart) Kill their engine. Williams Nwaneri dropped that three-word mission last week, before Indiana came to town. Husker fans might have been skeptical. The Hoosiers came in ninth nationally in rushing, with a Turbo and a Beebe. But Nebraska did kill that engine. Just 65 rushing yards allowed. Just one double-digit run by a back: 12 yards. Sure, the Huskers defended only 44 plays. But, you know, that's also because the engine wasn't running.
Maher on confidence in Cunanan, Wilson’s groove and Nebraska’s special teams opportunities
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) It's understood Nebraska needs more points from Kyle Cunanan's opportunities. Brett Maher sees a kicker willing to own that—and still sees the work in practice that gives him confidence better results will follow. "Kyle for the start of the year, I think he would tell you as well, would hope to have been cleaner to this point in the year," Maher said Wednesday on the Husker Football Coaches Show with Kyle Crooks.
Christopherson: Once upon a 10 p.m. kickoff, Nebraska was in Tokyo
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography, 247Sports) The last time Nebraska kicked off at 10 p.m. Central, Tommie Frazier was a freshman and the opponent was Kansas State. In Tokyo. You don't have to cross the Pacific anymore to make pajamas part of the gameday wardrobe. Nebraska's game at Oregon begins at 10 p.m. Saturday back home, 8 p.m. in Eugene. FOX has the broadcast.
Freshman Dylan Berymon among a key trio for Husker D-line depth in the season’s second half
(Photo: Shandie Stewart) It was Turbo in name only on this play. Not when Indiana's Turbo Richard was running into 350ish pounds. Heavy emphasis on the "ish." Dylan Berymon was there, Owen Chambliss was there. Wait, go back to that first name. How about the true freshman stepping up and getting credit for a tackle for loss in a game like that? We've seen freshman skill guys take off, but you don't always see even the most promising guys in the trenches show up in a game like this in Year 1.
Benning on teammates’ trust, Conn’s example and the next-play mentality Nebraska carries to Oregon
(Photo: Shandie Stewart) The Huskers aren't looking for a way to feel better about this past Saturday. They're looking to finish better on a few plays this next Saturday. "I think Owen Chambliss touched on it postgame. Next-play mentality," Caleb Benning said Tuesday. "Obviously there were a lot of opportunities to win that game." The Husker safety is looking to build on his 28 snaps against Indiana and could again have a larger role depending on Jamir Conn's availability.
Barney showed how his game can keep rising with his best performance Holgorsen's seen
Nine catches for 108 yards stood out, but Dana Holgorsen’s praise centered on Jacory Barney’s crisp routes and reliability. VIP (Photo: Shandie Stewart) Jacory Barney was fast as usual. The reliability of his routes is what captured his coach's eye. Put those together and Dana Holgorsen saw Barney's best game since Holgorsen arrived at Nebraska. Important stuff as Nebraska heads west toward its next big game against those Oregon Ducks.
Husker player takeaways: Rule’s physical roots, Marshall’s message and an 'us, not them' focus
(Photo: Shandie Stewart) If their changing uniforms haven't always won the hearts of us "get off our lawn" types, the Oregon brand has unquestionably played well with the kids the last couple decades. Kids who aren't kids anymore. Kids who might be in a college football uniform as young men now. Andrew Marshall remembers a pink-themed uniform the Ducks wore he thought was pretty clean. "They definitely pop, I can say that," Marshall said.
Everything the Husker DC said: ‘An opportunity missed,’ but Aurich looks toward Oregon with a growing defense
There were a lot of winning plays on film, but a few lessons that can haunt if you let them. The key is not letting them. There are Ducks in view. Of the 328 Hoosier yards, 162 came on three plays in the 20-17 Indiana win over Nebraska. "An opportunity missed," said Husker defensive coordinator Rob Aurich. "Haunting a little bit, but don't let the game beat you twice. You take what you can, you learn from it.
Archie Wilson finds his groove; Huskers seek improvement in kicking game
Archie Wilson has found a groove. Nebraska needs its field-goal operation to find one, too. The punter showed off his distance and placement on a windy Saturday against Indiana. The missed 40-yard field goal before halftime left a different feeling. Three points Nebraska expected to have stayed off the board in a 20-17 loss. Nebraska's punting game, on the other hand, was the best it has been in Wilson's young Husker career.
Rhule with some closing thoughts on key moments in Husker loss: ‘Disappointed, but not discouraged’
(Photo: Dylan Widger, Imagn Images) Matt Rhule said there's a lot of disappointment in not finding a way to win Saturday's game. He thought his guys were ready to play and answered the call time and time again. "But when we watched the tape on Sunday, I think you had a team that was angry and knows that they let one get away," he said. "We're certainly disappointed, but not discouraged." Rhule also said players understand they have to play really well for 60 minutes, not just 55.
Husker injury watch: Conn’s status awaits Wednesday update, Van Poppel works toward return
He's a "lifeblood" guy to this squad. That's how Matt Rhule described Jamir Conn after Saturday's 20-17 Husker loss to Indiana. Those who paid attention all of this Husker offseason know the safety might be Nebraska's biggest gym rat. Always putting in the extra. Earning his way into one of the most important roles on this Husker defense after arriving as an unheralded player in the 2025 portal class.
How did Nebraska's 2026 opponents fare in Week 6?
Result: 38-37 win at Michigan State (OT) Record: 3-3 The Illini won the game but lost QB Katin Houser to a broken hand injury that is likely to have him out "a considerable amount of time," according to Bret Bielema. While that might not be for the year, that game against Nebraska is in four weeks. In Houser's absence, Michael Clayton II led the Illini to victory with 88 passing yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead 25-yard touchdown on the first play of overtime.
Barney leads the way for the Husker offense on the PFF grade sheet
A look at the snap counts and PFF grades from Saturday's 20-17 Indiana win over Nebraska. VIP (Photo: 247Sports) Jacory Barney led the way in receiving yards and he led the way in these grades. That isn't the main thing he's after, though. "I felt like we could have had more body blows in the fourth quarter," Barney said. "We just have to play better and limit the mistakes. I feel like we beat ourselves.
Four-star tight end sees the ways he can help impact Nebraska's offense
Nebraska continues to make the right impression on the Kansas City standout. VIP (Photo: Michael Bruntz, 247Sports) The noise was no joke. "Loudest game I've been to," said Israel Johnigan. The Kansas City prospect is familiar with Lincoln, but got to experience it on a gameday with the volume turned all the way up. The four-star tight end also continues to see Nebraska as a school that fits his skills well. His connection with Husker tight ends coach Marcus Satterfield is strong, too.
Huskers remain outside the Top 25, upcoming opponent Oregon drops out of AP poll
Where Nebraska would've vaulted to had it finished off that fourth quarter right, we'll never know. The team the Huskers lost to 20-17 is ranked in the top five in both polls — fourth by the coaches, fifth by the media. The team Nebraska is about to face, Oregon, is ranked in one poll (25th in the coaches) and outside the top 25 in the AP poll (27th). Nebraska, meanwhile, is the equivalent of 28th in the USA Today Coaches Poll and 29th in the AP.
'28 O-lineman James Bennett has a 'visit I'll remember' after Husker offer
(Photo: Michael Bruntz, 247Sports) The crowd made its usual impression. The compliments from Geep Wade about how he finishes blocks meant a lot. Receiving an offer from the Huskers while standing on the field before Nebraska's game against Indiana made the trip even more memorable. Yeah, rising offensive lineman James Bennett had a more eventful trip to watch Nebraska-Indiana than most.
Christopherson B1G rankings: A chance got away. Another awaits in Eugene.
(Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Nebraska had a chance to shove its way into the Big Ten's top two Saturday. But the league doesn't give you any time to eat ice cream out of a carton in sadness. Nebraska can still take the football that had the champions scrambling and show it belongs in that upper tier. It will need a better finish to make the case stick. Oregon has its own convincing to do.
What Husker players had to say: No moral victories, a call for consistency and what comes next
"We don't believe in moral victories or anything like that. We just can't beat ourselves." There was nothing close to accepting a moral victory from Nebraska players after this one. There's no such thing in the mind of Anthony Jones. After this 20-17 loss to Indiana, the Huskers thought they beat themselves as much as anything. What will it take for the defense to get on top in these kinds of games?
The other side: What Indiana coach Curt Cignetti said
"I'd have to go back and see them all again and review them. But you're absolutely correct and a lot of them were maybe 'God, I just wanted to go for it.' But my common sense, you know, we weren't getting anything done and the clock's running down and let's just survive it, let's stop the bleeding, punt the ball. You know even like in the second half… and those were all on me. And at the end of the day I decided go conservative in the first half. There was too much time left in the game.
Christopherson: Another almost hurts. Where Nebraska takes it next matters more.
(Photo: Dylan Widger, USA TODAY Sports) For most of a warm and windy Saturday afternoon, Husker fans could taste something besides another almost. Certainly when Anthony Colandrea cut toward freedom, then pointed to the sideline as he covered the last five yards to the paint. If you felt like Tim Robbins with your arms extended to the rain — it's understood. There was that "one more play." A dude being a dude in the kind of moment we spend eight months around here talking about.
Fast Takes: Hoosiers 20, Huskers 17
(Photo: Dylan Widger, USA TODAY Sports) Two things can be true at the same time and often are. – The Huskers were up to the fight. They were definitely winning the fight for 48 minutes. – The loss absolutely stings. Opportunity wasn't just knocking. It was screaming through a bullhorn. The champions got the last laugh in a 20-17 Indiana win that for so long seemed destined to blow away that TV graphic about Nebraska football's consecutive losses to ranked teams.
Husker injury report: Conn leaves game early; Rhule updates Van Poppel's situation
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) Nebraska had a key name on the D-line missing from Saturday's action from the start. Riley Van Poppel watched the game in street clothes after being announced as out a couple hours before kickoff. It certainly was a tough blow to lose defensive back Jamir Conn as the game with Indiana pushed toward the finish. The safety exited after a tackle on the first play of the third quarter. "Obviously we lost Jamir Conn. Disappointing.
Rhule postgame comments: Huskers brought the fight, but Hoosiers finish with the win, 20-17
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Husker247) The old stadium was alive. Anthony Colandrea had just zipped, then zagged for a 39-yard touchdown, pointing to the sideline as he headed toward paydirt. Nebraska football was pointed toward something truly significant. Yes, a potential win against a ranked team, but this is about this 2026 squad and the Huskers were on the brink of a major announcement to college football.
Pregame sights for Nebraska-Indiana: What do the lineups look like? What about the wind?
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) It's not about trying to prove something, but being the best representative of all the work you've put in. That's what Matt Rhule said in some final comments before Saturday's Husker matchup with Indiana. Of course, the Huskers could also prove a whole lot with all these eyeballs on them against the defending national champions. The two big storylines of the morning have been a key name on the Husker injury report and the expected wind gusts.
Husker hoops takeaways: Flashes, lessons and an ‘out-toughed’ challenge from first exhibition
This is supposed to be an exhibition! Famous words from Apollo Creed's cornerman in Rocky IV. But, man, that was the real thing when Sam Hoiberg crushed that tallboy to the delight of Husker faithful on Friday night. "I learned that Sam's pretty good at chugging beer tonight," Fred Hoiberg said. "I didn't realize he had that in him." OK, this definitely was an exhibition when Nebraska's head coach remains in humorous spirits after a 79-74 loss.
Husker Gameday Wrap: Cignetti sees Colandrea’s savvy, red-zone stakes and pressure on punts
Anthony Colandrea can make a whole stadium rise with one play. Dana Holgorsen just wants to make sure he's settled for the next one, too. Easier said than done when you just hurdled a safety, but it's life as Nebraska's QB1. "Calm down, take a big breath, get in the huddle, get the play, and then execute that play," Holgorsen said Tuesday. "There are just some times in the game where he's so active with everything that he does, and that's my job — to try to control that.
Huskers, Hoosiers have both finished strong: 'I think they're excited for the opportunity'
Nebraska has shown a finishing kick. It will need it again, and maybe a little grease on the axles in the third quarter, too. But the Huskers, like the Hoosiers, have so far excelled after four fingers are held in the air. Nebraska has outscored opponents 79-15 in those final 15 minutes so far this year, scoring more in that frame than any other.
Connor Essegian eager to get moving again as Huskers open exhibition play
Connor Essegian wants to keep moving. Around screens. Into open space. Anywhere that puts him back in the middle of a basketball game instead of watching one. "I just don't want to stop moving," he said. There's some perspective behind that eagerness as Nebraska prepares for Friday night's 7 p.m. exhibition opener against Saint Louis at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Essegian had never missed a game because of injury before last season. Then a right ankle injury against Winthrop on Nov.
Latest Husker injury report includes key D-tackle as questionable
Husker defensive tackle Riley Van Poppel was a new name on Thursday's injury report. He is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Indiana, joining tight end Carter Nelson and linebacker Gage Stenger. The latter two were upgraded to questionable after being listed as doubtful on Wednesday. Van Poppel is the key name on the report as Nebraska prepares to take on Indiana's rushing attack, which ranks ninth in the country and features two backs averaging more than 100 yards per game.
Husker Mash: A schedule to embrace, not fear; big-time visitors; QB1’s spark and 11 a.m. memories
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) A big-game week gives us plenty to throw into the Husker Mash. We're welcoming a schedule with sharp teeth, checking an impressive guest list, talking QB1 and remembering that 11 a.m. has delivered around here before. Beware the boogeymen? No, sirs and ma'am. That's what these games were made to be at times during the offseason. Hoosiers, Ducks and Buckeyes, oh my.
Husker basketball hosting some top prospects during big weekend in Lincoln
It's a big weekend in Lincoln on all fronts. Not just Nebraska-Indiana and all the hoopla attached, but Husker hoops opens its exhibition schedule on Friday night against Saint Louis. Four high-end prospects, including two making OVs, will get to see how Husker fans fill PBA and all the intensity of a big-game weekend in town. One of those visitors already knows enough about the place to have raised his hand for the Huskers.
Husker freshmen Lanier and Rice making the right first impressions
It's a deep squad. Figuring out the rotation is a good problem for Fred Hoiberg to have. Whatever happens, the early signals on the two freshmen have been promising. Both Jacob Lanier and Colin Rice were "terrific" in Saturday's scrimmage, according to Hoiberg. It was Rice's best practice in a Husker uniform after missing the entire summer with an injury. "I was really pleased with both of their efforts," Hoiberg said. It's also different this season with the new 5-in-5 rule in place.
Injury report relatively clean for Huskers, Hoosiers
Three days from kickoff in Lincoln, it's a pretty clean injury sheet for both Nebraska and Indiana. No Husker starters showed up on Wednesday night's required availability report, with tight end Carter Nelson and linebacker Gage Stenger the only Nebraska players listed as doubtful. The five players listed as out for Nebraska have been in that category since Big Ten play started.
Geep Wade on the radio: Babalade detailing his work, Gottula’s flexibility and an O-line with more to prove
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) Tree Babalade has been hard to miss lately, and not just because of the size he brings to right tackle. Following a minor training camp setback and a slow build through the non-conference season, he's finding his stride in Big Ten play. With Indiana next, Nebraska offensive line coach Geep Wade likes how the big guy is tending to the little things.
Christopherson: The Grit in GBR gets its biggest assignment against Indiana
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) The Grit in GBR needs the biggest typeface that fits on the sign Saturday. Brotherhood. Relentless execution. Those have significant assignments, too. But Nebraska has spent months building the toughness it wants to carry. Here comes an opponent equipped to ask for proof. "There's no weaknesses," said Husker offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. His job is to find some. The search, as of Tuesday, was still ongoing.
Not headliners yet, but five Huskers finding ways to matter
(Photo: Shandie Stewart (Stewart Photography)) They're not headliner Huskers. Not yet. But these are guys who matter plenty through the Big Ten grind. And they've popped up enough recently to warrant some attention. A big stick on special teams. The ability to handle different jobs along the defensive front. A young offensive lineman earning the respect of the guy snapping the ball. Nebraska's bigger names will get plenty of discussion before Indiana arrives Saturday.
Know Thy Husker Foe: Familiar strengths, a few questions for Indiana as Nebraska takes its shot
(Photo: James Cocherell/Peegs.com) The Indiana Hoosiers ride in with the belt and 21 straight wins. Different names are at some key spots for these Hoosiers, but also a lot of common traits with some key returners from a squad that finished No. 1 a season ago. To learn more about this Indiana team, we gathered some insights from Matt Weaver of Peegs.com, the 247Sports site that covers the Hoosiers. We asked five questions. He had five answers. And a prediction. 1.
Making 100 yards hard to come by: Husker O-line faces Indiana’s stingy run defense
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography) Dana Holgorsen offered a number that ought to get an offensive lineman's attention. Only three teams, he said, have rushed for 100 yards against Indiana in the last year and a half. A hundred. Not two hundred. The Hoosiers bring a 21-game winning streak to Lincoln on Saturday, and their offense has certainly supplied plenty to discuss.
How far can their best take them? Quotes from Husker camp ahead of Indiana
(Photo: USA TODAY Sports) "We have a lot of guys playing their best football." Matt Rhule offered that assessment this week. Saturday gives the Huskers a chance to see how far their best can take them. The defending national champions are coming to Lincoln. Nebraska brings five wins, confidence and a healthy respect for the Hoosiers.
Big stage, steady approach: Huskers keep focus on the day in front of them ahead of Indiana
(Photo: Shandie Stewart, Stewart Photography ) The television show is coming. So are the defending national champions. So are all the eyeballs. Nebraska's players know what Saturday looks like from outside the building. Two unbeaten teams. One carries the belt into the ring. Husker coaches Matt Rhule and Dana Holgorsen say Indiana is the No. 1 team until proven otherwise.
New faces, early trust: Kapke and Leonhardt step into starting roles for Nebraska’s first exhibition
One newcomer is making sure the Huskers hear him. Another is making sure the right guy gets the ball. Boden Kapke and Trevan Leonhardt have been giving Fred Hoiberg reasons to trust them as Nebraska sorts through its rotation. Friday brings the first public look at what the coach has been seeing.
‘They don’t run out of bounds’: Aurich sizes up Indiana’s challenge for the Blackshirts
It seemed like the ultimate football coach compliment. "They do what they do as a program." The Indiana Hoosiers know who they are. A couple Husker coaches have pointed to one detail that tells a lot in a few words: They don't run out of bounds. Rob Aurich's defense will have to finish tackles. Indiana's running back duo is a good place to start that discussion. "They have an excellent identity in the run game," Aurich said. Turbo Richard has 587 yards on just 63 rushes, averaging 9.3 a tote.
Rhule impressed by Indiana's answers, hopeful Husker grit will show up Saturday
(Photo: Shandie Stewart) It was supposed to be a measuring-stick game between teams standing on fairly even ground. Then Indiana moved the measuring stick seven touchdowns away as the day grew long, then longer. Maybe you hazily remember Indiana converting a fourth down on its opening drive and cashing in for a touchdown. Nebraska then fumbled while converting a fourth down around the 10 late in the first quarter, on a drive that could've tied it.
What Indiana coach Curt Cignetti had to say about facing Nebraska, Colandrea
"Good road win Saturday night. We did a lot of things well. Still some things to clean up. Zero penalties was huge, obviously, going on the road and not having any penalties, outrushing the opposition 336 to 60. Defense held them to 2 out of 14 on 3rd and 4th down. A couple first-half stops created some nice field position. It was a good way to start Big Ten play on the road, and we've got a tremendous challenge this week in Nebraska. Very impressive team on tape.
Huskers like O-line options with Gottula’s flexibility, lean into Colandrea’s running ability
(Photo: USA TODAY Sports) Gunnar Gottula moved inside because Nebraska believes it can move him just about anywhere. Nebraska, meanwhile, put a big Tree out there on the right side. And for all the local conversation about keeping Anthony Colandrea out of harm's way, Matt Rhule isn't looking to put his running ability on a shelf. There are no apologies coming for the fact that 108 of Nebraska's 209 rushing yards Saturday came from Anthony Colandrea. They count.
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