Brendan Smith

For the first time in school history, Nebraska was defeated by a MAC school, losing to Northern Illinois 21-17 today. Judging solely by the box score, the average observer would have a tough time explaining Nebraska’s loss. The Cornhuskers outgained the Huskies by a staggering 384-213 margin, while controlling the ball for 13 more minutes. But, Tanner Lee does not abide by a normal box score. Lee, who entered the season with a ton of hype as a transfer from Tulane, found Northern Illinois defenders three times, including a pair of pick-sixes. Despite throwing for 299 yards, Lee ended with a dismal 24.2 QBR. One positive for the Cornhuskers is Lee’s two touchdown runs.

Although he may be on a new team, it turns out that Tanner Lee is the same exact quarterback he was at Tulane. In two years at Tulane, Lee combined for 3,601 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. His highest QBR of 34.7 came during his freshman year in 2014. Both years, Tulane struggled to 3-9 records.

Now, after a close season-opening victory over Arkansas State, Nebraska has lost two straight games by a combined 11 points. Mike Riley, who is quietly becoming a terrible hire, has started 1-2 twice in his three seasons at the helm of the Nebraska team. According to ESPN, the Cornuskers started 1-2 just once in their last 54 seasons, when they eventually won the Big 8 conference in 1981. Riley was hired away from Oregon State in December of 2014, after compiling an average 93-80 in 12 seasons. The heat will presumably be turned up on Riley, as he has struggled to a 16-13 record during his time in Lincoln. In the previous three seasons before Riley, Nebraska was a combined 28-12, including a win in the 2013 Gator Bowl over Georgia, 24-19.

Some fans are already calling for Riley’s departure on the team’s sub-reddit.

If there is one picture to sum up the Cornhusker season, it is this sad fan, decked out in his full gameday gear. Cheer up Nebraska fans, better times are coming.