After alternating losing and winning seasons since his arrival, any relief the Cornhusker faithful had felt at the improvement in fortunes since the dismal 1940s was fading as expectations held out for greater successes along the lines of what the program had been known for since its beginning.
Nebraska managed only one meaningful drive during the entire contest, and Oregon departed having dealt the Cornhuskers a home-field loss to start the 1953 campaign.
A heavy air attack was also mounted against the unsuspecting Fighting Illini, and the Cornhuskers ran out to a 21-7 lead as the game clock began to wane.
Pittsburgh's homecoming crowd watched nervously as the teams battled viciously throughout the entire game, and Nebraska was clinging to a tenuous 7-6 lead late.
[4][8] Nebraska managed to run up to a respectable lead early enough to grant some reserve players valuable on field time, and the backups rose to the challenge by shutting down Iowa State's late rally to deny the Cyclone comeback.
Despite the miscues, Nebraska still had one final chance to snatch a victory, but was denied by a strong Colorado defensive stand on the goal line as time expired.
[4][9] Reigning league champion Oklahoma arrived in Lincoln at #4 in the AP Poll, and had little difficulty putting away the Cornhuskers to close out Nebraska's slate.
[4][9] The up and down alternating annual cycle that seemed to define coach Glassford's Nebraska career to date continued, as the Cornhuskers posted another losing season, his third in five years at the helm.
Sentiment was growing for change at the top, from supporters and even apparently from players, and the pressure contributed to the resignation of Athletic Director (and former head football coach) George Clark.