For the first time since 2016, Nebraska’s football program is bowl eligible.
Following a historic 44-25 beatdown against the Wisconsin Badgers, hundreds of Cornhusker fans stormed Memorial Stadium’s field to celebrate the program’s feat.
To make matters worse, the venue’s speakers blasted Wisconsin’s iconic theme song, ‘Jump Around,’ during the final portion of the fourth quarter.
Nebraska’s win against Wisconsin marks the first time the Cornhuskers have beaten the Badgers since September 2012. That season, Joel Stave served as UW’s quarterback, running back Montee Ball was in his final season in Madison and Bret Bielema manned the sidelines.
Fans tend the storm the field following an upset against a ranked opponent or collegiate juggernaut. In this instance, Cornhusker fans’ jubilance stemmed from defeating a storied rival and clinching a postseason berth.
NEBRASKA FANS STORM THE FIELD AFTER BECOMING BOWL ELIGIBLE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 8 YEARS ðŸ˜
Honestly, let them have it.
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) November 23, 2024
For the first time in program history, Nebraska also received the Freedom Trophy, a piece of hardware awarded to the winner of the rivalry game dating back to 2014.
Nebraska dominated Wisconsin in every facet of the contest. The Cornhusker offense ran for 180 yards, scored five touchdowns and averaged 6.4 yards per play.
The only silver lining for the Badgers surrounds Braedyn Locke’s play in the passing game. The redshirt sophomore threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns in his first game without former offensive coordinator Phil Longo.
Still, the loss encapsulates most of the games during the back half of Wisconsin’s season. In a high-pressure situation, the Badgers eventually lost control and played horribly on the defensive end.
UW is now in jeopardy of missing its first bowl game since 2001. Luke Fickell’s program will need a win against Minnesota on Nov. 29 to prevent that from happening.