Nebraska Cornhuskers news: Wrestling wins top-25 dual, Huskers in LA, more

With the government shutdown and flights being cancelled across the country, it was unclear when Nebraska football would make it to Los Angeles.

However, the program touched down in the City of Angels on Friday night, ahead of a late kickoff on Saturday night (8 PM CST, FOX). The Huskers haven’t played at the Rose Bowl since 2012.

That was a great game, but a game won by the UCLA Bruins. Nebraska football will be starting true freshman TJ Lateef at quarterback. Yet, UCLA has an interim head coach, although the Bruins have won three of their last four games. The one loss was their most recent game against Indiana, by the score of 56-6.

UCLA is coming off a bye. Nebraska also nearly beat Ohio State one week after getting thumped by Indiana last season, so expect the Bruins to be ready.

In case you missed it, here are five things to know, three keys, and bold predictions for Nebraska vs. UCLA.

Nebraska Cornhuskers get top-25 wrestling win

The Nebraska wrestling team sure looked like a national title contender on Friday night with a 33-3 duel win over 23rd-ranked Army.

It was the first home dual. All of the big names got wins for the Cornhuskers, but the one name that stands out is AJ Ferrari, who made his debut in the Big Red singlet. He also made it a success with a 4-0 win over Brady Colbert, currently No. 13 in the heavyweight division.

In all, Nebraska wrestling won nine straight bouts at one point. Brock Hardy, ranked No. 2 at 141 pounds, just like Ferrari at heavyweight, got an 18-2 win over a ranked opponent. Defending national champion Antrell Taylor also earned a 5-1 decision at 157 pounds, defending his No. 1 ranking.

Silas Allred had Nebraska’s only pin of the night at 184 pounds. The Cornhuskers finished wth three bonus-point victories.

Nebraska basketball teams are in action on Saturday, and volleyball, too

If you’re wondering what to do while waiting for Nebraska football vs. UCLA, don’t worry, there is plenty of Nebraska athletics to consume before then.

The men’s basketball team will host Florida International at 12 PM CST (BTN+). The Panthers are ranked 193rd according to the KenPom rankings, so it will be a stiffer challenge than West Georgia.

Braden Frager stole the show for the Huskers in the season opener with 22 points in 22 minutes off the bench. It will be interesting to see if Fred Hoiberg sticks with the same starting lineup. It feels like the best five with Connor Essegian and Frager off the bench, along with guys like Kendall Blue and Jared Garcia.

The women’s basketball team also hosts Samford at 5 PM CST, also on BTN+. Both games will be in the Vault, just like on Monday.

Then, at 2:30 PM CST, on Peacock, Nebraska volleyball will attempt to keep its 44-set winning streak alive on the road against Minnesota. Nebraska is 23-0 with 14 consecutive sweeps.