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NU vs. MD 2023 - Jeff Sims looks
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Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims looks to pass against Maryland (Nov. 11, 2023)

Turnovers Doom Nebraska in Loss to Maryland

Big Red bowl hopes fading with two games left to get it done
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Nebraska Cornhuskers
Nebraska Cornhuskers

Nebraska football just can't get out of its own way right now.

The Huskers committed five turnovers in a 13-10 loss to Maryland Saturday. NU is now 5-5 on the season and still looking to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2016.

The turnovers aren't on any single player: one interception by Heinrich Haarberg, a fumble and two interceptions by Jeff Sims, and an interception by Chubba Purdy. The only common denominator among them is a trio of quarterbacks with a subpar ability to accurately pass the football being asked to do so more than they should by offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield and head coach Matt Rhule.

Two of the interceptions were in the end zone, with the final one being a third-and-seven from the Maryland seven yard line and just 3:37 to go in the game. The score was tied at that point, which would lead one to believe that a run and a field goal attempt were coming up.

Instead, Maryland got the ball and took advantage of a pass interference to pick up a first down and march down the field for a game-winning field goal as time expired.

Haarberg got the start at quarterback, playing all of the first quarter and just a drive into the second quarter before leaving with an ankle injury. He finished 1-for-5 through the air for zero yards and an interception. Haarberg added a pair of runs for no yards.

Sims entered the game in the second quarter. He was intercepted in the end zone just before halftime, then played a clean third quarter that included 10 points off of Maryland turnovers. Then in the fourth quarter, in back-to-back plays, Sims fumbled to set up a Terrapin field goal and threw and interception at midfield. He finished with 62 yards through the air on 8-of-13 passing, with two picks, adding 33 yards on the ground.

Rhule Matt Rhule and Referee 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

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Purdy then got his number called for meaningful snaps for the first time this season. In his lone drive, he led the team 90 yards but finished it with an interception in the end zone. Purdy was 1-for-3 passing for 24 yards and an interception, adding 33 yards rushing.

Nebraska's offense gained 269 yards in total, with 183 on the ground and 86 through the air. Freshman Emmett Johnson carried the ball 17 times for 84 yards.

The Blackshirts, despite giving up 384 yards, had a solid outing. NU's defense forced three turnovers, including a fumble to stop Maryland at the three and set up the final drive for Purdy and the offense. The interception was by Javin Wright, who also forced a fumble. Omar Brown and Ty Robinson recovered the two fumbles.

Nebraska heads to Wisconsin next Saturday.

Nebraska postgame notes

  • Maryland picked up its first win over Nebraska, as the Huskers fell to 2-1 all-time against the Terrapins.
  • Nebraska held Maryland to 13 points, marking the fifth straight game the Huskers have allowed 20 or fewer points. This is the first time Nebraska has held five straight opponents to 20 or fewer points since the final eight games of the 2009 season.
  • Nebraska did not allow a rushing touchdown for the fifth consecutive game. This is the first time Nebraska has not allowed a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games since a six-game stretch during the 1996 season.
  • Linebacker Javin Wright intercepted a third-quarter Maryland pass to set up a Husker field goal. It was the second interception of his career, including a pick earlier this season against Northern Illinois. Wright also forced a fourth-quarter fumble to stop a Maryland scoring threat.
  • Wright had eight tackles in the game, bettering his career high of seven tackles earlier this season against Michigan.
  • Safety Omar Brown forced and recovered a fumble in the third quarter to set up a Nebraska touchdown. It was Brown’s second forced fumble of the season and his NU career, and his first fumble recovery as a Husker. Brown added two pass breakups and six tackles in the game.
  • Running back Emmett Johnson rushed 17 times for 84 yards, marking his fourth consecutive game with at least 50 yards on the ground. Johnson set career highs in both carries and yards.
  • Fullback Janiran Bonner scored on a 2-yard TD run in the third quarter, marking his first career touchdown.
  • Right tackle Bryce Benhart made his 39th career start at right tackle in today’s game, tying Dan Vili Waldrop for the most starts by a Husker at right tackle. The 39 career starts are also tied for the second-most ever by any Husker offensive lineman (Jeremiah Sirles, 41).
  • Rover Isaac Gifford had seven tackles and 0.5 TFLs, marking his fifth straight game with a tackle for loss. He is the first Husker with a TFL in five straight games since JoJo Domann in 2021.
  • Ty Robinson set career highs in tackles (7), tackles for loss (1.5) and pass breakups (2) while adding a fumble recovery.
  • Jimari Butler tied his career highs with 1.5 TFLs and one pass breakup.
  • Nick Henrich had five tackles in the game to give him 200 career tackles. He is the 42nd Husker with 200 career tackles.
  • Billy Kemp IV caught two passes for 30 yards. He eclipsed 2,000 career receiving yards in today’s game, including his time at Virginia.
  • Nebraska did not commit a penalty in the first half, extending its streak to six quarters without a penalty (0-0 vs. Michigan State). NU finished the game with one penalty for 5 yards.
  • Today’s game captains were WR Billy Kemp, OT Bryce Benhart, P Brian Buschini, LB Mikai Gbayor. 
01_Heinrich Haarberg, Matt Rhule_FB vs Maryland 1111

Head coach Matt Rhule chats with quarterback Heinrich Haarberg prior to a play. 

02_Omar Brown, Marques Buford Jr_FB vs Maryland 1111

Omar Brown and Marques Buford Jr celebrate a defensive stop in the first quarter. 

03_John Bullock, Mikai Gbayor_FB vs Maryland 1111

John Bullock (5) and Mikai Gbayor tackle Maryland's Roman Hemby. 

04_Jeff Sims, Emmett Johnson_FB vs Maryland 1111

Quarterback Jeff Sims fakes a handoff to running back Emmett Johnson. 

05_Matt Rhule_FB vs Maryland 1111

Head coach Matt Rhule argues a pass interference that was not called. 

06_Marques Burford Jr, Tommi Hill_FB vs Maryland 1111

Marques Burford Jr (24) and Tommi Hill (31) break up Taulia Tagovailo's Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half. 

07_Jeff Sims_FB vs Maryland 1111

Jeff Sims (7) prepares for a pass. 

08_Ty Robinson_FB vs Maryland 1111

Ty Robinson (9) celebrates a Husker fumble recovery. 

09_Luke Lindenmeyer_FB vs Maryland 1111

Luke Lindenmeyer shouts after Nebraska recovers Maryland's fumble. 

10_Ty Robinson_FB vs Maryland 1111

Taulia Tagovailoa slips out of a Ty Robinson tackle. 

11_Jeff Sims_FB vs Maryland 1111

Jeff Sims throws toward Thomas Fidone II in the third quarter. 

12_Malcolm Hartzog_FB vs Maryland 1111

Nebraska's Malcom Hartzog pushes Antwain Littleton II out of bounds. 

13_Jimari Butler_FB vs Maryland 1111

Jimari Butler gets Taulia Tagovailoa to run out of bounds. 

14_Nash Hutmacher, Marques Buford Jr_FB vs Maryland 1111

Nash Hutmacher and Marques Buford Jr celebrate a stop on 4th and 1. 

15_Ty Robinson_FB vs Maryland 1111

Ty Robinson celebrates Nebraska's second fumble recovery of the game. 

16_Chubba Purdy_FB vs Maryland 1111

Chubba Purdy stiff-arms a Maryland defender on a run. 

17_Chubba Purdy_FB vs Maryland 1111

Chubba Purdy was the third and final quarterback to see playing time for the Huskers. 

Long Chris Long Tunnel Walk 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Former Husker Sgt. Chris Long leads the team out of the tunnel before the game.

Boerkircher Nate Boerkircher 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska tight end Nate Boerkircher rushes for an 11-yard gain on a fake punt during the first quarter of Saturday's game.

Bullock Alex Bullock 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock catches a pass for a short gain during the second quarter.

Grant Anthony Grant 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska running back Anthony Grant picks up 9 yards on a third-quarter carry.

Haarberg Heinrich Haarberg and Emmett Johnson 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg hands off to running back Emmett Johnson during the first quarter.

Sims Jeff Sims 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims runs for an 11-yard gain during the third quarter.

Herbie Husker 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Herbie Husker rides a tractor shooting T-shirts into the stands between the first and second quarters.

Johnson Emmett Johnson 1 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson picks up short yardage during the second quarter

Johnson Emmett Johnson 2 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Emmett Johnson takes off on a 29-yard run during the fourth quarter.

Purdy Chubba Purdy 1 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Chubba Purdy is tackled after an 11-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Purdy Chubba Purdy 2 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quaretrback Chubba Purdy reacts after his 11-yard gain.

Rhule Matt Rhule and Referee 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule shouts at an official during the fourth quarter.

Sims Jeff Sims and Nate Boerkircher 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims runs for 11 yards during the third quarter. 

Nebraska Maryland line of scrimmage 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

The Huskers get ready to snap the ball against the Maryland defense.

Bonner Janiran Bonner 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska's Janiran Bonner scores on a 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter/

Brown Omar Brown 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska defensive back Omar Brown prepares to bring down Maryland's Jeshaun Jones in the first quarter

Sims Jeff sims 2 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims drops back to pass.

Buford Marquese Burford and Mikai Gbayor 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska linebacker Mikai Gbayor and defensive back Marques Buford Jr. bring down Maryland's Roman Hemby in the first quarter.

Bullock Alex Bullock 2 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska wide receiver Alex Bullock can't quite come up with the catch on a pass from quarterback Heinrich Haarberg during the first quarter.

Fidone Thomas Fidone 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone turns upfield after catching a pass from quarterback Jeff Sims in the third quarter.

Johnson Emmett Johnson 4 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson runs for a short third-quarter gain.

Kemp Billy Kemp 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska wide receiver Billy Kemp IV prepares to catch a pass from quarterback Jeff Sims during the second quarter.

Purdy Chubba Purdy 3 2023 Nebraska-Maryland football

Nebraska quarterback Chubba Purdy scrambles for a 9-yard gain during the fourth quarter

USATSI_21872385

The Nebraska Cornhuskers marching band walks to the stadium before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.

Helicopter flyover 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21874374

Three CH-47 Chinook helicopters fly over the field during the national anthem before the game.

Tunnel Walk Veterans Day 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21874378

Former Nebraska Cornhuskers offensive guard Sgt. Chris Long leads the team onto the field before the game. 

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Maryland head coach Mike Locksley and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule talk before the game.

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Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg passes during the first quarter.

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Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa looks to pass against the Nebraska defense during the first quarter.

USATSI_21872429

Maryland defensive back Dante Trader Jr. runs after intercepting a Heinrich Haarberg pass during the first quarter.

USATSI_21872430

Nebraska tight end Nate Boerkircher celebrates after a first down on a fake punt against Maryland during the first quarter.

USATSI_21872919

Maryland wide receiver Shaleak Knotts runs against Nebraska during the second quarter.

USATSI_21872917

Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg runs against Maryland linebacker Kellan Wyatt during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Jeff Sims 1st qtr

Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims looks back after running for a first down during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Roman Hemby runs Mikai Gbayor and John Bullock 2nd qtr

Maryland running back Roman Hemby runs against Nebraska's Mikai Gbayor and John Bullock during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Emmett Johnson runs 2nd qtr

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson carries the ball during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Jeff Sims looks

Nebraska quarterback Jeff Sims looks to pass against Maryland linebacker Kellan Wyatt during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Tai Felton catches 2nd qtr

Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton catches a pass for a long gain against Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Tai Felton scores 2nd qtr

Maryland wide receiver Tai Felton scores a touchdown against the Nebraska defense during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Billy Kemp and BEau brade 2nd qtr

Nebraska wide receiver Billy Kemp IV is brought down by Maryland defensive back Beau Brade during the second quarter.

NU vs. MD 2023 - Taulia Tagovailoa passes 2nd qtr

Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa passes during the second quarter.

Nebraska fan 4th quarter 2023 football vs Maryland USATSI_21874375

A Nebraska fan yells during a break before the fourth quarter.

Janiran Bonner TD 3Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873917

Janiran Bonner scores Nebraska's only touchdown on a third-quarter run.

4th down stop 3Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873904

Maryland running back Antwain Littleton II is stopped short of a first down on a fourth-down play by Nash Hutmacher (0), Javin Wright (33), and Tommi Hill (31) during the third quarter. 

Nash Hutmacher after 3Q stop 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21874373

Nebraska defensive lineman Nash Hutmacher celebrates after getting a stop on fourth down during the third quarter.

Jeff Sims pass 3Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873908

Nebraska's Jeff Sims passes during the third quarter.

Taulia Tagovailoa 3Q pass 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21874372

 Taulia Tagovailoa passes during the third quarter for Maryland. 

Jeff Sims run 3Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873905

Nebraska's Jeff Sims runs the ball during the third quarter.

Ty Robinson fumble recovery 4Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873825

Nebraska's Ty Robinson (9), linebacker Luke Reimer (4), and defensive back Isaac Gifford (2) celebrate after recovering a fumble during fourth quarter 

Chubba Purdy run 4Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873821

Nebraska quarterback Chubba Purdy picks up yardage on a fourth-quarter run.

Tarheeb Still interception return 4Q 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873822

Maryland defensive back Tarheeb Still runs upfield after intercepting Chubba Purdy's pass during the fourth quarter.

Jack Howes after winning kick 2023 Nebraska vs Maryland football USATSI_21873824

Jack Howes celebrates with his Maryland teammates after making the winning field goal.

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