3 takeaways from Nebraska’s lopsided loss to Iowa

Nebraska football fans were expecting a heartbreaking loss against Iowa on Friday. Instead, fans were leaving for the exits early after Iowa put up a 40 burger in another win (40-16) over the Huskers.

That makes it 10 times in 11 years. Matt Rhule is 0-3 against Iowa, and the gap seems to be growing wider.

JT Lateef looked like a deer in the headlights, which is understandable. He is a true freshman after all, but it’s clear that Dylan Raiola is the best quarterback on this team, assuming he’s still on the team next season.

We’ll know that decision soon enough. Now that the season is over, there is no reason for Raiola to wait if leaving is his intention. The portal opens in January, but teams will be talking to players, well before then.

Regardless, Friday was disappointing. Nebraska had more yards than Iowa at the half, but trailed by eight. Two turnovers were costly, and so was kicking three field goals. Emmett Johnson was legendary.

After that, it’s hard to find much that’s encouraging.

Emmett Johnson with an epic performance

Johnson rushed for 217 yards against Iowa. He also had 22 receiving yards. That gives him 1,451 yards, which included a 71-yard run in the first quarter that led to Nebraska’s only touchdown.

Johnson finished the regular season with 1,821 yards. If he plays in the bowl game, he could have a realistic shot at 2,000 yards.

When it comes to the offseason to-do list, bringing back Johnson, keeping him out of the NFL draft should be the top priority, although he might be determined to go pro.

I wouldn’t blame him. He is a Nebraska legend and put together the best season we have seen from a Nebraska football player in a decade (Ameer).

Lateef isn’t quite ready

Lateet got hurt. That didn’t help. That took away some of what the Huskers wanted to do, but Lateef will have to take a big leap to reach the level of Dylan Raiola next season.

That being said, the guys need to make a play for their quarterback. Quinn Clark and Dane Key each had chances for big plays and dropped the ball.

If the last three games were an audition of sorts for Lateef, I’m not sure he showed enough to be the starter. That’s Raiola if he’s back. If not, Nebraska needs to hit the portal.

A winning season, with the 2026 schedule, is far from guaranteed.

Matt Rhule has to make changes

Nebraska fans can discuss the recent contract extension for Matt Rhule and whether it was a mistake, but Rhule isn’t going anywhere for years.

His buyout is now $71 million.

Rhule’s record after three years is disappointing. He’s 19-18 overall (bowl game pending). What’s worse is that Nebraska is 10-17 in the Big Ten. His best record is 4-5.

There was progress this season, but not enough. This program should be further down the road. Rhule needs to make changes (O-line coach, DC, etc). We saw the impact of hiring Mike Ekeler. Rhule needs another move like that this offseason.

He also needs to recruit his ass off, which includes players on his own roster.