Nebraska Cornhuskers Aim for Bowl Eligibility After Narrow Loss to Ohio State

The Nebraska Cornhuskers are looking to bounce back and achieve bowl eligibility after a close 21-17 loss to the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday. Despite the defeat, Nebraska‘s performance was encouraging, with quarterback Dylan Raiola and running back Dante Dowdell contributing significantly to the team’s efforts. Dowdell compiled 14 rushes for 60 yards and one touchdown, while Raiola’s performance was marked by a contentious targeting call that drew criticism from the Nebraska quarterback towards Ohio State fans.

The loss to Ohio State highlighted several key aspects of Nebraska’s game, including the team’s strong defensive performance and ongoing issues with special teams. The Huskers’ defense was praised for its ultra-strong showing, although the offense struggled to maintain consistency.

Nebraska now focuses on their upcoming game against UCLA, which will be crucial for achieving bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. The game, scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on the Big Ten Network, sees Nebraska as a 6.5-point favorite. Experts predict a Huskers victory, citing the team’s defensive strengths and the potential for a strong ground game in what is expected to be wet and ugly weather conditions.

The game against UCLA is seen as a pivotal moment for Nebraska, with many analysts believing that a win will secure their spot in a bowl game. The Huskers are motivated to avoid a repeat of last season’s late-season slump and are confident in their ability to put together a comprehensive performance against the Bruins.