Huskers Triumph in Hollywood Glory for EJ and TJ
The Nebraska Cornhuskers achieved a significant victory against the UCLA Bruins on a pleasant November evening, winning 28-21 at the Rose Bowl. This win improved Nebraska’s record to 7-3, marking their best start in the first ten games since 2016 when they opened 8-2.
Key Players and Performance Highlights
Notably, true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef made his debut start due to Dylan Raiola’s recovery from surgery on a fractured fibula. Lateef impressed by throwing for 205 yards, completing 13 of 15 passes, and achieving three touchdowns, all while showcasing composure under pressure.
- Lateef’s first 11 passes were completions.
- He also rushed five times for 31 yards.
- Defensively, Nebraska’s players contributed significantly, with DeShon Singleton leading with 11 tackles.
Offensive Strategy and Execution
Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen devised an effective game plan that maximized Lateef’s abilities. Running back Emmett Johnson had a standout performance, rushing for 129 yards on 28 carries and adding 103 receiving yards from three catches, which included two touchdowns. This marked the first occurrence in school history where a Nebraska running back had over 100 rushing and 100 receiving yards in the same game.
Statistics Overview
| Stat Category | Nebraska | UCLA |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 205 (TJ Lateef) | 191 (Nico Iamaleava) |
| Rushing Yards | 129 (Emmett Johnson) | 86 (Nico Iamaleava) |
| Touchdowns | 4 (Lateef: 3, Johnson: 1) | 3 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Sacks | 3 | 0 |
Defensive Highlights
UCLA’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, managed 277 yards of total offense, largely keeping the Bruins competitive throughout the game. However, Nebraska’s defense crucially sacked him three times and executed a pivotal stop on a 4th-and-1 situation.
Defensive contributors included Javin Wright and Keona Davis, who made significant stops, while true freshman Williams Nwaneri recorded a team-leading 2.5 sacks for the season.
Looking Ahead
This victory positions Nebraska favorably as they head into their next matchups, improving their chances for a potential bowl game appearance. As Matt Rhule has consistently elevated the team’s win totals in each season of his coaching career, the Cornhuskers will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for their upcoming games against competitive conference rivals.
Fans are encouraged to stay updated on Nebraska’s progress, as the team’s recent performances show promise for the remainder of the season.
