October 5, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) passes the ball to running back Emmett Johnson (21) during the first quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Visser-Imagen Images A strong defensive effort and rushing touchdowns by Dante Dowdell and Janiran Bonner led Nebraska to a 14-7 Big Ten victory over Rutgers on Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.
The Cornhuskers (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) recorded four sacks and limited the Scarlet Knights to 78 yards on the ground. Nebraska also intercepted Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakamanis twice. Kaliakamanis completed 15 of 37 passes for 186 yards.
The Scarlet Knights (4-1, 1-1) were 2 of 14 on third downs and 2 of 6 on fourth downs.
Nebraska led 14–0 until Kaliakamanis threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Ben Black with 4:08 to play. The TD capped a nine-play, 50-yard drive.
Rutgers’ final possession began at its own 11-yard line with 2:17 to play. The Scarlet Knights turned the ball over on downs before moving the ball to the Nebraska 26-yard line with 1:17 remaining.
Rutgers blocked two punts in the game, the second of which was intercepted by Jamier Wright-Collins midway through the third quarter, which was recovered by Shaquan Loyal and returned 14 yards to the Nebraska 2-yard line. However, the Scarlet Knights failed to capitalize, as Nebraska forced turnovers on downs.
It was the third punt and fifth kick that Nebraska opponents have blocked this season.
The Cornhuskers, who scored on both of their red zone opportunities, led 7–0 after one quarter and 14–0 after halftime.
Nebraska took a 7–0 lead when Dowdell scored on a fourth-and-goal play from the Rutgers 1-yard line and John Hohl added a point-after kick with 3:09 left in the first quarter. It was the first time Rutgers allowed a touchdown in the first quarter this season.
Bonner helped Nebraska double its lead by scoring on an 11-yard run with 1:48 remaining in the first half.
Dowdell led Nebraska’s rushing attack with 57 yards on 14 carries. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola was 13 of 27 for 134 yards. He was stopped once.
Nebraska has held five of its six opponents to 10 points or less. The Cornhuskers are the only FBS team to not allow a rushing TD this season.
–Field Level Media