Nebraska Falls to Washington 17-10 After Missed 36-Yard Field Goal

The Nebraska Cornhuskers lost their third game in a row on Sunday, surrendering a 7-3 lead against the Washington Huskies with just over nine minutes of football left to play. The final score was 17-10 in Washington's favor, a result that extended a troubling trend in which Nebraska has blown leads in the fourth quarter against Indiana and Oregon earlier this season.

With 51 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Nebraska took over at its own 16-yard line. The offense moved the ball in 11 plays to reach the Washington 5-yard line. A delay of game penalty stalled momentum before a pass from Jacory Barney bounced off his hands. A subsequent run to the 2-yard line ended with quarterback Anthony Colandrea being sacked for an 8-yard loss. Placekicker Kyle Cunanan then attempted a 36-yard field goal, but the kick went wide right, leaving the team with zero points from the red zone.

The defensive unit forced a punt to regain possession at the Nebraska 20-yard line with 6:03 left. The offense ran the ball once for 4 yards before throwing two incomplete passes, resulting in a three-and-out that consumed 1:34 of the game clock. Washington started the final drive from its own 19-yard line with 4:29 to play.

Washington quarterback Demond Williams, who had entered the game in the previous series, scrambled for 17 yards on a 3rd and 15. He was sacked twice before facing a 4th and 18 from the Nebraska 49-yard line. Under pressure, Williams threw a deep pass while falling backward. Chris Lawson made a catch in the end zone area with his toe, securing a 24-yard completion despite coverage from Victor Evans. Two plays later, Lawson evaded a defender to score the winning 25-yard touchdown.

Lawson finished the game with 12 receptions for 155 yards, both career highs. He also secured a 29-yard catch in the second half that led to a field goal before halftime. The Huskies had converted on only three of their first 12 third-down attempts prior to the final drive and had rushed for just 23 yards in the first three quarters.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule stated in a press conference that the team must score more than 7 points to win a Big Ten game. The Cornhuskers were outscored 14-3 in the fourth quarter, contributing to a 39-10 deficit in fourth-quarter scoring over the last three games. The defense held Washington to 32 rushing yards, a season low for an opponent.

Colandrea completed 24 of 44 passes for 255 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He rushed for 20 yards on 7 carries. Running back Jamal Rule carried the ball 13 times for 72 yards. Tight end Carter Nelson caught a 24-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, his first of the season. Wide receiver Nyziah Hunter had 6 receptions for 39 yards, while tight end Luke Lindenmeyer had 5 catches for a career-high 61 yards.

Nebraska outgained Washington 387-267 in total yards. The Cornhuskers opened the game with a 95-yard, 10-play scoring drive, their longest of the season. The defense recorded 9 tackles for loss, totaling 40 yards lost. Jahsear Whittington had a sack that increased his team-leading total to 4.5.

Cunanan missed the field goal that allowed John Hohl to enter and kick a 42-yard field goal late in the game. Punter Archie Wilson averaged 49.8 yards on 5 punts, with four landing inside the 20-yard line. Nebraska travels to Illinois on Friday for its next game.