Kansas City, Mo. – In a thrilling game, Nebraska edged out Cincinnati 20-17, thanks to Dylan Raiola’s impressive performance with 243 passing yards and two touchdowns. A key moment came from Malcolm Hartzog Jr., who intercepted a pass in the end zone with just 34 seconds left, sealing the victory for the Huskers.
Emmett Johnson also shined, rushing for 108 yards, while Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter caught touchdown passes. This win is a promising start, especially after the Huskers’ challenging 7-6 season last year, where they lost five games by just a few points.
“This win boosts our confidence,” said Hartzog. “People doubt our ability to win close games, but we can do it.”
Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby struggled in the air with only 69 passing yards, but he contributed 96 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His effort sparked the Bearcats’ second-half comeback, including a crucial touchdown run that brought the score to 20-17.
Despite an early 3-0 lead, Cincinnati faltered in the first half. However, they regrouped and fought back in the second half, posing a threat until Hartzog’s game-winning interception.
Coach Matt Rhule of Nebraska emphasized the need for improvement but felt optimistic about the team’s potential: “We’ll correct the mistakes and come back stronger.”
Interestingly, while it was advertised as a home game for Cincinnati, about 95% of the audience favored Nebraska, thanks to its close proximity to Lincoln.
In contrast, outside the field, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were spotted together, drawing attention amid the game.
Nebraska controlled much of the game, dominating time of possession by nearly 19 minutes. Cincinnati managed just 271 total yards, the bulk of which came late in the game.
As both teams prepare for their next challenges, Nebraska will host Akron, while Cincinnati faces Bowling Green on the same day. Looking forward to the rest of the season, it’s clear that both teams have much to prove.
For further updates on college football, check the AP Top 25 College Football Poll.
