In a heart-wrenching 28-20 defeat to USC on Saturday, Nebraska's hopes for bowl eligibility have once again been postponed, continuing a dismal streak for the Cornhuskers. This latest loss marks the ninth consecutive time that Nebraska has faltered when postseason hopes were on the line, a troubling trend that stretches back to 2016.

The Cornhuskers' struggle has intensified in recent years, with eight of these defeats occurring in just the last two seasons. This year, Nebraska started strong with a 5-1 record, having secured victories against UTEP, Colorado, and Northern Iowa. However, since that promising beginning, the team has crumbled, losing their last four matchups, notably against Indiana, Ohio State, UCLA, and now USC, after previously carving a path for hope.

This ongoing postseason drought spans three coaching regimes, starting with Mike Riley's final season in 2017. Coach Matt Rhule, now in his second year, started off this season with optimism but has found his team trailing into an abyss of losses. The losses have been heartbreaking and come at critical moments, reflecting a team struggling to find its rhythm in the face of mounting pressure.

The showdown against USC exemplified Nebraska's recent misfortunes. In a dramatic finish, the Cornhuskers were within striking distance to tie the game when quarterback Dylan Raiola attempted a last-minute drive. Unfortunately, his potential game-tying pass landed in the hands of a USC defender, sealing Nebraska's fate and extending their bowl-less streak.

As the Cornhuskers look to regroup, fans are left wondering if this year will witness the end of their postseason pains. The team's resilience will be tested in their upcoming games, as they seek to break the cycle of disappointment. Can Nebraska finally turn the tide and reclaim its once-proud football legacy? Only time will tell, and the pressure is on for Rhule and his squad to deliver before it's too late.