When Nebraska defends with active hands, everything else seems to fall into place.
That’s been a big part of why this Huskers squad has turned heads this season. Even in a dominant showing against Oregon where they held the Ducks to just 55 points, Nebraska’s defense wasn’t content to pat itself on the back. According to Cale Jacobsen, the film session that followed was anything but celebratory.
“We watched them all today and we heard about them all today,” Jacobsen said, referring to six uncontested layups or dunks Nebraska allowed in halfcourt sets. “That’s not good enough and that’s not going to win you games in this league.”
That kind of accountability tells you everything you need to know about the standard being set in Lincoln right now. The Huskers are holding themselves to a level of discipline and intensity that doesn’t waver-even in a 35-point win.
Jacobsen made it clear: this team knows what it looks like when it’s locked in defensively. They’ve shown the ability to frustrate opponents, turn defense into offense, and dictate the pace.
But they also know there have been lapses, even in their best games. And in the Big Ten, those lapses can cost you.
It’s that relentless pursuit of consistency that has Nebraska sitting at No. 2 in the latest CBS Sports rankings. Yes, you read that right-No.
- It’s not just a feel-good story anymore.
This team is earning its spot among the nation’s elite.
And that standard? It doesn’t fade when the scoreboard says the game’s over.
Jacobsen was still diving on the floor for loose balls in the final two minutes of a 90-55 blowout. That’s not for show.
That’s culture.
As Nebraska prepares to head to Northwestern for a Saturday afternoon test, the message is clear: the bar has been set, and there’s no room for it to drop. Not now. Not with what’s on the line.