Bloomington, IN – It’s Game Day, Husker Nation! Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) returns to action today, traveling to Bloomington for a high-stakes matchup against the undefeated Indiana Hoosiers (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) at Memorial Stadium. The game is set for an 11 a.m. CT kickoff, with live national coverage on FOX, including the network’s Big Noon Kickoff pregame show on-site in Bloomington.
After a week off, Nebraska is coming off a hard-fought 14-7 Homecoming victory against Rutgers, where the Blackshirt defense once again proved to be the team’s backbone. The win marked the Huskers’ best start since 2016, and they enter today’s game with plenty of momentum, eager to build on their strong 2024 campaign.
The Matchup
Nebraska is poised for one of its toughest challenges of the season against the 16th-ranked Hoosiers, who boast one of the nation’s most potent offenses, averaging 47.5 points per game, second-best in the country. Indiana is also one of only two FBS teams that have not trailed in a game this season, a testament to their dominance on both sides of the ball.
While Indiana is known for its high-flying offense, Nebraska’s defense stands as a formidable counter. The Blackshirts are the only team in the nation that has yet to allow a rushing touchdown this season, and they’ve held opponents scoreless in the first half in three of their six games. Today’s game will be a battle of Nebraska’s stingy defense versus Indiana’s explosive offense, and whichever unit prevails could determine the game’s outcome.
Nebraska’s Path to Success
For Nebraska to walk away with a win, freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola will need to continue his steady play. Raiola has been efficient this season, throwing for 1,378 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the Huskers’ win over Rutgers, Raiola completed 13-of-27 passes for 134 yards and will need to connect on some big plays to keep up with Indiana’s scoring.
The Huskers will also look to their strong rushing attack, led by running backs Dante Dowdell and Rahmir Johnson. Dowdell leads Nebraska with 57 rushing yards per game, while Johnson has been a versatile weapon both on the ground and in the passing game. Emmett Johnson has also emerged as a key contributor, helping Nebraska keep defenses on their heels with a balanced offense.
The defense, as always, will be led by Isaac Gifford, who has been a standout all season. Gifford and the Blackshirts will need to generate pressure on Indiana quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis and limit the explosive plays that have fueled the Hoosiers’ undefeated start. The Huskers will also lean on playmakers like Marques Buford Jr. and Ceyair Wright, who each had key interceptions in the Rutgers win.
What’s at Stake
Nebraska is looking to notch its sixth win of the season, which would not only equal their best start since 2016 but also keep them in the hunt for a Big Ten Championship appearance. A victory would catapult Nebraska back into the national rankings and provide a significant boost in their bid to reclaim prominence in the conference.
For Indiana, this game represents a chance to remain undefeated and continue their best start in school history. The Hoosiers have impressed all season with their high-powered offense and stifling defense, but they haven’t faced a defense like Nebraska’s Blackshirts yet.
Series History
Nebraska and Indiana are meeting for the 23rd time in school history, with the Hoosiers holding a narrow 10-9-3 edge in the all-time series. However, Nebraska has won three of the five matchups played in Bloomington, including a 27-22 victory in their most recent trip in 2016.
The Huskers also won the most recent matchup between the two teams, a 35-21 victory in Lincoln in 2022. This marks the first time both teams have been ranked in at least one national poll entering a Nebraska-Indiana matchup, adding to the intensity and stakes of this game.
Broadcast Information
The game will be nationally televised on FOX, with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft on the call. Fans can also tune in to the Huskers Radio Network with Greg Sharpe, Damon Benning, and Jessica Coody providing live audio coverage. For fans on the go, the game will be streamed on the Huskers App and Huskers.com.
What to Watch For:
- Blackshirts vs. Indiana Offense: Can Nebraska’s top-tier defense stop Indiana’s explosive offense, which ranks second in the nation in points per game?
- Dylan Raiola: Will the freshman quarterback rise to the occasion in a hostile road environment against a nationally ranked opponent?
- Special Teams Impact: Nebraska’s punter Brian Buschini played a pivotal role in the Rutgers win. His ability to flip field position could be crucial in what’s expected to be a close contest.
- Turnover Battle: Nebraska has only committed four turnovers all season, one of the best marks in the nation. Winning the turnover battle could be the difference against an Indiana team that rarely makes mistakes.
Game Prediction
This matchup will come down to whether Nebraska’s defense can slow down Indiana’s offense enough to keep the game close into the fourth quarter. The Huskers’ offense will need to capitalize on every opportunity, especially in the red zone, to stay within striking distance. Look for a hard-fought, physical game as Nebraska fights to pull off the upset on the road.
Kickoff: 11 a.m. CT (Noon ET)
Location: Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, IN
TV: FOX
Radio: Huskers Radio Network
Let’s go, Big Red! #GBR
You must be logged in to post a comment Login