LINCOLN — Ndamukong Suh insists he’s not frustrated.

Not frustrated with Nebraska opponents because of the way they scheme against him — like Saturday when Baylor constantly double-teamed and cut-blocked Suh. It worked to slow him but helped allow fellow tackle Jared Crick collect a school-record five sacks.

Not frustrated with Big 12 officials, who look unsure how to react to Suh’s strength and now throw flags, apparently, because he tackles too violently.

Not frustrated with this football season and how it has unfolded as the Huskers use freshmen at several key offensive positions, including quarterback, in an attempt to fix major problems and look to the future.

“You can’t get frustrated,” Suh said Tuesday.

I’m having a hard time buying it. Not that it’s hurting Suh’s play, but he appears frustrated.

His senior season, despite his individual accomplishments, is sliding off course for reasons out of his power. Sure, Nebraska controls its fate in the Big 12 North, but the outlook for a strong finish looks less likely than a year ago.

His demeanor has become gruffer since NU lost back-to-back home games to Texas Tech and Iowa State and then struggled to beat Baylor.

The change in attitude symbolizes something many observers wanted from Suh. They wanted more passion.

Jason Peter, for one, advised Suh to play with a mean streak.

The former All-America defender said Tuesday that Suh has done it. His season, through eight games, may rank as the best ever by a Nebraska defensive lineman.

“He shows a lot more fire,” Peter said. “I think he’s done a tremendous job. There’s always room for growth and more passion. But every time he gets passionate, he gets flagged for it. That’s a problem with football, not a problem with Suh.”

Officials flagged Suh for personal fouls after his hits on quarterbacks against Missouri, Texas Tech and Baylor. Questionable calls, all of them. The latest came in the fourth quarter Saturday when he threw Nick Florence to the turf, ball in hand.

Referee Rick Loumiet described the penalty as “slamming the quarterback to the ground,” to which Versus TV announcer Ron Thulin responded: “This is tackle football, isn’t it?”

Said Suh: “I won’t comment on my opinion about it. But a call’s a call. We’ll move forward.”

Peter wasn’t as diplomatic.

“It’s just a joke,” he said. “It’s like you’re penalizing the guy because he’s stronger than other people. Because he tackles people harder? He’s a strong guy. He’s a big guy. He’s forceful. It’s how you want to play.”

Suh chose to return this season for noble reasons. He wanted to win a championship.

He’s likely earned a rookie NFL contract of at least $50 million by coming back. Still, he’s not content. Uneasy, almost, as his collegiate career reaches its final handful of games.

Part of it is all the attention. Suh is the rare athlete who says he doesn’t like the limelight and means it.

Another reason for his discontent, no doubt, involves a disappointing October for the Huskers.

Looking back at this NU schedule, you can wonder what might have happened if things gelled differently for the offense. The Huskers lost on a fluky final drive at Virginia Tech and are set Saturday against Oklahoma to match against a backup quarterback for the fourth straight week in league play.

“Look, they can still play for a Big 12 championship,” Peter said. “They’ve got to find something on offense. And if they don’t, those guys on defense need to realize they’ve got to do even more. They’ve got to score on defense. It’s not unrealistic to do that.”

Peter said he’s proud of Suh. He made the right decision to come back.

“Financially, it’s a no-brainer as long as he stays healthy,” Peter said. “But I also think it was important for the growth of Nebraska football. I couldn’t imagine this season for Nebraska without him in the middle of that defense.”

Contact the writer: 402-473-9587, mitch.sherman@owh.com