Wisconsin football’s struggles continued as they faced a powerful Nebraska team in a 44-25 loss on November 23, 2024. This defeat marked Wisconsin’s fourth consecutive loss, putting their hope for bowl eligibility on the line as they prepare for their final regular-season game against Minnesota.
Coach Luke Fickell addressed the media after the game, reflecting on his team’s performance. The Badgers have a pivotal matchup against their rival Minnesota on November 29, with a chance to capture Paul Bunyan’s Axe again. With kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m. at Camp Randall Stadium, the game will be broadcast on CBS.
Nebraska showcased its strength during the game, especially through its rushing attack. Emmett Johnson and Dante Dowdell led the way, demonstrating a remarkable ability to break through Wisconsin’s defense. Johnson rushed for 113 yards on 16 carries, while Dowdell contributed 41 yards and scored three touchdowns, marking a standout performance for both players. Nebraska accumulated a total of 180 rushing yards throughout the contest.
Nebraska’s freshman quarterback, Dylan Raiola, also shone with 293 passing yards and a touchdown, completing an impressive 73.7% of his attempts. This was his first interception-free game since late September, showcasing his growth and confidence on the field against Wisconsin.
For Wisconsin, quarterback Braedyn Locke had a strong showing with 292 passing yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Despite the interception extending his streak to eight games with at least one pick, Locke demonstrated his notable connection with receiver Vinny Anthony, who made seven catches for 137 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown.
The statistics tell a story of domination as Nebraska outplayed the Badgers in key areas: total yards (473 to 407), rushing yards (180 to 115), and first downs (29 to 15). Nebraska’s victory not only secured a bowl berth for the first time since 2016 but also ended a decade-long losing streak against Wisconsin, solidifying their claim to the Freedom Trophy.
As Wisconsin prepares for their crucial matchup against Minnesota, they will need to regroup and bolster their defense to clinch a bowl opportunity. With both teams fighting for postseason hopes, this rivalry game on Black Friday promises to be an exciting conclusion to their regular season.
In summary, despite the recent struggles, Wisconsin’s upcoming game against Minnesota presents a bright opportunity for redemption and a chance to achieve bowl eligibility, which could reinvigorate the team’s spirits as they move into the next season.