In the wake of another flag-marred defeat Saturday, coach Scott Frost said the Huskers "look like one of the most undisciplined teams in the country."
The numbers bear out just how true that is.
Penalties haven't discriminated by unit or quarter through four games. The offense has been whistled for 18 infractions (138 yards), ahead of the defense (13 for 152) and special teams (11 for 97). The third quarter (13 for 127) has been NU's most whistled, while its least has been the first period (eight for 75).
Add it up, and Nebraska is tied with South Alabama for the most penalty yards per game (96.8). The Huskers' 10.5 flags per game is 129th of 130 NCAA Division I programs. Those totals were inflated following the team's 11 penalties for 136 yards Saturday against Purdue.
There is no one main offender. A whopping 26 players have been flagged at least once this season, with center Cole Conrad (three for 25 yards) the clubhouse leader. Personal fouls — 12 total, with eight on defense and two apiece on offense and special teams — are easily the most pervasive mistake, ahead of offensive holding (seven flags) and delay of game (five).
Last season, Nebraska finished 99th in average penalty yards (60.7) and 78th in average penalties (6.3). Thirty-three different Huskers were penalized. The top infractions were offensive holding (15), false starts (13) and personal fouls (13).
Also worth noting: Frost's undefeated UCF team last year was one of the nation's most penalized. The Knights committed 8.4 penalties per game (127th nationally) for 68.3 yards (117th).