Iowa Hawkeyes Secure Thrilling 13-10 Win Over Nebraska Cornhuskers
The Iowa Hawkeyes snatched victory in breathtaking fashion against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on November 29, 2024. In a game that embodied the heart and passion of the storied rivalry, the Hawkeyes edged out their Big Ten rivals, 13-10, thanks to a last-minute game-winning field goal. For fans on both sides, it was a rollercoaster of emotions that will long be remembered as another classic chapter in the Iowa-Nebraska saga.
Game Highlights
Iowa's Winning Moment
As the clock ticked down to the final seconds, defensive end Max Llewellyn became the hero for Iowa. With just 20 seconds remaining, Llewellyn forced and recovered a critical fumble from Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola. The dramatic turnover positioned Iowa for a game-winning opportunity, and kicker Drew Stevens came through in the clutch, nailing a 53-yard field goal that sent Hawkeyes fans into a frenzy.
Key Plays
The game was a defensive battle for much of the contest, with both teams trading blows but finding it difficult to gain scoring traction. Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson provided a spark with his tying touchdown in the third quarter, which shifted the momentum back to the Hawkeyes. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers had opportunities to take control but faltered in crucial moments, including a botched field goal attempt due to a bad snap—a moment Nebraska fans will likely rue for weeks to come.
Watch Kaleb Johnson's tying touchdown here.
Post-Game Analysis
Matt Rhule's Press Conference
After the game, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule expressed frustration over the missed opportunities that defined the Cornhuskers' performance. Speaking at the press conference, Rhule highlighted the critical role special teams played in the game’s outcome and lamented the miscues that cost his team valuable points. “We’ve got to execute better in key moments—it’s as simple as that,” Rhule remarked. Watch the full press conference here.
Team Performance
The numbers tell the tale of a closely contested battle. While Nebraska outgained Iowa in total yardage, 315-262, it was Iowa's defensive resilience and ability to create turnovers that made the difference. Dylan Raiola’s late-game fumble epitomized the Cornhuskers’ inability to capitalize on their chances, while the Hawkeyes' ability to seize critical moments proved decisive. Iowa has now won eight of their last nine meetings with Nebraska, solidifying their recent dominance in the rivalry.
Conclusion
In one of the most thrilling games of the 2024 Big Ten season, Iowa emerged victorious, improving their rivalry record and showcasing their knack for performing under pressure. For Nebraska, the loss will sting given their 6-5 record (3-5 in Big Ten play) and the missed opportunity to bolster their postseason chances. The game underscored the emotional intensity of this rivalry, where even the smallest moments can change the course of the contest.
Looking ahead, the Hawkeyes will capitalize on the momentum of this win, while the Cornhuskers are left to regroup and focus on finishing their season strong. Regardless of the outcome, this game exemplifies everything fans love about college football: drama, passion, and the unyielding spirit of competition.