Iowa vs Nebraska: A Black Friday Bloodsport Where Records Mean Nothing
Forget the department store brawls this Black Friday; the real action unfurled on the football field as the Iowa Hawkeyes clashed with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. This isn’t just another game; it’s rivalry week, a time when form guides are tossed aside, and pure animosity fuels every tackle and touchdown. While their shared Big Ten history is relatively short, the tension between these two programs has escalated rapidly, creating a fierce collegiate football rivalry that captivates fans on both sides.
Despite recent playoff hopes dwindling and key players, including quarterbacks, succumbing to season-ending injuries, the stakes remained incredibly high. For both Iowa and Nebraska, victory wasn’t just about pride; it was about elevating a 7-5 season to a more respectable 8-4, a crucial difference for bowl game positioning. As the cold air descended upon Lincoln, Nebraska, the heated rivalry was more than enough to keep everyone warm.
The Frosty Fields of Lincoln: A Rivalry Forged in the Big Ten
The Hawkeyes and Cornhuskers haven’t been Big Ten Conference mates for a century, but in the relatively brief time they’ve been annually duking it out, a genuine and potent animosity has blossomed. While some might call it a ‘manufactured’ rivalry, tell that to the fans who now consider the opposing team their most hated foe. Nebraska still holds the all-time series lead (30-22-3), but Iowa has dominated the Big Ten era, winning 10 of the last 12 encounters, including the previous two and a remarkable six consecutive victories at Memorial Stadium. This Friday’s contest was an opportunity for Nebraska to reverse that trend and secure their first 8-win season since 2016, along with their first five-win Big Ten campaign since then.
For Iowa, a November loss is a rarity, yet they’d dropped their previous two games that month. Heading into this matchup, the Hawkeyes boasted an impressive 19-4 record in November since 2020, ranking them fourth among FBS teams in win percentage during that period. The stage was set: chilly temperatures in the mid-20s, a biting wind, and the promise of snowfall, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of this pivotal Big Ten rivalry game.
Game On: An Unpredictable Opening Act
From the moment the ball was kicked off, this game refused to be ‘normal.’ In stark contrast to the low-scoring 13-10 defensive battles of recent years, the first quarter alone saw a flurry of big plays. Nebraska’s strategy to contain Iowa’s electric returner, Kaden Wetjen, was evident from the opening punt, yet special teams still played a significant role in setting up scoring opportunities.
It was Nebraska’s star running back, Emmett Johnson, who ignited the Cornhuskers’ offence. With a breathtaking 70-yard run, Johnson set up a first-and-goal, quickly punching it in from one yard out to give Nebraska a 7-0 lead. His early performance, featuring 132 rushing yards and 13 receiving yards in the first quarter, hinted at the dominant display to come.
Iowa, however, had an answer. A long kick return from Kaden Wetjen provided the Hawkeyes with excellent field position, leading to a 41-yard field goal. Moments later, after a Nebraska punt, Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski found DJ Vonnahme for a 35-yard touchdown, giving the Hawkeyes their first lead of the day, 10-7, after a rapid three-play, 51-yard drive. The dramatic first quarter also saw a brief injury scare for Nebraska’s freshman quarterback, T.J. Lateef, who was making his third start in place of the injured Dylan Raiola.
Twists and Turns: Second Quarter Drama
As snow began to fall heavier at Memorial Stadium, the Cornhuskers relied on another powerful run from Emmett Johnson to move into field goal range, tying the game at 10-10. But Iowa quickly reclaimed the lead with a meticulously executed 10-play, 75-yard drive, capped by Kamari Moulton’s 3-yard touchdown run – his first score since October. The Hawkeyes converted two crucial third downs during the possession, demonstrating their resilience.
The game then delivered one of its most bizarre moments. Iowa punted, but Nebraska punt returner Jacorey Barney fumbled the ball, which rolled into the end zone. The Cornhuskers recovered it for a safety, turning what could have been a disaster into two points, making it 26-16. Nebraska’s sideline was furious, believing a targeting call should have been made on the hit that forced the fumble, but the call stood. Despite these unique scoring plays, both defences consistently forced field goals after short fields, showcasing their strength even in a high-scoring affair.
The Safety and the Second Half Surge
Before the half, Iowa masterfully orchestrated a two-minute drill, culminating in Mark Gronowski’s 1-yard touchdown plunge with only 37 seconds remaining, extending their lead further. By halftime, Emmett Johnson was undeniably the standout performer for Nebraska, racking up 177 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. His five consecutive 100-yard games positioned him as a strong contender for the Doak Walker Award, anchoring Nebraska’s offence in the absence of Dylan Raiola. Meanwhile, freshman TJ Lateef struggled to find rhythm, entering the locker room with just 44 yards of total offence.
The second half began with Iowa receiving, promising more fireworks in this unpredictable NCAAF showdown.
Why This Game Always Matters
Even when national championship hopes are off the table, the Iowa vs Nebraska game carries immense weight. For Nebraska, securing an 8-4 record would mark a significant step forward, their best season since 2016. For Iowa, maintaining their dominance in the rivalry and in November showcases the consistent strength of their program. This Black Friday clash wasn’t just a contest of skill; it was a testament to the enduring passion of college football rivalries, where the desire to defeat a bitter opponent often overshadows all else. It’s the kind of game that cements legacies and fuels discussions until the next annual showdown.
