Huskers Overcome Slow Start to Top Purdue, 28-10

West Lafayette, IN – Nebraska stormed back from a 3-0 deficit, scoring 28 unanswered points to defeat Purdue, 28-10, on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Huskers improved to 4-1 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play.

The game turned late in the third quarter when freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola led Nebraska on a 70-yard scoring drive, connecting with wide receiver Jahmal Banks for a six-yard touchdown pass that gave the Huskers their first lead at 7-3. Raiola finished the game with 244 passing yards and a touchdown, completing 16-of-26 attempts. Banks led Nebraska’s receiving corps with five catches for 82 yards and a touchdown.

Nebraska’s defense stepped up in a big way, registering five sacks and holding Purdue to just 224 total yards. Linebacker John Bullock capped off the Blackshirts’ dominant performance with a 29-yard interception return for a touchdown, sealing the game with just over five minutes remaining. It was Bullock’s first career pick-six and Nebraska’s final score of the day.

Running back Emmett Johnson was a key contributor with nearly 100 all-purpose yards, including a crucial 27-yard reception in the fourth quarter to set up another Husker score. Freshman Jacory Barney Jr. added a 25-yard touchdown run on a jet sweep, extending Nebraska’s lead to 21-3.

Purdue managed a late touchdown with just 1:29 left on a 15-yard pass from Hudson Card to Leland Smith, but it was too little, too late. Card finished the game with 174 passing yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Nebraska struggled in the first half despite outgaining Purdue 210-89, as penalties and missed field goals kept the game scoreless heading into halftime. However, the Huskers found their rhythm in the second half, with their defense and special teams contributing to a dominant performance.

Nebraska returns home next Saturday to face Rutgers in the Homecoming game at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on FS1 and will also be broadcast on the Huskers Radio Network.

Game Summary
Nebraska 28, Purdue 10
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024
West Lafayette, IN (Ross-Ade Stadium)

Scoring Summary

Third Quarter
PUR – Seth Porath 45-yard FG, PUR 3-0
NEB – Jahmal Banks 6-yard pass from Dylan Raiola (John Hohl kick), NEB 7-3

Fourth Quarter
NEB – Dante Dowdell 1-yard run (Hohl kick), NEB 14-3
NEB – Jacory Barney Jr. 25-yard run (Hohl kick), NEB 21-3
NEB – John Bullock 29-yard INT return (Hohl kick), NEB 28-3
PUR – Leland Smith 15-yard pass from Hudson Card (Porath kick), NEB 28-10