LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is looking for answers after his team’s confounding 34-23 loss to 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 allowing a season-high 271 yards on the ground to the Gophers.