Preview And Prediction: Iowa vs. Nebraska In Pioneer Heroes Recreation On Black Friday – 247Sports

Iowa heads into Lincoln on Black Friday for the annual regular-season finale with Nebraska. 
Each groups come into this contest with a 7-4 file, with Iowa coming off a comeback victory over Michigan State, whereas Nebraska is coming off a blowout loss at Penn State. 
The Hawkeyes have gained two straight and 9 of the final 10 within the Pioneer Heroes Recreation towards Nebraska. Iowa has gained its final six video games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln.
Let’s dive into Friday’s matchup, which all the time has a aptitude for the dramatics. 
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• Iowa is one in every of 4 groups nationally to not have a shedding file within the School Soccer Playoff period (since 2014), together with Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.
• Iowa is 31-11 in its final 42 rivalry trophy video games.
• Graduate Kaden Wetjen earned his third Large Ten Particular Groups Participant of the Week honors after recording a 62-yard punt return landing in Week 13 towards Michigan State – his third punt return TD this season. He’s the one participant in Large Ten historical past to have three PR touchdowns and a KR landing in the identical season.
• Senior Drew Stevens drilled a 44-yard subject purpose as time expired to offer the Hawkeyes a Senior Day victory over Michigan State. It was Stevens’ fourth profession game-winning subject purpose (and his second straight on a house Senior Day).
• Since 2015, Iowa has gained 9 video games on a subject purpose within the last 30 seconds of the fourth quarter, three greater than another FBS staff over that interval.
• QB Mark Gronowski threw his one centesimal profession landing move towards Michigan State in Week 13.
• Iowa has gained seven video games for the twenty first time underneath head coach Kirk Ferentz.
• Stevens made a 58-yard subject purpose in Week 11 towards Oregon, tying an Iowa and Kinnick Stadium file. It’s tied for the third-longest make within the NCAA this season.
• The Iowa protection is eighth nationally in whole protection (267.9) and scoring protection (14.5), ninth in first-down protection (169), twelfth in passing protection (166.3) and 14th in dashing protection (101.6).
• Gronowski scored a landing in Iowa’s first 10 video games this season. The streak was the longest by a Large Ten quarterback all-time.
• Gronowski’s 13 whole dashing TDs are third within the Large Ten, the Eleventh-most nationally and tied for the second-most amongst FBS quarterbacks. The 13 dashing TDs are a single season file by an Iowa quarterback.
• PK Drew Stevens has made 73 profession subject objectives — probably the most in program historical past. He’s additionally second in class historical past in profession scoring (334).
• Wetjen, a 2025 Jett Award finalist, is the one participant within the nation to have each a punt and kickoff return TD in 2025. He’s additionally the one participant within the nation to attain by way of a punt, kickoff, dashing and passing landing — the primary participant since 2009 to perform the feat.
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Right here is how one can watch, stream or hearken to the sport between the Hawkeyes and the Huskers. 
Announcers: Play-By-Play: Wealthy Waltz, Analyst: Ross Tucker, Sideline Reporter: Tiffany Blackmon
TV: CBS at 11:08 AM CT on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025
Location: Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Radio: Hawkeye Radio Community- Gary Dolphin, play-by-play, Pat Angerer, shade analyst, Rob Brooks, sideline reporter. Flagship 1040 WHO in Des Moines, 600 WMT AM in Cedar Rapids | 50+ stations in Iowa | The Varsity Community | YouTube | SiriusXM 81
 
Closing Out The Common Season Robust: Iowa received the job accomplished final week on Senior Day towards Michigan State, however boy, it was not a fairly one. Had the Hawkeyes not waken up within the fourth quarter, the mindset going into this week towards Nebraska might’ve been fully completely different from an outdoor perspective. The story of this season for Iowa has been the variety of ‘what ifs?’ There have been so many this season, particularly in Iowa’s losses, the place if one or two performs had labored in favor of the Hawkeyes, then this marketing campaign could be utterly completely different. It has been a little bit of a disappointment in that regard, but when Iowa can maintain enterprise towards Nebraska and get into a powerful bowl sport, then the momentum could possibly be working in Iowa’s favor extra going into the offseason and as soon as portal time comes round. Earlier than the season, I feel quite a lot of Iowa followers would’ve taken eight regular-season wins. Certain, it is disappointing now, contemplating how shut the Hawkeyes had been of their losses, however a win over Nebraska might shift the vibes a bit extra on this season. 
 
Iowa Operating Backs: Iowa’s major power on offense is operating the soccer. Nebraska’s primary weak spot on protection is stopping the run. Are you sensing a theme right here? The Iowa operating backs can be essential on this sport because the Hawkeyes will look to pound the rock any likelihood they get and make Nebraska cease them. The Huskers are permitting 226 dashing yards per sport in losses. Penn State had 231 dashing yards as a staff within the win over Nebraska whereas Michigan had 286 again in September. Iowa is dashing for a mean of 201 yards per sport in wins after which 126 yards per sport in losses. The Hawkeyes are going to want to run the soccer and run it typically. The passing sport goes to be important with Mark Gronowski needing to step up and make huge throws, however the place it begins and ends for Iowa on this sport can be operating the soccer. 
 
Iowa Entrance Seven: The Iowa defensive position and linebackers are going to want to return up huge for the Hawkeyes on this sport. Nebraska needs to get the soccer to operating again Emmett Johnson, who just isn’t solely a risk within the run sport, but additionally has probably the most receptions for this Nebraska staff. Iowa’s defensive position and linebacker unit have not had the very best of weeks tackling, so with the ability to tame Johnson after which additionally getting dwelling on Nebraska quarterback TJ Lateef can be important. It is a completely different sport with Dylan Raiola out for the season. Lateef had an excellent displaying towards Minnesota a couple of weeks in the past, however struggled with consistency and ending drives in final week’s loss to Penn State. If Iowa is ready to get dwelling on Lateef and never permit him to increase performs, the Hawkeyes’ protection can have accomplished its job. The linebackers might want to deal with within the open subject and restrict Johnson as he is usually a big-time distinction maker for the Huskers offensively. 
 
QB TJ Lateef – With Dylan Raiola out for the season, the Huskers have turned to freshman quarterback TJ Lateef underneath middle. Lateef had a formidable efficiency within the win over UCLA as he was 13-of-15 for 205 yards and three touchdowns, however his outing towards Penn State final week, he got here again to earth a bit bit as he was 21-of-37 for 187 yards. He additionally has the mobility to maneuver round a bit within the pocket. This can be Lateef’s first begin for the Huskers at dwelling as his earlier two begins had been on the highway at UCLA and Penn State. 
RB Emmett Johnson – The first again for Nebraska is Johnson. He has had a really robust season for the Huskers, as he’s averaging 5.6 yards per carry, has 1,234 dashing yards, and 11 touchdowns. He has been a giant a part of Nebraska’s offense this season and likewise been essential within the final 4 video games, as he has ran for over 100 yards in every of these contests. He’s additionally a giant risk within the passing sport, as he had three catches for 103 yards and two touchdowns towards UCLA, whereas additionally having eight catches for 48 yards towards Penn State. Johnson leads the staff with 44 receptions on the season. 
WR Nziyah Hunter – The main receiver for Nebraska is Hunter, as he has 42 catches for 611 yards and 5 touchdowns this season. He had six catches for 70 yards within the win over Northwestern, however has been quieter the previous few video games, as he solely had one catch for 19 yards towards Penn State. 
WR Dane Key – The Kentucky switch is the third main wideout for Nebraska, with 32 catches for 408 yards and 5 touchdowns on the season. He had 4 catches for 48 yards towards Penn State. 
WR Jacory Barney Jr. – The second main receiver for Nebraska, Barney Jr. is a speedster, as he has 42 catches for 458 yards and 4 touchdowns. He had 5 catches for 55 yards within the loss to Penn State. 
Edge Williams Nwaneri – Nebraska hasn’t been in a position to rack up a ton of sacks this season, however the Huskers’ finest move rusher this season has been Nwaneri, who has 26 whole pressures on the season. He additionally has 21 hurries on the season. 
LB Vincent Shavers Jr. – The fourth main tackler for Nebraska, Shavers has been rock stable towards the run for Nebraska this season and likewise has been stable in protection. He’s third on the staff with 21 stops this fall. 
LB Javin Wright – The main tackler for Nebraska, Wright has been incredible towards the run this season with a PFF grade of 77.7 and likewise has been stable in protection. He leads the staff in stops with 26. 
CB Ceyair Wright – Wright had been robust on the nook spot, he has been incredible towards the run and taking part in in house, whereas additionally boasting a powerful protection grade. He leads the staff with 4 move breakups on the season. 
DB Deshon Singleton – Crucial participant on the defensive aspect of the ball for Nebraska, Singleton has been excellent in virtually yearly this season, particularly in tackling and towards the run. He’s second on the staff with 24 stops and can be the second main tackler on the staff with 66. 
 
Can the Huskers cowl these run protection leaks? Particularly towards a QB who can hammer on the cracks?
Nebraska’s run protection has been a subject of dialog since spring ball. Counting on quite a lot of youth and comparatively inexperienced gamers on the D-line, it typically felt just like the Huskers wanted guys to be 2026 or 2027 variations of themselves right here on this fall. Lots to ask within the outdated B1G, the place you like having at the least a few these 22- to 23-year-old guys who appear to be they have already got mortgages and a Dwelling Depot home undertaking to deal with after the sport. Like Nebraska had with Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher and others final yr, which is why Iowa discovered it so tough in that sport in Iowa Metropolis. This yr the Huskers have allowed greater than 200 yards dashing in 4 video games – together with 231 by Penn State final week, 202 to USC and Cincinnati and 286 towards Michigan.
The Wolverines beat Nebraska 30-27 with three explosive touchdowns, together with two past 54 yards. Minnesota busted off a few 70-yarder to the 1 that received the Gophers going. So there have been leaks that typically have busted extensive open with unhealthy run suits.
And, whereas there was guys who’ve proven their development, like Keona Davis on the inside and up-and-comers like former five-star Williams Nwaneri and Kade Pietrzak, confidence is not actual excessive with some followers about how NU’s weaknesses on that aspect of the ball pair with Iowa’s strengths. Particularly, QBs who can run have been a menace to Nebraska. In a collection that always makes me consider Iowa ultimately breaking that one long term to show the tide within the second half or arrange a game-winning subject purpose like 2023, Nebraska should play above what has been its norm towards the run this season to be there on the finish.
Can true freshman TJ Lateef play a clear sport and keep away from that expensive turnover that has particularly crushed Nebraska on this sport the previous two years?
I consider Nebraska QB Chubba Purdy throwing a decide on the finish of the 2023 sport or Dylan Raiola fumbling in 2024, resulting in these walk-off winners. We’ll see if we get such drama this time. To take action Lateef goes to need to play with quite a lot of poise in simply his third begin.
Thus far he is accomplished that. Whereas he struggled coming into the sport towards USC when Nebraska had the lead, he was dynamite towards UCLA in his first begin on the highway. Dana Holgorsen discovered some high-percentage performs for him however the QB nonetheless made them come to life and was 13-of-15 for 203 yards. 
He wasn’t as heading in the right direction towards a more durable Penn State squad (21 of 37 for 187) however thus far has averted throwing an interception (4 TDs/0 INTs) and has accomplished 70.4 p.c of his passes. Lateef is extra cellular than Dylan Raiola so you will see some zone learn the place he’ll pull it and doubtless extra capacity to spin out of move rushes. There’s lots to love about his potential however the California native has performed simply 178 snaps within the faculty sport. After all there is a background storyline that you would be able to’t ignore about Nebraska’s quarterback image transferring past with a CBS Sports activities report on the market about whether or not Raiola may contemplate the portal. Whereas not leaping into these waters right here, you’ll be able to think about there’s excessive intrigue with how Lateef finishes out the season.
Emmett Johnson is the very best operating again Nebraska has had in 11 years.
He has an opportunity to lock up first-team All-Large Ten honors and maybe the operating again of the yr within the league with a powerful displaying. Nebraska will feed him the ball 25 to 30 instances each dashing and receiving. And Johnson does have a present for making himself a small goal even within the the center of the outlet the best way he maneuvers his physique. At the very least a couple of instances a sport he is been making mainly an 8- to 10-yard run out of what might’ve gone for nothing. He is Nebraska’s finest again Ameer Abdullah in 2014.
Whereas he has 1,234 dashing yards he additionally has 348 receiving yards on 44 receptions with the third most all-purpose yards in FBS – even two greater than Jeremiyah Love at Notre Dame. Nebraska’s receivers have been robust downfield blockers to assist him get unfastened. And this O-line, whereas struggling in the midst of the yr at move professional, has seemed extra in its component with the offense feeding No. 21 a lot. An space of wrestle, although? Across the purpose line and fourth-and-shorts. The truth is, Nebraska is simply 7-of-22 on fourth downs and was 1-of-6 final week. Even with a top-tier again the Husker offense has struggled to complete drives at instances, rating ninetieth nationally in purple zone landing proportion.
Nebraska’s particular groups is not a large number. The truth is, that section is a staff power.
After all you may bear in mind NU missed a subject purpose final yr towards Iowa and likewise had a punt hit off a Husker to offer Iowa the ball contained in the five-yard-line resulting in an necessary subject purpose. That was only one sport of many unhealthy examples in 2024.
Rhule made an excellent rent within the offseason, although, bringing again Mike Ekeler (who was on Bo Pelini’s employees again within the day and is a Nebraska native) from Tennessee, the place his models for the Vols ranked within the high 10 in about each season. They have been actually good at masking punts, which is able to clearly be a storyline since Iowa is presented in that space. The kicking sport has gotten higher and so they have an Australian punter Archie Wilson who seems to have the products. NU has additionally returned a kickoff for a landing, and one other to the opponent’s 10-yard-line. Jacory Barney is a harmful punt returner as properly.
So this must be a strength-on-strength matchup, which is completely different than the previous.
Will Nebraska present extra consolation within the fourth quarter if it is tight?
Rhule was complimentary of the way it’s a “tremendous energy” for Iowa in feeling snug in shut video games. That had lengthy been a bugaboo for this Husker program. And it is in all probability not time to spike the soccer that it has been mounted simply but.
Nevertheless, Nebraska does have a pair shut wins over Cincinnati and a late drive to win at Maryland within the last two minutes. In addition they rallied towards Michigan State to dominate the fourth quarter and win that one.  There are some one-score losses to Michigan and USC in there however the Huskers have gained some confidence that they are not all the time anticipating the opposite shoe to drop. Now, can Nebraska have that mindset towards a staff that has gained 4 video games since 2018 in mainly walk-off vogue? A giant query to reply.
 
Run. The. Rattling. Ball: Do it. Do it once more. Do it some extra. We talked lots beforehand concerning the Huskers not having an excellent run protection, and the secondary may be spotty at instances if the opponent can get to the second degree within the run sport. If the Hawkeyes can discover the dashing assault and use it constantly, whether or not that be with Gronowski or the operating backs, then Iowa goes to be in an excellent spot to win this contest. Iowa rushes for over 200 yards, the Hawkeyes ought to win this sport.  
“We have got among the best offensive strains within the nation,” Gronowski mentioned of benefiting from Nebraska’s spotty run protection. “Logan is up for the Outland Trophy, which is superior — so pleased for him. While you’ve received guys like that up entrance, we are able to proceed to pound the rock. Our receivers are good at blocking, as properly. So, we will proceed to assault that. As soon as these safeties come right down to play the run, that is after we can actually begin hitting them and create huge performs that means.” 
 
Get Stress on Lateef And Restrict Johnson: Attending to Lateef and placing strain on him can be key. Lateef is proficient and might transfer outdoors the pocket a bit, but when the Hawkeyes can get to him and apply constant strain with Nebraska’s spotty move safety. Johnson is likely one of the high playmakers within the Large Ten and might make issues occur within the move and run sport, which makes him much more of a risk. Iowa’s linebackers have struggled in house and on the level of assault this season with physicality, whereas the defensive position has been up and down the final couple of video games, too. Iowa wants to attenuate Nebraska’s playmakers and discover a strategy to get strain on Lateef. 
David Eickholt’s Prediction – File: 10-1
This is likely one of the most enjoyable and unusual rivalries within the Large Ten. The animosity between the 2 fan bases has solely amplified all through the previous decade. Nebraska needs to discover a strategy to get knock away the cloud that has been hanging over the top of this system. 
The most important query mark about this sport is how will every staff reply? Nebraska left lots to be desired in its blowout loss and Iowa escaped from one of many worst groups within the Large Ten. Nebraska has had difficulties stopping the run this season. Iowa has one of the veteran offensive strains within the nation. 
This must be a sport the place Iowa runs the ball 45-50 instances and power freshman TJ Lateef to make errors. Choosing something apart from a walk-off subject purpose might be a nasty guess relating to this collection, however eh… let’s have some enjoyable.
Iowa 23, Nebraska 13
Sean Bock’s Prediction – File: 10-1 
This sport is all the time so bizarre. 
I like Iowa’s matchup within the dashing assault. If the Hawkeyes can run the ball successfully, get nice safety upfront, and maintain the soccer, they need to be in a great place. 
The protection goes to want to provide you with a turnover or two to get momentum, and do not permit the Nebraska offense to get confidence. If Iowa can get strain on Lateef and tame Johnson, I like its probabilities. 
Particular groups might play an element, because it has been a much-improved Nebraska unit this fall. I feel Iowa pulls off the win in Lincoln and covers. 
Iowa 20, Nebraska 10
Eliot Clough’s Prediction – File: 10-1
Iowa and Nebraska’s final seven matchups have been determined by one rating, seven factors or much less. The final two matchups have been as loopy as ever, between back-to-back interceptions and a strip sack by Max Llewellyn, the Hawkeyes and Huskers matchup appears to all the time finish in chaos. 
This time, that might not be the case. Iowa has a transparent benefit in operating the ball, and Nebraska has struggled to cease it, particularly during the last 5 video games (as you’ll be able to see in Three Focal Points).
Due to the distinct benefit on the bottom, my head says Iowa by double digits. My coronary heart says Drew Stevens finishes his common season profession with back-to-back game-winning subject objectives. Going with my head on this one.
Iowa 24, Nebraska 13
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