Certain wins change programs and for Nebraska football, the 44-25 win over Wisconsin felt like that sort of win.

Not only did it clinch a bowl berth for Nebraska, ending an eight-year drought, it ended a 10-game winning streak for Wisconsin against Nebraska, and washed away a lot of bad vibes with it.

Wisconsin made a run at Nebraska in the second half. But I wasn’t nervous. After the way the first half ended, it just felt like it was the Huskers’ day.

Sort of like Colorado. Yet, instead of whimpering to the finish line, Nebraska football slammed the door on eight years of heartache on Saturday. Seniors like Ty Robinson will finally play in a bowl game.

With one more win they can clinch a winning season — also the first since 2016.

This season hasn’t been perfect. There have been lots of ups and downs, but the Huskers have never stopped fighting. They never gave up.

Now, the monkey is off their back and it’s going to be fun to see what this team looks like without that bowl drought hanging over their heads.

Here are three takeaways from the 44-25 win for Nebraska football.

This is why Rhule hired Dana Holgorsen

For the first time under Matt Rhule, the offense felt dangerous — like it could score every time it touched the ball. In the second half, it nearly did.

Dylan Raiola looked so comfortable. Give the offensive line credit. They played extremely well. The running backs and receivers did too.

But it all starts with Raiola who was throwing dimes all over the place. He struggled for a few games but Holgorsen has helped him get his confidence back. The offense just looks better in general and things are much easier.

Emmett Johnson is certainly benefiting. The running backs were called out by Holgorsen and they responded in a big way. Johnson had 113 rushing yards and 85 receiving. Dante Dowdell scored three rushing touchdowns and had 41 hard-earned yards.

Raiola completed 28-of-38 passes for 293 yards. He didn’t have an interception and the offense had just one turnover on a first-half-fumble that was just a perfectly-timed hit.

Rolling up 472 yards and 44 points against Wisconsin isn’t something Nebraska has done, well, ever. Not since joining the Big Ten. That really felt different. It felt good and it also feels like Holgorsen played a big role in it, so give the man a blank check to come back.

Matt Rhule has moved Nebraska forward

I’ve been harsh on Matt Rhule. I won’t deny that but with the win on Saturday, the arrow of this program is finally pointing up. This is tangible progress and gives Nebraska momentum heading into the offseason.

Now, you don’t want to be satisfied. You don’t want to lose to Iowa next week. Plus, a win would make a 7-5 Nebraska team fairly attractive for some of the better non-playoff bowl games. Maybe even one on New Year’s or close.

Nebraska is a great draw. Regardless, Rhule has succeeded this season. Things got dicey there for a minute, but it feels like the tide has turned and the head coach has bought himself some goodwill.

Also, the for the first time in a long time, Nebraska will have positive momentum heading into the offseason.

Seniors got a much-deserved win

It’s hard to say players deserve to win in sports. But man, Nebraska football has a bunch of players who deserved to make a bowl game. After all the blood, sweat, and tears, guys like Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, DeShon Singleton, and many others finally needed one to go their way.

Wisconsin did gain over 400 yards. But the Badgers missed two fields, had a turnover, and were stopped on downs a couple of times. Singleton had the clinching interception which was fitting.

It felt like this team and these seniors might never make it back to a bowl game. But when there’s a will, there’s a way and Nebraska football finally found a way.

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