Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule spoke with the media following the Cornhuskers’ 44-25 blowout win over the Wisconsin Badgers on Saturday.
His program defeated the Badgers for the first time in 12 years, and captured the Freedom Trophy for the first time in its existence. From the opening kickoff, the Cornhuskers left little doubt.
Nebraska amassed 473 total yards, including 180 on the ground on five yards per carry, to throttle the Badgers. The 44 points is the most Nebraska has ever scored in the rivalry matchup.
“I thought it was as well-rounded as we can be,” Rhule said following the win. “Dylan [Raiola] was really on, and we ran the football really well. Jacory [Barney Jr.] worked the middle of the field really well. The tight ends showed up. The ball went to where it was supposed to be. We were able to protect the quarterback. I just think they went out, and they executed.”
After establishing a 14-10 edge in the second quarter, Rhule’s team didn’t look back. Fresh off a four-game losing streak to No. 2 Ohio State, No. 5 Indiana, UCLA and USC, the Cornhuskers corrected most of their self-inflicted wounds and exploded on the offense end.
Running back Emmett Johnson logged 113 yards on the ground, and quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 28 of his 38 passing attempts for 293 yards and one touchdown. Nebraska, seeking its first bowl game appearance since 2016, kept its foot on the gas pedal for the entire game.
“There [were] no negative plays,” Rhule said. “The players made the explosive plays. Emmett [Johnson] was untackleable at times today. And then we were probably more aggressive in the fourth quarter. We threw the ball more in the fourth quarter than I normally would, and Dylan made those plays.”
Wisconsin, meanwhile, played poorly on the defensive end. After allowing just 16 points against No. 1 Oregon on Nov. 16, the Badgers couldn’t seem to stop any of Nebraska’s playmakers in the run or pass game.
Rhule spoke on facing the Badgers’ defense.
“That’s Wisconsin,” Rhule said. “That’s a tough, physical team. Nobody during the whole year, except maybe Alabama, scored this many points against them. I would assume we ran the ball well. I thought we were able to drop back and throw the ball on first and second down without any heat coming at us. Guys executed.”
Nebraska officially clinched a bowl game appearance with its sixth win of the season. Fans stormed the field, players grasped the Freedom Trophy and Rhule’s players walked off with a grin.
Wisconsin, meanwhile, is soul-searching. The Badgers are in jeopardy of missing their first bowl game since 2001 and will face Minnesota on Nov. 29 at Camp Randall.
