Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is looking for answers after his team's confounding loss to double-digit underdog Minnesota.

The Cornhuskers (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) host Northwestern (4-4, 0-4) on Saturday needing a win to stay in the thick of the Legends Division race.

The week didn't start well for quarterback Taylor Martinez, who had a hip pointer added to his list of ailments. He also is batting shoulder and toe problems and is listed day-to-day.

Nebraska also is looking to shore up its run defense after surrendering a season-high 271 yards on the ground to the Gophers.