Nevertheless, Weber said, Diaco hasn’t blamed injuries with players.

“He’s been consistent with his message to us about how he’s approached each week — from week one to whatever week we’re in now,” Weber said.

Not that Riley’s satisfied with the progress. In a brief chat with The World-Herald after his press conference, Riley acknowledged he’d wanted more from the defense.

But he circled back to the offense, too, saying that NU’s attack had to produce more points and yards of its own. The offense had several chances to either add to its second-half lead or, once the game was tied, win it outright with a Drew Brown field goal. It consistently fell short.

“In this day and age of college football,” he said, “you have to score more points.”

Another season might help finish what Diaco has started on defense. He may not get the time to complete the task. Riley is presumably on the hot seat at 4-5 with new Athletic Director Bill Moos.