When Nebraska Cornhuskers sputtered out a 15‑point lead in the third quarter, most fans thought the game was slipping away. Yet a 13‑play, 64‑yard march capped by a 4‑yard rush from Emmett Johnson with 2:44 left turned the tide, delivering a 28‑21 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on October 25, 2025.
Game Overview
The contest, officially logged as Nebraska vs. NorthwesternMemorial Stadium, drew a roaring crowd of 86,401. Both teams entered the matchup at 6‑2 and 5‑3 overall respectively, each sitting 3‑2 in the Big Ten Conference. The Cornhuskers struck first, with Johnson punching in a nine‑yard touchdown after a crisp 69‑yard opening drive.
Northwestern answered with two field goals from kicker Jack Olsen, nudging the halftime score to a nervous 7‑6. The first half saw Nebraska amass 160 total yards—93 on the ground, with Johnson hauling 65 yards on 12 carries—while quarterback Dylan Raiola contributed a modest 67 passing yards.
In the third quarter, Nebraska extended the margin to 15 points, but the Wildcats rallied, tying the game at 21‑21 midway through the fourth. That set the stage for the decisive drive that would define the night.
Key Plays and Performances
Raiola, a sophomore from Chandler, Arizona, displayed nerves of steel on that final drive. He converted four consecutive third‑down passes—two to wideout Nyziah Hunter and one to tight end Griffin Wilde—while the offensive line, anchored by center Turner Corcoran and right tackle Billy Sheehan, held the pocket together for six minutes and 27 seconds of clock‑eating football.
When Johnson finally smashed into the end zone, his stat line read 130 rushing yards, two touchdowns, and two receptions for 15 yards on 27 carries. "I had a lot of trust in those guys up front," he said. "The O‑line set the tone, and we fought hard to the end." His effort eclipsed the Wildcats' leading rusher, Caleb Komolafe, who managed just 51 yards on nine attempts.
Defensively, Nebraska forced two turnovers. Linebacker Javin Wright snagged an interception early in the fourth quarter, and safety Donovan Jones added another pick later, shifting momentum back to the Cornhuskers just when the Wildcats were gaining steam.
Coaches' Perspectives
Head coach Matt Rhule, in his third season at the helm, praised his squad’s resilience. "Our guys showed tremendous resolve," Rhule observed. "Any time you have a third‑quarter like that, you either let it define you or you bounce back. Tonight they chose the latter." He singled out Raiola’s poise, noting that it was the quarterback’s “best game” in terms of composure and presence.
Rhule also highlighted Johnson’s versatility, calling him a "team guy" who could adapt on the fly. The coach’s confidence in the offensive line was evident, as he noted the unit’s ability to dominate “at the point of attack” throughout the entire contest.
Impact on the Big Ten Race
The win pushes Nebraska to 6‑2 overall and solidifies a 3‑2 conference record, keeping them squarely in the hunt for a top‑four finish that would secure a coveted New Year’s Six bowl slot. Meanwhile, Northwestern’s four‑game winning streak ends, dropping them to 5‑3 overall. The Wildcats still sit at 3‑2 in the conference, but they’ll need a bounce‑back performance against Ohio State next week to stay viable.
Analysts note that the Cornhuskers’ ability to close out games could be the difference between a modest bowl invitation and a major postseason run. With the season now entering its crucial stretch, every conference win carries extra weight.
Looking Ahead
Next up, Nebraska hosts the University of Southern California Trojans on November 1 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time, live on NBC. The Trojans, fresh off a high‑scoring win over Washington State, present a stark contrast in style—air‑raid vs. ground‑focused offense.
If Raiola continues to manage the clock like a veteran and Johnson maintains his dual-threat production, Nebraska could well position themselves for a Big Ten championship game berth. The stakes? A shot at the Rose Bowl, and perhaps a chance to rewrite the program’s recent narrative of near‑misses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Nebraska’s bowl eligibility?
The victory makes Nebraska bowl eligible for the second straight season, moving them to a 6‑2 record and improving their odds of landing a New Year’s Six bowl, especially if they finish in the top four of the Big Ten.
What were the key factors behind Northwestern’s collapse?
Northwestern’s defense struggled to contain Johnson’s run game after the third quarter, and missed opportunities on third down allowed Nebraska’s clock‑eating drive. Turnovers on downs in the final minutes sealed their fate.
Who stood out for Nebraska besides the quarterback and running back?
Offensive linemen Turner Corcoran and Billy Sheehan anchored the line, while defensive backs Donovan Jones and Javin Wright each recorded interceptions that shifted momentum in the fourth quarter.
What does the upcoming game against USC mean for Nebraska’s rankings?
A win over the Trojans—who are a top‑15 AP team—could catapult Nebraska into the top ten nationally and bolster their résumé for a potential College Football Playoff discussion.
How did the weather conditions influence the game?
Clear skies and a mild 58°F kept both teams from dealing with wind‑related passing issues, allowing Nebraska’s ground game to flourish and making the long, methodical drive possible.