The Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a winning season with a thrilling 28-21 victory over the UCLA Bruins on November 8, 2023. This win improved Nebraska’s record to 7-2, with three games remaining in the regular season. The game featured standout performances, particularly from running back Emmett Johnson and quarterback TJ Lateef, who played pivotal roles in the team’s success.
Emmett Johnson Shines with Record-Setting Performance
Emmett Johnson delivered a remarkable performance in Los Angeles, rushing for 129 yards on 28 carries and scoring one touchdown. Additionally, he caught three passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, making him the first running back in Nebraska’s history to achieve a 100/100 game. His coach, Matt Rhule, praised Johnson, stating, “He was great. He’s been consistently great.”
This game marked a significant milestone for Johnson, who now has 1,131 rushing yards for the season, the highest total by a Husker since Ameer Abdullah recorded 1,611 yards in 2014. Johnson’s average of 125.7 rushing yards per game places him on track to join the elite group of Husker players who have surpassed 1,500 yards in a single season. With 14 touchdowns this year, he also leads the program for running backs since Abdullah’s 22 touchdowns in 2014.
TJ Lateef Impresses as Starting Quarterback
Making his mark as just the fourth true freshman quarterback to start for Nebraska in the last 75 years, TJ Lateef showcased his skills in front of a home crowd. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns, with his only incomplete pass occurring early in the fourth quarter. Lateef’s ability to guide the Huskers on four consecutive scoring drives helped them establish a 28-7 lead.
Rhule expressed confidence in Lateef, stating, “If you have any idea how we feel about him… we’re throwing the football. A lot of people wouldn’t do that, but we’re doing that and it’s because he’s earned that.” Lateef also contributed to the ground game with five carries for 31 yards, including a notable 14-yard run on Nebraska’s opening drive.
Defensive Challenges and Strategic Decisions
UCLA’s quarterback, Iamaleava, faced significant pressure throughout the game but managed to finish with 191 passing yards and two touchdowns. Despite being sacked three times for a loss of 18 yards, Iamaleava’s elusiveness allowed him to evade defenders and find open receivers. Rhule acknowledged his performance, calling him “fantastic” and a “warrior.”
Nebraska’s defense capitalized on strategic decisions made by UCLA, particularly in critical moments. The Bruins opted to throw on a third-and-1 play, resulting in an incomplete pass, and subsequently ran a play that was stuffed on fourth down. Such decisions highlighted Nebraska’s dominance in the contest.
The victory over UCLA is more than just another win for Nebraska; it contributes to an impressive historical context. The Cornhuskers have now achieved a Husker Fall Equinox, where all major sports teams compete on the same day. This year, Nebraska football’s win joined victories from volleyball, women’s basketball, and men’s basketball, marking the sixth time the school has swept its contests on such a day.
With the season progressing, Nebraska football continues to build momentum. Their upcoming games include matchups against Penn State and Iowa, as they aim to finish strong in the regular season. The Cornhuskers remain undefeated against teams west of Nebraska, bolstering their confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season.
