• Postgame analysis with Husker writer Mitch Sherman:

Has there ever been a stranger season? Nebraska was a minute away from winning at Virginia Tech, won at Missouri, gets blown out by Texas Tech at home and then loses to Iowa State at home with eight turnovers. What's next? I don't want to know. With this defense, nothing is over. But this offense is going to have to start scoring at least 14 points a game, if not 21, for more victories to come.

RHOADS WARRIOR

Give Iowa State a ton of credit. The game plan was perfect: Take a couple of chances, hang in there, run some clock and hope Nebraska has eight turnovers. Seriously, Paul Rhoads did a nice job coaching in this one. Iowa State had to take some chances. The timing on the fake punt and the deep touchdown pass were perfect. Nebraska was already on its heels and playing as if something bad was going to happen.

ENTERING GREEN ZONE?

I do think the Huskers should start Cody Green next weekend. Sure, he'll make mistakes, but he's liable to make some plays, too. More than anything, this team needs the jolt that comes with a new quarterback. It might give the Huskers something to rally around. Nebraska is all but devoid of playmakers on offense, but you'd be surprised how players can step up their game with a new leader. You can say playing Green is a sign that NU is playing for next year. Well, the Huskers are a loss next week at Baylor from playing for next year.

HELU QUANDARY

Bo Pelini said Roy Helu's shoulder was “fine.” You have to wonder if it had anything to do with the fumbles. Should he be playing? It's beside the point. Helu clearly wants to play, and NU is trying to get as much out of him as it can, though five carries hardly seems worth it.