For two schools with a lack of history against one another, you weren’t mistaken if Indiana’s 38-31 win over Nebraska in Lincoln on Saturday seemed to have a bit of an extra edge to it — perhaps one that went just beyond bowl eligibility or knocking off one of the more historic programs in the sport in front of 90,000 people.

What was the cause? Indiana chimed in and confirmed the bad blood both from players and admins after the game. Even the intentional-with-his-words Fred Glass chimed in publicly after Saturday’s win first on the matter — but was cryptic.

“I’m very, very happy for our kids and very, very happy for our fans, because like Tom said tonight, we’re sick of talking about how close we’ve been, one to a signature win and two to qualify for a bowl,” Glass told the IndyStar. “To hit both of those things today at Nebraska was particularly gratifying, particularly knowing Nebraska’s staff had no respect for our program.”

Indiana wide receiver Whop Philyor — who had 14 catches for 178 yards in Lincoln, as well as one now very-notable taunting penalty — spoke up as well.

Whop Philyor was asked what Nebraska was saying to the team, in terms of comparing programs and traditions, but he wouldn't elaborate.



"They got what they wanted," he said. #iufb — Taylor Lehman (@TaylorRLehman) October 28, 2019

What could be the cause some of that consternation from the Indiana side? Though it might not be the only cause, one possible item’s re-emerged this afternoon.

Per a couple of sources around the conference, Frost had allegedly raised complaints that Nebraska’s schedule was too difficult — and that they should play Indiana more.

Details aren’t uber-specific about the context of the remarks, but multiple sources around the conference confirmed to Crimson Quarry that Frost had raised complaints in discussions privately and publicly that Nebraska had been saddled with a difficult of a cross-divisional Big Ten schedule in future seasons. His specific complaint? His team needs more games against historically weaker programs, citing Indiana specifically by name. Of course, that became bulletin board material for Tom Allen’s Hoosiers in the lead up to Saturday’s contest in Lincoln — and was at least part of the motivation behind some of the comments from the Indiana side after the game.

From 2017-2021, Frost’s team will only play four of a possible 15 cross-divisional games against Indiana (1), Maryland (1), or Rutgers (2). The other 11 games will either come against Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, or Penn State. Nebraska’s annual interdivisional opponent through 2021 is Ohio State, then shifts to Michigan until 2025.

The richness here, of course, comes from the fact that the Big Ten West is already consistently the weaker of the Big Ten divisions — with Indiana already sharing a division with Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State, and Michigan. Yet it was Frost, at Nebraska, complaining about scheduling and using Indiana as the cupcake program example he should get to play.

Frost played dumb on what the cause could be on Tuesday at his press conference, denying that he knew where any of Allen or Fred Glass’ consternation came from.

Nebraska coach Scott Frost on the perceived disrespect by Indiana AD Fred Glass: “We’ve been scratching our heads, wondering what that’s all about... If there’s something we did, I’d certainly like to know.” Frost said it’s a “dead issue.” — Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) October 28, 2019

In addition to the scheduling bit, Nebraska & Indiana’s staffs had competed heavily for several players in recent recruiting cycles — including Indiana instant-impact true freshman cornerback Tiawan Mullen and Nebraska running back Wan’Dale Robinson.

If there’s bad blood here, it’ll go on hold for a bit. The Hoosiers and Huskers won’t play a rematch until October 1, 2022 in Lincoln.

Saturday’s loss moved Frost to 0-1 in his career vs. Indiana.