Nebraska: 2026 Week 11 recap

Nebraska sits at 15th nationally with a 5–3 record, but the rating held flat week-over-week despite a loss to Washington at home in Week 9. The 17–10 defeat exposed a persistent offensive vulnerability: a red-zone touchdown rate of just 16% means the Cornhuskers are leaving points on the field in the moments that matter most. Third-down conversion sits at 42%, suggesting inconsistency in moving the chains. GIE projects 6.9 expected wins, implying the model sees tighter margins ahead than the current record reflects. Nebraska faces Illinois on the road in Week 10—a winnable game, but one where execution in critical moments will determine whether the rating climbs or slides further.