The Iowa football team is set to conclude its regular season with a highly anticipated rivalry matchup against Nebraska on Friday. While a bowl game still looms on the horizon for the Hawkeyes, the team has a pivotal opportunity to finish strong by besting one of its biggest rivals on their home turf. A victory not only allows Iowa to end the season on a high note but could also shift the narrative around their performance this year, especially with a possible bowl win following the game.
This season has seen the Cornhuskers eager for redemption, particularly since they haven’t defeated Iowa in Lincoln since 2011. Historically, these matchups are nail-biters, often decided in the final moments, frequently finishing with a walk-off field goal. As the Hawkeyes prepare for Nebraska’s Senior Day, they must focus on three critical strategies to maintain their winning streak over the Cornhuskers.
Firstly, containing Emmett Johnson is key. The junior running back has emerged as one of the Big Ten’s leading rushers, with an impressive record of 1,234 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns from 222 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. Additionally, he’s the team’s top receiver, racking up 348 yards on 44 receptions. With a backup quarterback expected to play significant snaps, Johnson is anticipated to see a substantial workload. The Iowa defense, which has shown inconsistencies against the run this season, will need to rise to the occasion to limit Johnson’s impact. Successfully neutralizing him could shift focus onto Nebraska’s passing game and give the Hawkeyes’ defense opportunities to capitalize on turnovers.
Secondly, the Iowa defense must aim to exploit the inexperience of Nebraska’s freshman quarterback, TJ Lateef. With the regular starter Dylan Raiola sidelined due to injury, Lateef has had brief but effective appearances, throwing for 653 yards and four touchdowns without interceptions. However, he will be facing Iowa’s formidable defense for the first time. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker is expected to implement various blitz packages to unsettle Lateef. The Hawkeyes need to be prepared to seize any chances that arise from his potential mistakes, particularly as the game could easily hinge on the final drive.
Lastly, Iowa’s previous success against Nebraska should serve as a psychological advantage. With only one loss to the Cornhuskers in the last decade and a winning record in Lincoln since 2011, the Hawkeyes can leverage this mental edge. Establishing an early lead—whether through a touchdown or forcing an early turnover—could set a tone that puts Nebraska on the back foot. Getting into the Cornhuskers’ heads right from the start could prompt them to press, leading to errors that Iowa must capitalize on.
As the Hawkeyes aim for a memorable finish to their season, this rivalry clash against Nebraska promises to encapsulate the excitement and unpredictability of college football. With the stakes high, both teams are likely to bring their best performances, and the outcome could define not just the season but the trajectory of both programs moving forward.