Indiana's Curt Cignetti is a great coach, but where the hell is Nebraska's running game?

The Huskers had none on Saturday — 29 carries, 70 yards, 2.4 average — in a game they really needed. I give credit to Indiana, but Nebraska needs to be able to have more success with IU. Matt Rhule has emphasized building physical culture, and while things looked better against Colorado and Rutgers, it wasn't there on Saturday. This was the start of a much tougher second half of NU's schedule. The other teams will try to stop NU's run. Nebraska needs to be able to move forward. NU – the offensive line – definitely has to be better than Saturday.

And how. When Cignetti arrived in Indiana last year with harsh words, I thought, “We'll see, tough guy.” Cignetti is a great coach. He had his team ready to play the biggest game on their schedule. The Hoosiers passed the test with flying colors. These guys play with determination, with sharpness. That comes from their head coach. Other teams may have more talent than Indiana. But IU might have the best “team” in the Big Ten right now. They believe. They have the advantage to win the remaining games, except at Ohio State. If they finish with just one loss, they are in the playoffs. And they will belong. In the meantime, I have no idea how long Cignetti will stay at a place that loves basketball and this small stadium, but he will have offers after this season.

Seriously, that's the motto for Nebraska from now on. This was the Huskers' best game, the one where they came out prepared and played with energy and purpose. That has to be the mantra for the rest of the season. Every week. I still believe NU will make a bowl game and maybe win more than one. But the effort and coaching have to be better than on Saturday. Much better.