The 24-Hour Rule: Nebraska's 68-0 Bookends Across 44 Years
The Nebraska Cornhuskers recent 68-0 victory over Akron brought back memories of a similar scoreline from decades ago. The dominant win on Saturday night marked the largest margin of victory for the Huskers since they defeated New Mexico State by the same score, 68-0, on September 18th, 1982. Both games occurred as the second game of their respective seasons.
Echoes of 1982: Nebraska vs. New Mexico State
The 1982 game against New Mexico State Aggies was a complete blowout. Nebraska amassed a then-NCAA record of 883 total yards, with 677 rushing and 206 passing. Despite the lopsided score, Head Coach Tom Osborne substituted players frequently, giving many opportunities. While no individual performance was record-breaking, Mike Rozier rushed for 149 yards on 14 carries, and Jeff Smith added 126 yards on 7 carries, including a 68-yard touchdown run. Turner Gill completed 10 of 13 passes for 93 yards, while Ricky Simmons had one catch for 61 yards and a touchdown.
2025: A Modern Resurgence Against Akron
Fast forward to 2025, the Huskers displayed a similar offensive showcase against Akron, racking up 728 total yards, the eighth-highest total in school history. The starters played into the middle of the third quarter, with Dylan Raiola throwing for 364 yards, Emmett Johnson rushing for 140, and Jacory Barney gaining 132 receiving yards.
| Year | Opponent | Score | Total Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | New Mexico State | 68-0 | 883 |
| 2025 | Akron | 68-0 | 728 |
A Fan's Perspective: Then and Now
The author recalls attending the 1982 game as a freshman. He details the atmosphere of Memorial Stadium at the time, noting the differing experiences of students and older patrons. The author also describes his current experience attending the game in the press box and the new challenges of maintaining decorum.
Analyzing the 2025 Performance
From the press box, the view provided a clear perspective of the game. The Huskers had 234 rushing yards and 494 passing yards. Raiola's performance stood out, especially his touchdown pass to Dane Key. Jacory Barney’s punt return performance was also notable, exceeding the team's total from the previous year. Emmett Johnson showed his breakaway potential.
Looking Back: The Tom Osborne Era and Beyond
The author reflects on the Tom Osborne era and the program's struggles to "win the big one" before finally achieving success in the 1990s with three national championships in four years. The article then touches upon the subsequent coaching changes, including Frank Solich, Bill Callahan, Bo Pelini, Mike Riley, and Scott Frost, highlighting the challenges and disappointments faced by the program.
The Matt Rhule Era Begins
The article concludes with the current state of the program under Head Coach Matt Rhule. After a rebuilding first season, the 2024 Huskers made their first bowl game in a decade and had their first winning record in eight years. The recent 68-0 victory over Akron marks another milestone, with Matt Rhule now having a winning record, making him Nebraska's first coach since Pelini to achieve this.
It's been a beautiful 44 years - see ya' Saturday, y'all.
