Nebraska secured a pivotal win on November 8, 2023, defeating UCLA 28-21 and improving its record to 7-2 for the season. This victory guarantees a winning season with three games remaining, marking a significant achievement for the Cornhuskers.
Emmett Johnson Shines with Historic Performance
Emmett Johnson’s performance in Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular. The running back rushed 28 times for 129 yards and scored one touchdown, while also making three receptions for 103 yards and two additional scores. Johnson’s achievements made him the first player in Nebraska history to record a game with over 100 rushing yards and 100 receiving yards, a feat that showcased his versatility and skill.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule praised Johnson’s consistency, stating, “He was great. He’s been consistently great.” With his three receptions, Johnson reached a career total of 82, becoming the third running back in program history to surpass 80 receptions, joining the ranks of Jeff Kinney and Marlon Lucky. His two touchdown receptions tied the record for a Nebraska running back in a single game, previously held by Ahman Green and Cory Ross.
Johnson’s season totals are impressive, with 1,131 rushing yards, the highest for a Husker since Ameer Abdullah recorded 1,611 yards in 2014. Averaging 125.7 yards per game, he is on track to become the fifth Nebraska player to surpass 1,500 yards in a single season. Rhule emphasized Johnson’s potential, noting, “Emmett’s just an absolute weapon.”
TJ Lateef Impresses in First Start
Making his debut as a starting quarterback, TJ Lateef became just the fourth true freshman quarterback to start for Nebraska in the past 75 years. The Los Angeles native demonstrated remarkable poise, completing 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an incomplete pass until the fourth quarter, guiding Nebraska to a 28-7 lead through four consecutive scoring drives.
Rhule expressed confidence in Lateef’s abilities, stating, “If you have any idea how we feel about him… we’re throwing the football with the game on the line, and it’s because he’s earned that.” Alongside Johnson’s contributions, Lateef added five rushes for 31 yards, displaying a well-rounded skill set that complemented the ground game.
Defensive Challenges and Strategic Decisions
UCLA’s quarterback, Nico Iamaleava, faced significant pressure from Nebraska’s defense but managed to complete 17 of 25 passes for 191 yards and two touchdowns. Despite being sacked three times for a total loss of 18 yards, Iamaleava’s elusiveness enabled him to either evade defenders or connect with open receivers. Rhule commended Iamaleava’s performance, describing him as “fantastic” and “an absolute warrior.”
Strategic decisions by UCLA’s coaching staff played a role in the game’s outcome. The Bruins opted to pass on a crucial third-and-1 situation in the first half, resulting in an incompletion. Their subsequent fourth-down run was effectively halted by Nebraska’s defense, highlighting moments where the Cornhuskers capitalized on UCLA’s missteps.
This game also marked a unique occurrence for Nebraska, as it achieved what is referred to as a “Husker Fall Equinox.” This term describes the rare alignment of major sports teams from both fall and winter seasons competing on the same day. With victories in football, volleyball, and both men’s and women’s basketball, Nebraska has now achieved this feat six times since the mid-1970s.
As Nebraska prepares for its next challenges, including a match against Penn State on November 22, the team’s momentum continues to build. The Cornhuskers remain focused on maintaining their winning streak and achieving further success in the remaining season.
