Evans Urges Nebraska to Reset After Washington Loss

On November 3, Nebraska senior center Justin Evans said the Huskers need to put their 17-10 defeat by Washington behind them quickly as they prepare for Illinois. Nebraska has lost three consecutive games after leading in the fourth quarter, and its next game is on November 6 in Champaign.

The team reviewed the Washington game on Sunday with coach Matt Rhule leading the session. Evans said Rhule’s perspective helped players identify details that might be difficult to catch during a game or in a television replay. With limited time before the next matchup, Evans said, “We have no days to waste.”

Nebraska held a 7-3 lead late in the fourth quarter against Washington, then conceded a touchdown with 1:30 remaining. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, his third interception of the game. Evans said players must set aside the frustration, respond to difficult moments and keep leading their teammates. He added that Colandrea had been more vocal and positive since the defeat.

Illinois uses a 3-3-5 defense, a formation Nebraska has also practiced against while running it itself. Evans said that familiarity should help the Huskers prepare for the similar looks they expect to face.

For the Illinois matchup, Nebraska’s offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and line coach Geep Wade are slated to direct the team from the coaches’ booth, with run game coordinator Lonnie Teasley helping on the field. Holgorsen will continue calling plays. Evans said the coaching shift would not change how he supports teammates. Nebraska enters the game with a 5-3 overall record and a 2-3 mark in Big Ten play.