Highlights, gut reactions to Nebraska football win over Rutgers

Someday, Nebraska football can start worrying about style points. Right now, wins are the only thing that matters and in that sense, what we saw Saturday in a 14-7 win was beautiful.

The two blocked punts by Rutgers were brutal. But for the defense to hold the Scarlet Knights without a single point as a result of those two plays was picture-perfect.

On the second blocked punt, Rutgers, trailing 14-0, started with the ball at Nebraska’s one-yard line. The drive still ended with them scoreless.

Dylan Raiola threw an interception but he also made some NFL throws and the offensive line delivered, time and time again in short yardage. On the first drive of the game, Matt Rhule went for it on fourth-and-one. The Huskers got it. They also got it on fourth-and-goal from the one.

DANTE DOWDELL 😤@HuskerFootball strikes first vs Rutgers 🔴 pic.twitter.com/EF5CwYVNSA

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 5, 2024

Those plays set the tone. Later, Janrian Bonner scored on a wing trap — the second touchdown of the day for the Huskers that featured a pulling guard.

Twice the #Huskers have scored with a pulling guard.

pic.twitter.com/nBrcXj3qHo

— HuskerBR (@HuskerBr) October 5, 2024

From that point, the defense made it stick. The fake punt pass by Brian Buschini, which was a dime, bought Nebraska football some time but didn’t lead to points. Still, the defense answered the ball repeatedly.

🚨 FAKE PUNT 🚨 @HuskerFootball pic.twitter.com/fPJI3kwgB7

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 5, 2024

The first eight times Rutgers crossed midfield the Scarlet Knights were turned away. The Huskers had two interceptions, four sacks, and a goal-line stand. Rutgers converted just 4-of-21 attempts on third/fourth down.

PICKED OFF@HuskerFootball takes it right back 💪 pic.twitter.com/L9d0A1uJ0T

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 5, 2024

PICKED OFF AGAIN

The @HuskerFootball defense is all over in the first half 🔒 pic.twitter.com/2UmYDG8L9w

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 5, 2024

It was a great win and suddenly, Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) is one win from bowl eligibility. Here are the gut reactions from a 14-7 win as the Huskers finally closed out a close game.

Gut reactions from Nebraska football win over Rutgers

• This was all about the offensive and defensive lines. Just like in the good old days.
• Dylan Raiola didn’t have his best day but he could have been much worse.
• I didn’t have any issues with the play-calling on offense.
• That fake punt call by Matt Rhule was gutsy as hell.
• The Blackshirts were elite. They deserve the game ball. I don’t know what else to say.
• One win from a bowl game. Just gotta finish.
• Nebraska had seven third/fourth down conversions by running and that helped win the game.
• Loved the pulling guard on both touchdowns.
• This was a huge step forward.
• Go BIG RED!

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