Huskers Set for Traditional Black Friday Clash Against Hawkeyes

Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska Cornhuskers are gearing up for their traditional Black Friday game, this time facing off against the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 24, 2023, at Memorial Stadium. The much-anticipated contest, set for an 11 a.m. kickoff, will be broadcast nationally on CBS and can be heard on the Huskers Radio Network, the official Huskers App, and Huskers.com.

Game Overview: Nebraska enters this final regular season game with a record of 5-6 (3-5 Big Ten) after a hard-fought 24-17 overtime loss to Wisconsin. The Huskers, under first-year Head Coach Matt Rhule, need a victory against the Hawkeyes to secure their first bowl appearance since the 2016 season. Despite the recent setback, Nebraska showcased a robust running game against the Badgers, amassing 195 yards on the ground.

The Iowa Hawkeyes, standing at 9-2 overall (6-2 in Big Ten play), clinched the Big Ten West Division with their recent 15-13 victory over Illinois. Ranked 20th in the AP Poll and 19th in the coaches’ poll, Iowa is known for its formidable defense and special teams, ranking top nationally in several defensive categories.

Series History: Nebraska vs. Iowa is a long-standing rivalry with Nebraska leading the all-time series 30-20-3. The Huskers snapped a seven-game Iowa winning streak last year in Iowa City. Despite Iowa’s recent dominance since Nebraska joined the Big Ten, the Huskers hold an 11-6 overall edge in games at Memorial Stadium.

Heroes Trophy: The game is more than a fierce rivalry; it’s a contest for the Heroes Trophy. Sponsored by Pioneer, the Heroes Game honors citizen heroes from both states. This year, Nebraska’s hero is Josh Hicks from Lincoln, recognized for his brave rescue efforts in Kansas, and Iowa’s hero is Eric Kumm, a dedicated vocational agriculture teacher.

Black Friday Tradition: This Black Friday game marks Nebraska’s 34th consecutive season playing on this day after Thanksgiving, a tradition that includes memorable games against Oklahoma, Colorado, and Iowa.

Key Numbers:

• Nebraska has used three quarterbacks this season, showcasing the team’s adaptability.
• This year marks Nebraska’s 34th consecutive season playing on Black Friday, underlining the enduring nature of this tradition.
• Isaac Gifford leads the team with 75 tackles, the most by a Nebraska defensive back in a season since 2015.

The Huskers are determined to finish the regular season on a high note, striving for bowl eligibility and aiming to retain the Heroes Trophy. As fans fill Memorial Stadium this Friday, the spirit of rivalry, tradition, and honor will be in the air, making for a thrilling culmination of the regular season.

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