The longest active winning streak in college football continues for another week. Indiana, ranked No. 7, narrowly defeated Nebraska 20-17 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon. For a moment, Nebraska seemed poised to deliver the first loss to the defending national champions since the 2024 College Football Playoff. However, a comeback in the fourth quarter prevented that outcome.
Indiana had not trailed in a game since the 2025 Big Ten Championship against Ohio State. This game marked eight games since facing a deficit. The win against Nebraska was Indiana’s 27th consecutive victory against unranked opponents. Their last defeat to an unranked team was against Purdue on November 25, 2023. Under the leadership of head coach Curt Cignetti, Indiana has achieved a record of 33 wins and just two losses.
Quarterback Josh Hoover played a crucial role in securing the win. He completed 12 of 22 passes, accumulating 263 yards and two touchdowns. His top target, wide receiver Nick Marsh, excelled with six receptions, totaling 187 yards and two touchdowns.
In the first half, the Indiana offense struggled, executing just 17 plays for 115 total yards. Their only points came from a 42-yard field goal by Nico Radicic. Meanwhile, Nebraska began with vigor, scoring first through a 28-yard field goal by Kyle Cunanan after a 13-play drive.
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Nebraska extended their lead with a touchdown by wide receiver Nyziah Hunter. The play concluded a 75-yard drive, placing Nebraska ahead 10-3. An opportunity to expand the lead was missed when Cunanan’s 40-yard attempt went wide right.
In the third quarter, Indiana received the kickoff and advanced into Nebraska territory but settled for another field goal. This made the score 10-6. The game then turned into a cautious battle over field position. A pivotal moment came when Nebraska faced third-and-16 from Indiana’s 36-yard line. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea, under pressure, threw a deep pass intercepted by Indiana’s Jamari Sharpe.
After a strategic punt by Nebraska, pinning Indiana at their 1-yard line, the Hoosiers were forced to punt. Nebraska capitalized with a 39-yard touchdown run by Colandrea, extending the lead to 17-6.
Indiana quickly answered. On the next play, Hoover connected with Marsh for a 75-yard touchdown, reducing the deficit to 17-13. Nebraska failed to score in response, setting the stage for Indiana’s pivotal play-action pass. Hoover found Marsh for another 44-yard touchdown, giving Indiana a 20-17 lead.
Nebraska attempted a risky fourth-and-9 play on their 44-yard line but failed. The resilient Indiana defense held off any further comeback attempts by Nebraska, securing the win.
Nebraska drops to a 5-1 record and will aim to recover against No. 13 Oregon next week. Indiana looks forward to a significant matchup against No. 5 Ohio State at home. This game remains a statement of Indiana’s ongoing dominance in college football.