Nebraska Triumphs Over Northwestern 28-21 in Thrilling Showdown
Nebraska celebrated a hard-fought victory against Northwestern, clinching a 28-21 win on October 21, 2023. The triumph improved the Cornhuskers’ record to 6-2 and 3-2 in the Big Ten, marking an essential rebound as they prepare for their upcoming challenge against the USC Trojans.
Quarterback Performance
Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola delivered a commendable performance, despite throwing an interception that raised eyebrows. Against a Northwestern defense that allowed an average of 168.6 passing yards per game, Raiola managed to complete 72.7% of his passes, totaling 141 yards. He stood out as one of only two quarterbacks this season to surpass 70% completion, alongside Oregon’s Dante Moore.
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen crafted a game plan that successfully utilized rolling pockets, allowing Raiola to make quick throws while minimizing pressure. He was sacked just once throughout the match. The highlight of his game came during a critical fourth-quarter drive, where he completed five of seven passes and converted four third downs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Running Back Contributions
The game marked a significant turning point for Nebraska’s ground game, with the team running the ball 39 times out of 61 offensive snaps, equating to 63.9% of their plays. Emmett Johnson was pivotal, amassing 139 all-purpose yards on 29 touches, including two rushing touchdowns, bringing his season total to ten. After just eight games, he has already surpassed 1,000 all-purpose yards, a feat not achieved by a Nebraska player since Ameer Abdullah in 2014.
True freshman Isaiah Mozee also contributed, carrying the ball three times for 28 yards, with a long run of 21 yards. While Johnson has dominated the rushing attempts, Mozee’s performance highlighted his potential as a reliable backup.
Wide Receiver Dynamics
Despite intentions expressed by head coach Matt Rhule and Holgorsen to involve receivers Dane Key and Jacory Barney more, the duo struggled to make a significant impact. Key recorded three catches for 22 yards, while Barney managed three receptions for 13 yards and added eight rushing yards.
In contrast, sophomore wide receiver Nyziah Hunter had a standout performance, securing six receptions for 70 yards, including a notable touchdown. His consistent contributions have solidified his role as Nebraska’s primary receiver.
Tight End and Fullback Usage
The tight ends had a lackluster outing in this game. Luke Lindenmeyer caught one pass for 15 yards, while Heinrich Haarberg was not targeted in the passing game. Haarberg did contribute to the ground game with effective short-yardage plays, helping convert critical downs.
Offensive Line Performance
Nebraska’s offensive line showed improvement, allowing just one sack throughout the contest. They achieved a pass-blocking grade of 84.0, marking their highest score in a conference matchup. Four out of five starters played every snap, although the right tackle position saw adjustments after an injury to Gunnar Gottula. Teddy Prochazka filled in but also suffered an injury early in the game, leading to Turner Corcoran stepping in and earning an impressive pass-blocking grade of 82.5.
The offensive line’s efforts contributed to 155 rushing yards, averaging four yards per carry, which proved effective against a challenging Northwestern defense. This strategy of wearing down the opponent’s defensive line may bode well for Nebraska as they advance in the season.
In summary, Nebraska’s victory over Northwestern not only showcases their resilience but also sets the stage for an intense matchup against USC, where they will look to build on this momentum.
