For Iowa football, the regular season has finally come to an end, and with it comes one final opportunity to mold the story of a year filled with ups and downs as well as moments of promise. The rivalry matchup with Nebraska on Friday is an opportunity rather than just another game on the schedule. The Hawkeyes have an opportunity to enter a hostile environment, defeat one of their fiercest rivals on their home field, and enter bowl preparation with significant momentum, regardless of how the postseason plays out. The way this season is remembered would be drastically altered by a victory in Lincoln and then in the bowl.
However, everyone in the Big Ten is aware that defeating Nebraska in Lincoln is never simple, and this particular game is more important than usual. Every November, the Cornhuskers’ inability to defeat Iowa at home since 2011 eats away at the fan base. Nevertheless, this rivalry usually ends on the narrowest of margins each year—typically a walk-off field goal or some last-minute chaos that determines the outcome of the game. Nebraska is very interested in this one. Today is Senior Day. It’s a competition. It’s private. Iowa is aware of this. Additionally, the Hawkeyes must precisely carry out three crucial components of their game plan if they hope to ruin another senior send-off.
The top priority? Emmett Johnson is included. The junior running back from Nebraska has quietly had one of the Big Ten’s best seasons. Johnson has been the Cornhuskers’ offensive engine, averaging a solid 5.6 yards per rush with 222 carries for 1,234 yards and 11 touchdowns. In addition to being a bruiser between the tackles, he is also their top pass receiver, hauling in 44 receptions for 348 yards and three additional touchdowns. Johnson has consistently delivered in a season where Nebraska has needed someone who could stabilize the offense. That workload is likely to increase even further on Friday when a backup quarterback takes the snaps.
This puts a lot of pressure on Iowa’s defense, which has struggled to stop the run. This unit has occasionally appeared to be in control, shutting down ground games from USC and Indiana. However, other games most notably those against Oregon and Penn State showed how exposed the Hawkeyes can be when a gifted back gets going. It is just not possible for Iowa to let Johnson turn into a lone wrecking crew. Nebraska’s offense opens up in ways that cause serious issues if he sets the tone early. Stopping him puts the Cornhuskers in awkward passing situations, which is precisely where Iowa’s aggressive defense excels.
Forcing rookie quarterback TJ Lateef to make mistakes is the second crucial step. Dylan Raiola was supposed to be the focal point of Nebraska’s season, but his injury a month ago forced Lateef to play much sooner than anticipated. The rookie has done a great job in limited reps, finishing 50 of 71 passes for 653 yards and four touchdowns without throwing an interception. He has already scored three rushing touchdowns to demonstrate that he is not afraid to use his legs. He is poised, accurate, and athletic enough to prolong plays.
However, Lateef has not yet encountered a defense as methodical, intricate, or unrelenting as Iowa’s. To confuse a young quarterback, Phil Parker has undoubtedly spent the entire week honing his blitz packages, disguises, and pressure looks. Early on, Lateef might not be shaken, but after four quarters? That presents a different difficulty. In a game that nearly always comes down to the last possession, one error one misread, one forced throw, one hesitation could make all the difference. When that chance arises, Iowa must be prepared to seize it.
Lastly, Iowa must capitalize on its recent success in this matchup. In the past ten years, Nebraska has only defeated the Hawkeyes once. Particularly for a team playing at home with high expectations, such kind of run becomes a mental obstacle. Iowa’s objective is straightforward: attack first. That early punch may sow uncertainty, whether it’s a quick defensive takeaway or an opening-drive score. Nebraska makes blunders when they begin to press, attempting to force an outcome rather than waiting for the game to happen to them. Winning the mental war could be Iowa’s greatest advantage in a rivalry that is defined as much by psychology as by physicality.
