MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. – A new coach resulted in a similar feeling to start the 2023 season. The turnover bug bit too many times on Nebraska, resulting in a 13-10 loss for the Huskers on Thursday night.
The first half felt like a teeter totter that favored Minnesota. The opening fifteen minutes were mostly controlled by the Gophers. Two drives went near midfield, but Minnesota’s time control only allowed for one drive that the Huskers could not convert into points.
Into the second quarter, Nebraska aimed to keep pace despite the offensive slow start on both sides. Minnesota knocked in a field goal, while the Huskers drove down the field to close out the half.
A misread on a Jeff Sims pass led to a late interception, resulting in a Minnesota 3-0 lead up at halftime.
Nebraska owned the third quarter, scoring a touchdown after a long return by Rahmir Johnson set up a trick play score as Sims found Creighton Prep alum Alex Bullock down field for a wide open touchdown. Huskers 7-3.
Nebraska forced an interception on a promising Minnesota drive, then played keep away leading 7-3 at the end of the third.
At the start of the fourth, Nebraska drove into Minnesota’s red zone eventually leading into a Tristan Alvano field goal. The Huskers stood a 10-3 lead with 12:42 remaining in the contest.
A quick Minnesota three-and-out gave the ball and momentum right back to Nebraska. The Huskers couldn’t make a move, but did force another Gopher stop with two sacks in one drive.
With less than seven minutes to play, Nebraska aimed to milk the clock until an Anthony Grant fumble gave it back to Minnesota.
Minnesota was aided by a facemask call and several big plays driving into the Huskers red zone. Isaac Gifford nearly ended the game with a dropped interception, as the Gophers faced a fourth and ten to decide the game.
Instead, Minnesota’s Jackson toe tapped the right foot down for a far corner touchdown to tie the game at 10 all with 2:32 remaining.
Jeff Sims began the final drive with a first down run and a big pass play to Marcus Washington to get past midfield.
But the turnover bug bit again. Sims fired his third interception of the game with less than a minute remaining in regulation.
Minnesota marched down the field with short passes near the boundary, preserving time to make it down the field. A late run with time running out sent out the Golden Gopher field goal unit to win the game from 47 yards out with three seconds remaining.
The kick went through, and the “curse” continued.
Nebraska dropped another one score game, and is now 0-1 to start the Matt Rhule era. The Huskers have a chance to lick their wounds and even their record at Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 11 AM.
A full recap and photo gallery will be available later at KGFW and Central Nebraska Today.
