Huskers notch second win, beating Louisiana Tech 28-14

LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) - Nebraska football continues its 2023 campaign with a home matchup against Louisiana Tech on Saturday.

The Huskers (1-2) host the Bulldogs (2-2) in their final game before returning to Big Ten play next week when Nebraska hosts No. 2 Michigan.

Nebraska is fresh off its first win of the season; a 35-11 dismantling of Northern Illinois a week ago.

1st Quarter

A lot of defense and very little offense from both the Bulldogs and the Huskers led to five punts in the first quarter and no points. Nebraska owned the longest drive of the quarter, moving the ball 31 yards in seven plays.

2nd Quarter

Huskers building on a drive they started in the first quarter with a 43-yard run from quarterback Heinrich Haarberg. Later in the drive, on fourth and four Nebraska fakes a field goal, and holder Timmy Bleekrode takes it up the right side for the first down. Two plays later, Billy Kemp IV runs it in for the 9-yard score. The Huskers put the first points on the board, 7-0.

Bulldogs responded with a 10-play 87-yard drive, capped by a 14-yard rush from Jacob Fields to knot the game at 7.

Nebraska looked to regain momentum later in the quarter with a long touchdown run from Haarberg, but it was called back for holding. Just before half Tristan Alvano misses a 41-yard field goal to keep it 7-7 at halftime.

3rd Quarter

Nebraska opens up the second half with a five-minute drive going 85 yards all on the ground via Haarberg and running back Anthony Grant. Grant finished off the drive with a two-yard score. Huskers take the lead, 14-7.

Later in the quarter, punter Brian Buschini pins the Bulldogs at the 1-yard line. After a three-and-out, LTU punts it away and Kemp returns it to the Bulldogs’ 46-yard line.

4th Quarter

Opening play of the final quarter, Haarberg finds tight end Thomas Fidone for a 29-yard touchdown. Huskers extend their lead, 21-7.

Three plays into Nebraska’s next possession, Haarberg takes off for 72 yards all the way into the endzone. No flags on this one as the Huskers go up by three touchdowns, 28-7.

With 8:39 left in the game, lightning in the area causes a weather delay in Lincoln. After the 55-minute delay, Louisiana Tech’s Jack Turner finds receiver Cyrus Allen for a 20-yard touchdown. Huskers still lead, 28-17.

Safety Isaac Gifford helps hold off any more late Bulldog touchdowns with an interception with less than a minute left in the game. Huskers win, 28-14.

Next up for Nebraska, is a home match-up with No. 2 Michigan. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT.

GAME INFO

• Where: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Neb.
• When: 2:30 p.m.
• Watch: Big Ten Network
• Listen: Huskers Radio Network
• Vegas Odds: Lousiana Tech +20.5, O/U 46.5

Last week’s win was a little bittersweet, though, as the Huskers were devastated by injuries.

Rhule announced Monday that RBs Gabe Ervin, Jr. and Rahmir Johnson, as well as CB Dwight Bootle II, were ruled out for the rest of the season.

Still, the Huskers have momentum and a chance to get back to .500 before welcoming the juggernaut Wolverines to Memorial Stadium next week.

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