**Nebraska Crushed by Indiana in Homecoming Debacle, 56-7**

In a homecoming game that was supposed to pose their biggest challenge of the season, the No. 16 Indiana Hoosiers dismantled Nebraska with a commanding 56-7 victory at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington. Indiana, led by first-year head coach Curt Cignetti, remains undefeated, while Nebraska drops to 5-2 overall and 2-2 in the Big Ten Conference.

The Hoosiers struck first, marching down the field in an opening drive touchdown that set the tone for the game. Things went downhill for Nebraska immediately with a mishandled kickoff, and despite managing a first down, they were forced to punt, setting up an advantageous position for Indiana. A few plays later, Indiana was stopped on fourth down, one of the rare instances they failed to score a touchdown during most of the game.

Nebraska's offense managed just one touchdown in the first half, courtesy of Jacory Barney Jr., who received a key block from Thomas Fidone II. Barney's rushing touchdown was his third of the season, and he set a career high with eight receptions in the game. Tight end Thomas Fidone II also had a standout performance with six catches for 91 yards.

Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke completed 17 of 21 passes, throwing for 189 yards and one touchdown, with his lone interception coming on a Hail Mary at the end of the first half. Backup quarterback Tayven Jackson added two touchdown passes in the second half. The Hoosiers' ground game was equally potent, with Justice Ellison rushing for 105 yards and two scores as part of Indiana’s 215 total rushing yards, adding to the team’s five rushing touchdowns.

Nebraska's defense, which had not allowed a rushing touchdown all season, was uncharacteristically porous, conceding five rushing touchdowns. The Huskers also allowed Indiana to gain a total of 495 yards, ending Nebraska’s 13-game streak of holding opponents to under 400 yards.

The Huskers’ offense was lifeless, with quarterback Dylan Raiola completing 28 of 44 passes for 234 yards but no touchdowns and three interceptions. Nebraska's running game was nearly nonexistent, accumulating just 70 total yards, with Heinrich Haarberg leading the team with 32 rushing yards, mostly in garbage time.

Key defensive plays for Nebraska included Isaac Gifford making eight tackles and surpassing the 200-career tackle mark, and Malcolm Hartzog Jr. recording his third interception of the season. Linebacker Mikai Gbayor delivered a nine-yard sack and had two tackles for loss, setting career highs in tackles for loss.

The loss adds to Nebraska's woes against Indiana, marking the third time they have lost to the Hoosiers by more than 40 points. Notably, since 1970, Nebraska has struggled in their all-white uniforms, now holding a 7-15 record when wearing them.

Next up for Nebraska is a challenging road game against No. 4 Ohio State. The Huskers hope to rebound from this crushing loss as they face off against the Buckeyes at 11 a.m. CDT on FOX. Indiana now leads the all-time series 11-9-3 and remains a dominant force in Bloomington, boasting a 4-2-1 record when hosting Nebraska.