The Huskers came out of the gates swinging. The Blackshirts defense produced multiple three and outs in a row to kick off the game. Shortly before the half Iowa had just 20 total yards rushing. In the second half all offense for Nebraska died.
The offensive line was strong in the first half, the run game was a benefactor of such. Emmett Johnson lead the team in rushing with 18 carries for 71 yards while Dowdell complimented Johnsons’ efforts with 50 yards of his own. The run game had consistent efforts for four quarters, but the same could not be said for the passing attack. As Raiola was under consistent pressure in the second half causing him to cough up 3 fumbles and lose 1 of them setting up Iowa for a game winning field goal.
The offensive line fell apart as the game grew longer in the tooth. The pressure caused a freshman quarterback to look like a freshman in the second half. Even though Raiola went 22/32 for 190 yards, Raiola was consistently under pressure and when given time missed two very important throws. Jahmal Banks played possibly his most impactful game of the season reeling in 4 receptions for 40 yards, all of which seemed to be in times of need.
The defense was once again outstanding. Holding the nation’s second leading rusher to only 45 yards on 17 carries. The blackshirts also rose to the occasion after a special teams blunder which gave Iowa the ball inside the 5 yardline. Instead of getting 6, the Husker defense held Iowa to 3.
Nebraska who always manages to find a way to lose one score games pulled some Husker magic again by turning the ball over with 20 seconds left on the clock giving Iowa prime field goal position. On the bright side, the Huskers are bowl eligible and will most likely be facing a SEC squad this December. Stay tuned to Carriker Chronicles for more info about possible bowl games.
