Nebraska football ends 4-game skid, dominates in 31-0 win over Rutgers

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Backed by a superb defensive showing – only allowing 143 yards of total offense – Nebraska broke its four-game losing streak in a 31-0 shutout victory over Rutgers on Saturday at SHI Stadium.

The victory marked the sixth win of the season, making Nebraska (6-4, 3-4 Big Ten) bowl eligible. It also signifies the first shutout of a conference foe in the Big Ten since joining the league. The last time the Huskers had a conference shutout win was in October of 2003, when Nebraska was in the Big 12.

Nebraska’s defense was highlighted by a 10-tackle performance from junior Vincent Shavers Jr. The Huskers allowed just 42 passing yards and 101 rushing, both being the fewest from a Nebraska opponent in the Big Ten era. Safety Caleb Benning also recorded his first career interception when he picked off Scarlet Knights (2-8, 1-6 Big Ten) quarterback AJ Surace in the third quarter.

Anthony Colandrea went 15-for-22 and logged 188 passing yards. He found the endzone twice on his own, while also rushing for 66 rushing yards under new interim offensive coordinator Glenn Thomas.

Luke Lindenmeyer was the first Husker to get on the board in the blowout win. He caught a 15-yard dart from Colandrea for his second touchdown of the season. Lindenmeyer is now three catches away from tying Austin Allen’s single-season tight end record of 38 catches back in 2021. Mekhi Nelson and Carter Nelson also scored in the game.

Nebraska, now bowl eligible, will return to Lincoln to face Ohio State in Week 12. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is to be determined.