# Nebraska vs Indiana: First Five Wins Test

> Nebraska’s first five wins face Indiana’s 21-game streak in a critical showdown.
- Title: Nebraska vs Indiana: First Five Wins Test | Shortify
- Summary: Nebraska’s first five wins face Indiana’s 21-game streak in a critical showdown. Nebraska’s first five wins are tested by Indiana’s 21-game winning streak in…
- Keywords: nebraska cornhuskers, indiana hoosiers, ap poll, running game, dana holgerson, jimmy hoover, nebraska football, college football, smq podcast, hustlers, sports, Nebraska
- Source: Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI — https://si.com/college/nebraska/football/smq-huskers-vs-indiana-2026-preview-prediction
- Published: 2026-10-08T21:40:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nebraska cornhuskers, indiana hoosiers, ap poll, running game, dana holgerson, jimmy hoover, nebraska football, college football, smq podcast, hustlers, sports
## First Five Wins Test
Nebraska is 5-0. Indiana is 5-0. The defending national champions arrive in Lincoln Saturday at 11 a.m.
## Defending Champions Arrive
The defending national champions arrive ranked No. 7 in the AP poll with 21 consecutive wins.
## Running Game Challenge
The biggest question - and SMQ’s key to the game - is the running game. Both running games have been dominant and both rushing defenses have been good.
## QB Josh Hoover
Indiana QB Josh Hoover hasn’t thrown an interception this season, which is way easier when the running game keeps giving you second-and-three.
## Dana Holgerson Test
For the past two years - much to the annoyance of Bob - we’ve been spoon-fed “truths” about how Dana Holgerson is an offensive genius. Well…it’s time for that genius to emerge.
## Maryland Game Impact
Against Maryland, Nebraska recovered from a rough start and won 48-23. Good adjustments. Good finish. But a repeat of the first 20 minutes might spell doom for the Huskers.
## Jamal Rule Availability
Jamal Rule’s availability and effectiveness matter enormously. He missed the Maryland game. Jay’s path to an upset starts with Rule having an exceptional afternoon.
## Colandrea’s Role
That doesn’t mean pretending Colandrea is Tommie Frazier. Watching the option was like watching an “almost” car crash in slow motion.
## Predictions
The 7½-point spread favors Indiana. George predicts Nebraska 38, Indiana 34. Jay sees Indiana winning 34-27.
## Game Outcome
This is the game we wanted: a chance to find out whether Nebraska can do more than handle the manageable part of its schedule.
## Key takeaway

Nebraska’s first five wins are tested by Indiana’s 21-game winning streak in a crucial college football game.