Colandrea Urges Nebraska Receivers to Move Past Losing Streak

Colandrea spoke with Nebraska’s receivers during the week after the Huskers’ 17-10 loss to Washington, Barney said Tuesday. He urged them to stop overthinking and focus on the present, offering encouragement after Nebraska’s third straight defeat, each coming after the team surrendered a fourth-quarter lead.

Nebraska, now 5-3 overall and 2-3 in the Big Ten, visits Illinois on Friday night. The Huskers need one more win to become bowl eligible, with games against Rutgers, Ohio State and Iowa remaining after Illinois.

Barney said Monday’s practice went well and stressed that players must support one another rather than dwell on the past or outside criticism. He also said Nebraska’s offense needs to turn opportunities into points. The team has averaged 13.6 points across its three most recent losses to Indiana, Oregon and Washington, and Barney acknowledged that receivers, himself included, dropped passes against Washington.

The junior has 35 catches for 443 yards and two touchdowns, ranking second on the team in each category. Barney has made at least one reception in 34 straight games, a mark that ranks fourth all-time at Nebraska and seventh among active FBS players. He also returns punts, averaging 6.4 yards, ninth in the Big Ten.

Barney said he has continued playing despite a fractured rib he sustained during the October 17 Oregon game. He described being hit, feeling something pop, getting an X-ray and an injection, then returning to play. He said he intends to keep playing when able.