LINCOLN, NEB. - Nebraska is now 3-1 and out of the Top 25 after a 31-24 overtime loss to now No. 19 Illinois on Friday night.

Head coach Matt Rhule met with the media on Monday, saying the performance wasn't good enough, but notes he still has full belief in his group.

"Overtime was obviously a debacle," Rhule said. "At the end of the day, it's not like we're not good, we just had a missed assignment. It's not like we're not good, that's my message to the guys, they blitz up the middle and the tailback doesn't pick it up, you can't win games doing that, you can't win games false starting."

Nebraska committed eight penalties for 89 yards in Friday's loss, which was yet another one score contest - something the Big Red have struggled in, now only 2-19 in their last 21 one score games. Rhule says he expects many more close games this season, saying the Huskers have to get better late in games. 

"We have to be comfortable in battles," Rhule said. "Every game is going to be like this... We got suckered in a bit early in the year being up 28-0 at the half and it's like 'Oh, great we're a great team now' and I feel very secure saying we're going to play some better teams. But we have to get really comfortable playing well in the fourth quarter."

Rhule notes offensive lineman Turner Corcoran will be out "awhile"  with a hamstring injury and defensive back Tommi Hill is day-to-day with a foot injury. As for special teams, Rhule said former NFL kicker and Husker Brett Maher has been on staff to work with Nebraska's kickers. 

The Huskers hit the road for the first time in 2024 this Saturday when they visit Purdue. Kick off is set for 11:00 a.m. CT on Peacock.