This week’s turning point was instrumental in achieving a feat the Nebraska football team had not accomplished in eight seasons.
It was a party Saturday night in Lincoln after the Nebraska Cornhuskers went 3-0 for the first time since 2016. The Big Red controlled the game from start to finish, defeating the Northern Iowa Panthers 34-3. Despite the game’s overwhelming success, the turning point came much later than expected.
Just looking at the score sheet, you might think the game was a no-win contest, but that’s far from the case. The Panther offense moved the ball up the field against a good Nebraska defense. Their creative play and excellent pass protection allowed them to limit negative plays and maintain the lead.
Northern Iowa’s offense put in a first-half performance that angered Matt Rhule.
“We’re not attacking,” Rhule said during the break. “They’re the physically stronger team right now, which is really disappointing.”
Trailing 21-3, the Panthers marched out of the locker room and showed the same physicality they had shown the previous half. The Panthers made it to the Nebraska 23-yard line, just one big play away from getting within striking distance of the Big Red.
With their backs to the ropes, the blackshirts responded to their coach’s request.
On second and 10, Nebraska defensive back Malcolm Hartzog picked off a bad pass from Aidan Dunne, thwarting any chance of a miracle comeback. Dylan Raiola then took the ball and led his team to a field goal, making the game 24-3 with six minutes left in the third quarter.
While the play didn’t result in seven points or put the game out of reach, it was a major momentum stopper. The Panthers were just one point and one big stop away from making the game exciting. That’s a lot more than most FCS teams can say when facing a top-ranked FBS team.
Hartzog’s great instincts and gentle hands were instrumental in keeping the Huskers’ undefeated season going.
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