BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2024 November 29, Friday)
Don Harrold, Writer / Editor
blairtoday@mail.com – Facebook
When Nebraska and Iowa clash under the lights at Kinnick Stadium tonight (6:30 PM CT, NBC), it will mark another chapter in what has become one of college football’s most compelling late-season rivalries. For the first time since 2016, Nebraska enters this game with bowl eligibility already secured, while Iowa looks to continue its impressive home dominance in November.
“I know how much the Iowa game means to our guys,” Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule said. “Walking off the field after losing the way we lost… walking off the field, their players were waving at our guys saying, ‘Have a good Christmas!’ You know, that was painful. That was really painful.”
That memory from last year’s 13-10 loss still stings in Lincoln. But this is a different Nebraska team, coming off its most impressive offensive showing of the season in a 44-25 victory over Wisconsin that snapped an eight-year bowl drought.
A Tale of Two Offenses
The contrast in offensive approaches couldn’t be starker. Iowa brings the Big Ten’s leading rushing attack, spearheaded by Kaleb Johnson, who HuskerOnline’s Sean Callahan describes as “arguably the best running back in the Big Ten Conference right now.” Johnson has amassed over 1,400 yards and 21 touchdowns this season, emerging as one of college football’s premier backs.
Nebraska counters with an offense that has found new life under interim offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen. As noted by David Eickholt, former Nebraska insider now covering Iowa, “When they brought in Holgorsen, the running game just looks a little bit more comfortable, they’re a little bit more spaced on the outside… and they’re not predictable anymore.”
Keys to Victory
For Nebraska to pull the upset, several factors emerge as critical:
- Control Johnson: “Iowa is 0-3 in league games when Johnson does not rush for 100 yards,” Callahan points out. Nebraska’s defensive front, led by Ty Robinson, must contain Iowa’s ground game.
- Protect the Football: Iowa leads the Big Ten in takeaways, with KETV’s Andy Kendeigh noting they’re “averaging two takeaways a game, ranking eighth in the country.” Nebraska freshman QB Dylan Raiola cannot afford multiple turnovers.
- Establish the Run: Former Nebraska quarterback Danny (as quoted in podcast transcript) emphasizes getting Emmett Johnson and Dante Dowdell involved early: “The combination of Johnson kind of in the open field and then Dowdell in the Red Zone worked wonders last week.”
Weather Factor
Tonight’s forecast calls for temperatures dropping into the teens with possible negative wind chills. As HuskerMax’s Bob Frady notes, “The Huskers end the season on a strong note with a 30-20 victory over the Hawkeyes. Emmett Johnson with another HUGE game.”
Prediction
After analyzing multiple perspectives and considering key factors including:
- Nebraska’s offensive renaissance under Holgorsen
- Iowa’s dominant home field advantage
- The weather conditions
- The removal of bowl-game pressure from Nebraska
- The quarterback advantage for Nebraska (5-star Raiola vs walk-on Jackson Stratton)
I’m predicting a close Nebraska victory, 24-20. The Huskers’ improved offensive balance, combined with a defense that ranks second nationally in rushing touchdowns allowed, will be just enough to overcome the hostile environment. As Middle-Aged Ball Coach from HuskerMax predicts, “Iowa will struggle to move the ball. Nebraska will pull away in the 2nd half.”
The difference maker? Look for Jacory Barney Jr. to break a big play in the return game, giving Nebraska the field position advantage in a tight fourth quarter. Raiola makes one more play than Stratton, and the Heroes Trophy heads back to Lincoln.
“This should be a fun game,” Iowa insider GlendaleHawk writes, “not just because of the cold temperatures but because it’s at Kinnick, it’s going to be rocking… it’s a rivalry game, it’s a trophy game, yes it means something.”
Indeed it does. And for the first time in years, Nebraska enters with house money and a chance to make a statement about where this program is headed under Matt Rhule.
