Huskers Down Panthers, Enter Big Ten Play Undefeated

© Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The No. 23 Nebraska Cornhuskers stayed perfect as they down the Northern Iowa Panthers 34-3 on Sept. 14 in Lincoln, Neb. In the night game, the Huskers took control early and never looked back as they picked up their third win of the 2024 college football season.

Game Summary

Nebraska took a commanding 21-3 lead into halftime behind a near perfect first half from freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola. Raiola completed 13 of 16 pass attempts (81 percent) for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Northern Iowa put together an impressive first drive as it held the ball for 10 minutes, 8 seconds, going 16 plays and ending with a 31-yard field goal. Unfortunately for the Panthers, outside of that drive they were only able to put together 41 yards of total offense in the rest of the first half. The second half was less eventful but had its moments. Raiola threw his first interception this season, looking for Jalen Lloyd on a deep post route. However, the Huskers were still the lone scoring team in the half, knocking down two field goals and a 36-yard touchdown run from Emmett Johnson.

Turning Point for Huskers

In a three-drive sequence as the second quarter began, Nebraska put the game away. After the Panthers’ impressive opening drive, the Huskers struck back with a touchdown to push the lead to 11 with 13:04 left to go in the half.

The Panthers picked up one first down in their ensuing drive, but were forced to punt the ball away at the 8:56 mark of the second quarter. The Huskers went on to score in just four plays as Jacory Barney Jr. carried the ball in for a 10-yard TD, set up by a 59-yard pass completion from Raiola to Llyod.

What it Means

Nebraska’s win ensures it enters Big 10 Conference play undefeated and possibly ranked among the top 20 teams in the AP Top 25 Poll. The Huskers prepare for a tough test versus the undefeated Illinois Fighting Illini at home on Sept. 20th. The Illini may also find themselves in this week’s AP Top 25 Poll, setting the stage for a huge Friday night matchup. 

Northern Iowa was not expected to win. It will look to learn from this one as it goes on the road once again next week to another FBS opponent, the Hawai'i Rainbow Warriors. The Panthers will eventually make their way back to the FCS ranks with hopes of making a return to the playoffs.