Last Saturday in Lincoln, the Nebraska Cornhuskers beat the Wisconsin Badgers, securing their sixth win and becoming bowl-eligible for the first time since 2016.
Husker fans were nervous coming into the game. Wisconsin had beaten their team ten consecutive times (going back to 2012), and the 2024 season felt like a masterclass in misfortune. There were unlucky calls, an inconsistent offense, and an identity built on 4-yard dump passes.
Saturday was different. Nebraska’s players did Oklahoma-style drills in pregame warmups, a stark contrast to the typical helmet-only walkthrough most teams favor. The Huskers were testing their mettle, setting the tone for the physicality needed to exorcise two demons–beating the Badgers and securing a bowl bid.
And what followed was a shift in offensive philosophy. Under interim offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, who joined the coaching staff recently, the Huskers embraced a more aggressive approach. Dylan Riola led the charge, moving the ball downfield with poise and precision. Holgorsen, a Mike Leach-style “Air Raid” disciple, proved he could adapt Big 12 creativity to Big Ten grit. The result? A mix of deep shots and balanced execution kept Wisconsin’s defense on its heels.
The Cornhuskers played like a team possessed, grinding out tough yards on the ground while finding success through the air. Their physicality overwhelmed a Wisconsin team that looked unprepared for the fight as Nebraska’s defense created key stops and forced Wisconsin into uncomfortable situations.
It was a complete team effort, the kind Nebraska fans have been desperate to see.
When the final whistle blew, fans stormed the field, creating a sea of red. Years of frustration were answered, and Nebraska’s loyal fanbase had a reason to believe … again. It wasn’t just a win; it was a catharsis, a chance for Nebraska to shake off the weight of its past and step forward into a brighter future.
With bowl eligibility finally secured, the Huskers can build on the momentum. Dana Holgorsen’s adjustments, combined with the team’s grit and resilience, make this Husker team look like a legitimate threat–harkening back to UNL’s glory years when legendary coaches Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne roamed the sidelines.
Saturday’s win over Wisconsin felt like more than just a game. It felt like destiny after years of disappointment and heartbreak.
