Nebraska Cornhuskers coach Bo Pelini has defended his management of the team and claimed that his side are pulling in the right direction, despite losing their third home game of the season at the hands of Iowa Hawkeyes.

Losing three home Nebraska games has been a bad omen in the past, with previous coach Bill Callahan being fired in 2007 following three defeats at Lincoln's Memorial Stadium.

"It's hurt our football team. If they want to fire me, go ahead," said Pelini, as he took questions about his future from the media.

"I believe in what I've done. I don't apologise to you. I don't apologise to anybody, myself or this staff. My record, our record since I've been here, speaks for itself. And this program is heading in a good direction.

"You choose not to think so, that's your prerogative. All I know is myself, this staff, the people who have been associated with this program since I've been here can look themselves in the mirror and feel good about what they've done."

Nebraska's latest defeat is their second of the month, having previously lost to Michigan State Spartans.