Three weeks ago, against Colorado in the first game of the season, Nebraska had seven sacks. It was well-documented that the seven sacks were halfway to the 14 the Huskers had for all of the 2017 season. Nebraska lost the game, but there were signs of the Blackshirts living up to their name.
In the three games since, the Blackshirts have only had five sacks combined, including one each in the past two games. Ben Stille had the Huskers' only sack Saturday in a 42-28 loss to Purdue.
The Blackshirts didn’t get enough pressure on Purdue quarterback David Blough, so he was able to pick apart the Husker defense, completing 25 of 42 passes for 328 yards with no interceptions.
Nebraska linebacker Luke Gifford said Purdue’s backs and tight ends did a good job of helping to protect Blough, but said there are no excuses for not getting more pressure on the quarterback.
“I myself was terrible, to be honest. Brutal,†Gifford said. “I have to do a much better job, especially when we lean on me as a pass-rusher. There’s no excuses. I have to find something that works, and I’m going to do that.â€
Nebraska also didn’t force a turnover, and has forced only three all season.
“We’ve had bad breaks, but when you’re a good team, you make your own breaks,†Nebraska coach Scott Frost said. “You make your own luck. It was 7-7, and their receiver (Rondale Moore) threw a ball up in the air and we were an eyelash away from picking it and scoring, and we would have been up 14-7. You gotta take advantage of those things.
“They threw enough fades with corners out there, if we go get one of those, it changes the game. When we sack somebody, instead of just sacking, we need to strip them; it changes the game. We gotta keep working, but you don’t win games when you’re negative in turnovers.â€
The Blackshirts also got gashed for big plays. On Purdue’s first drive, the Nebraska defense was doing OK, but gave up two consecutive big plays, a 22-yard reception by Alexander Horvath and a 42-yard touchdown run by D.J. Knox.
It was another big play that led to a field goal on the Boilermakers’ second drive, a 48-yard pass to a wide-open receiver on a trick play.
Blough was also able scramble for 14 and 16 yards. Early in the second quarter, Purdue was averaging 9.8 yards per play.
In the second half, Nebraska scored touchdowns to cut into the Purdue lead, but the Boilermakers were able to answer each with quick touchdown drives of 90 and 75 yards. Running back Markell Jones was barely touched on a 6-yard touchdown run as Purdue took a 42-21 lead.
Purdue finished with 516 yards of offense, an average of 6.5 per play.
“They’re good on offense,†Frost said of the Boilermakers. “I think Coach (Jeff) Brohm did a good job. You don’t win a lot of games when you give up 42 (points). But a lot of the 42 was because we made stupid mistakes. Covering someone man on a tunnel screen and don’t cover the tight end and just let him run free. A lot of mistakes on defense. It isn’t effort; again, it’s dumb decisions, being undisciplined. And it’s not dumb kids, they just need to do it right all the time.â€
Purdue didn’t do anything that surprised the Nebraska defense, cornerback Dicaprio Bootle said. Bootle had seven tackles and three pass breakups.
“Everything they did we expected them to do, it was just a matter of we had to stop it,†Bootle said.
Photos: Huskers fall to 0-4 with loss to Purdue
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll runs past Purdue defenders at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle tackles Purdue wide receiver Jared Sparks at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue running back D.J. Knox (1) leaps over Nebraska's Lamar Jackson (21) at the 1-yard line as Huskers linebacker Mohamed Barry looks on in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins catches a 12-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) greets fans during the Unity Walk prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan (8) fails to catch a pass as Purdue's Kenneth Major (2) and Navon Mosley (right) defend on a first-quarter play Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is brought down by Purdue's Jack Sullivan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost argues a call with an official after a pass play in the first quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan reacts to a call against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) leaps over Nebraska safety Deontai Williams during a 51-yard reception in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore (4) gains a first down against Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A Nebraska cheerleader is reflected into a trombone during the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cheerleaders stand outside Memorial Stadium before the Unity Walk on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez happily high-fives Huskers fans as he and the team take part in the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Dressed for the elements, Cornhusker Marching Band members (from left) Hunter Foged, Eric Vander Woude and Tyler Butterfield enjoy pizza and water after leading the team in the Unity Walk before the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Shae Marburger, 9, of Malvern, Iowa, wraps up in a blanket to stay warm before the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Quarterback Adrian Martinez makes his way down the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Zak Alber, 12, waits for players to arrive at the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue quarterback David Blough looks for open players during the second half against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Freedom Akinmoladun (right) and Luke Gifford react to a penalty called during the second half against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Head coach Scott Frost waits to proceed down the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost yells at a sideline official during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Stanley Morgan is unable to catch a pass under cover from Purdue's Kenneth Major during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) has words with a sideline official during the third quarter as defensive coordinator Erik Chinander looks on last season at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins displays the ball after scoring on a 12-yard pass reception against Nebraska in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets hit by Purdue's Jacob Thieneman as he releases the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Markell Jones scores a touchdown against Nebraska during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass that would be intercepted during the fourth quarter against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Devine Ozigbo (left) and Cameron Pieper question a call by referees late in the third quarter against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A Husker fan throws his arms up in frustration at penalties called on the field during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore (4) races past Nebraska's Deontai Williams during the second half of a 2018 game at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore carries the ball against Nebraska during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Devine Ozigbo runs the ball during the second half against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Devine Ozigbo ran for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season as a Husker. Ozigbo has his sights set on playing in the NFL and gets a chance to show his skills in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Brycen Hopkins can't make the catch Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez (2) runs the ball against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's JD Spielman is hoisted in the air by his teammates after he scored one of his two third-quarter touchdowns against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez is taken to the ground by Purdue's Markus Bailey (left) and Derrick Barnes during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's JD Spielman (10) catches a touchdown pass against the coverage of Purdue's Jacob Thieneman during the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo runs against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Ozigbo scored two touchdowns and ran for 170 yards in the Huskers' 42-28 loss.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue running back D.J. Knox (1) scores on a 6-yard run in the third quarter against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Knox also scored the two-point conversion after this play.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass during the third quarter against Purdue on Sept 29 at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets pressured by Purdue's Kai Higgins in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska safety Tre Neal (14) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's Brycen Hopkins, but the play was negated because the Huskers called a timeout before the play started in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Eric Lee (6) tackles Purdue wide receiver Isaac Zico at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Bill Murray
Cornhusker Marching Band member Cameron Stussie (left) gets a selfie with actor Bill Murray on the sidelines before the Sept. 29, 2018, game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's D.J. Knox (1) is brought down by Nebraska's Mohamed Barry (7), Khalil Davis (94), Dedrick Young (5) and Deontai Williams (41) in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Deontai Williams (41) and Ben Stille (95) tackle Purdue quarterback David Blough at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
5. PURDUE (5-4, 4-2)
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Red balloons are released after a Nebraska touchdown at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo dives for the pylon to score a touchdown against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's D.J. Knox comes down just shy of the end zone at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins leaps over Nebraska safety Deontai Williams at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco instructs his players as they warm up before playing Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska coach Scott Frost jogs off the field after losing to Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Former Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan stiff-arms Purdue's Antonio Blackmon as he's run out of bounds at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Kade Warner (right) is brought down by Purdue's Simeon Smiley at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks to pass against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan is tackled by Purdue's Kenneth Major (2) and Navon Mosley (27) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue quarterback David Blough falls to the ground at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Nebraska was called for roughing the passer on the play.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Dedrick Young (left) tackles Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks to run past Purdue safety Navon Mosley (27) at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry (7) celebrates a tackle against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Running back Devine Ozigbo (22) leaps over Purdue safety Jacob Thieneman at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska coach Scott Frost is set to enter his third season with the Huskers.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska tight end Austin Allen slides across the turf against Purdue in 2018 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach expresses his frustrations at an official at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan is broken up at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (right) tackles Purdue wide receiver Jared Sparks at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) directs the offense during the first quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets sacked by Purdue's Anthony Watts and Jacob Thieneman in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) holds his knee in the end zone in the second quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska safety Antonio Reed (25) attempts a tackle on Purdue's Brycen Hopkins, but is injured on the play in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
 Actor Bill Murray watches the warmups on the field before the Huskers take on Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Former University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds (left) shakes hands with Brant Banks of Houston before the Purdue game in 2018 at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska recruit Carson Lee of Cherry Creek High School on the sideline prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska recruits Chris Hickman (center) of Omaha Burke and Garrett Snodgress (left) of York walk the sidelines prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller rushes Purdue quarterback David Blough in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo (22) scored two touchdowns and ran for 170 yards on 17 carries in the Huskers' 42-28 loss to Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo carries the ball on his way to a two-touchdown day in which he ran for 170 yards in the Huskers' 42-28 loss to Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7435 or bwagner@journalstar.com . On Twitter .
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