Recap of the Nebraska Game!

 

Game Recap – Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17 (August 28, 2025)

• Final Score: Nebraska edged out Cincinnati 20–17 in a tight season opener at Arrowhead Stadium. Corn NationNebraska AthleticsWTOP News

• Clutch Play: With just 34 seconds left, Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog Jr. intercepted a pass in the end zone to seal the win. Corn NationNebraska AthleticsWTOP News

• Offensive Leaders:

  • Dylan Raiola completed 33 of 42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns. Corn NationNebraska AthleticsWTOP News

  • Emmett Johnson led the ground game with 108 rushing yards, his second career 100-yard outing. Corn NationNebraska AthleticsWTOP News

  • Touchdowns also came via transfers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter. Corn NationWTOP News

• Defensive Highlights:

  • Nebraska forced two critical turnovers: Hartzog’s late interception and a first-half fumble forced and recovered by Vincent Shavers Jr. near the endzone. Nebraska AthleticsCorn Nation

  • The secondary held Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby to just 69 passing yards on 13-of-25 attempts. Corn NationNebraska AthleticsWTOP News

  • Sorsby countered with 96 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns, driving Cincinnati’s late-game push. WTOP NewsCorn Nation+1

• Game Flow:

  • Cincinnati initially led 3–0, but Nebraska turned it around before halftime at 13–3. WTOP NewsNebraska Athletics

  • Cincinnati fought back in the second half — including a quick 75-yard drive — to close the gap to 20–17, setting the stage for the late season dagger by Hartzog. WTOP NewsCorn Nation

• Atmosphere & Milestone:

  • Although it was technically a home game for Cincinnati, Nebraska fans dominated the stands in Kansas City. WTOP NewsThe Washington PostYardbarker

  • This marked Nebraska’s first season‑opening win over a Power Five opponent since 2003, ending a longstanding opening-game slide. Corn Nation

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Final Thoughts

This wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was a gritty and meaningful win. Nebraska showed resilience in close-game situations, with standout performances on both sides of the ball. While the offense was efficient and the defense produced timely plays, concerns remain—especially running defense consistency. Still, this result offers tangible hope as they head into Big Ten play.