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The Common Fan: Did the Loss to Illinois Change Expectations for Nebraska’s Season?

Unsteady performance vs. Illinois raises new questions going into Purdue.

TJ Birkel

Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Janiran Bonner (16) runs for a touchdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Sep 20, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Janiran Bonner (16) runs for a touchdown against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
In this story:

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football. 

  • Did the Huskers’ performance against the Illini raise some concerns that affect how we look at the rest of the season?
  • How good is Illinois?
  • Decade-long drought in overtime games.
  • Is Nebraska’s inconsistent run game a function of offensive scheme, personnel, or both?
  • The Michigan loss was a turning point in 2023; could the Illinois loss have a similar effect in 2024?
  • The crew discusses how important it is or isn’t to the fan base for the Huskers to be a good rushing team. 

Plus, looking ahead to Purdue:

  • Players pissed off and fired up in the mid-week press conferences.
  • Boilermakers come in at 1-2 after going 4-8 last season. 
  • What kind of a test will this be for the Huskers?
  • Managing the first road game. 
  • Purdue has run the ball consistently, but has one of the worst run defenses in the nation.
  • Evan shares his insights into West Lafayette and Ross-Ade Stadium.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Listen on the Common Fan website, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeart Radio, and PocketCasts.

Or watch now!

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TJ Birkel
TJ BIRKEL

T.J. Birkel is the creator and co-host of the Common Fan Podcast, a Nebraska football podcast focused entirely on Husker football, all the time. We aim to create meaningful episodes and written commentary that fans like us will enjoy, infused with heavy doses of fun and frivolity. We work hard to cover the latest Husker news of the day; to provide insightful commentary and analysis on all things Husker football; and to bring unique stories and perspectives that may not be covered by the media but that Common Fans will enjoy. GBR for LIFE!

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