Nebraska leans on defense to hand Rutgers first loss

Field Level Media|published: Sun 6th October, 04:42 2024

Oct 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) hands the ball off to running back Emmett Johnson (21) against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

A strong defensive effort and rushing touchdowns by Dante Dowdell and Janiran Bonner carried Nebraska to a 14-7 Big Ten victory over Rutgers on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

The Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) recorded four sacks and limited the Scarlet Knights to 78 yards on the ground. Nebraska also intercepted Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis twice. Kaliakmanis completed 15-of-37 passes for 186 yards.

The Scarlet Knights (4-1, 1-1) were 2 of 14 on third down and 2 of 6 on fourth down.

Nebraska led 14-0 until Kaliakmanis tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ben Black with 4:08 to play. The TD capped a nine-play, 50-yard drive.

Rutgers' final possession began on its own 11-yard line with 2:17 to play. The Scarlet Knights moved the ball to the Nebraska 26-yard line before turning the ball over on downs with 1:17 remaining.

Rutgers blocked two punts in the game, the second of which was blocked by Jamier Wright-Collins midway through the third quarter, recovered by Shaquan Loyal and returned 14 yards to the Nebraska 2-yard line. The Scarlet Knights failed to cash in, however, as Nebraska forced a turnover on downs.

It was the third punt and fifth kick Nebraska opponents have blocked this season.

The Cornhuskers, who scored on both of their red zone opportunities, led 7-0 after one quarter and 14-0 at halftime.

Nebraska took a 7-0 lead when Dowdell scored on a fourth-and-goal play from the Rutgers' 1-yard line and John Hohl added the point-after kick with 3:09 left in the first quarter. It was the first time Rutgers allowed a touchdown in the first quarter this season.

Bonner helped Nebraska double its lead when he scored on an 11-yard run with 1:48 remaining in the first half.

Dowdell led Nebraska's rushing attack with 57 yards on 14 carries. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola was 13-of-27 for 134 yards. He was intercepted once.

Nebraska has held five of its six opponents to 10 points or less. The Cornhuskers are the only FBS team that hasn't allowed a rushing TD this season.

--Field Level Media

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