Nebraska reaches bowl eligibility in consecutive seasons with gritty win over Northwestern

Jake Homan,
Nebraska Football

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Huskers pulled out a close win Saturday afternoon versus Northwestern, defeating the Wildcats 28-21.

At the half, the Big Red’s lead was just 7-6. Emmett Johnson scoring the lone touchdown.

To open up the second half, Lincoln native Kenneth Williams returned the kickoff for 95 yards, giving Nebraska a 14-6 lead. It was Nebraska’s first kick returned for a touchdown since 2017.

Nebraska then took a 21-6 lead thanks to a 12 yard receiving touchdown from Nyziah Hunter, his fifth of the season.

Northwestern responded with two touchdowns, and a two point conversion the next two possessions, tying the game at 21.

After a couple turnovers by both teams, the Huskers completed a 13 play, 60 yard touchdown drive capped off by Emmett Johnson’s second touchdown of the day. Johnson finished with 27 carries, 124 yards and two scores.

Dylan Raiola completed 16-22 passes for 141 yards. He also threw one touchdown and one interception.

The Huskers went on to win 28-21, marking their sixth win of the season earning them bowl eligibility for the second straight season.

Nebraska improved to 11-7 all-time in the series against Northwestern, including 7-3 in Lincoln. The Huskers lead 8-6 in the series since joining the Big Ten.

Nebraska’s 6-2 record is their best eight game start since 2016, when they opened with a 7-1 record.

Next up for the big red is at home versus USC Nov. 1. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Categories: Husker Sports, Sports
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
Download the Channel 8 News app

Related