Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Malik Washington runs away from Nebraska Cornhuskers defenders in the Aer Lingus college football series at Aviva Stadium. Brendan Moran-USA TODAY Sports

Northwestern upsets Nebraska in Ireland with comeback win to open season

The Northwestern Wildcats were double-digit underdogs against the Nebraska Cornhuskers for a season-opening game in Dublin, Ireland, and pulled off the upset with a come from behind, 31-28 win.

The three-point loss for Nebraska looked painfully similar to much of the team's 2021 season when the Huskers finished with a 3-9 overall record. All nine of Nebraska's losses last year were by a single-digit margin and the team outscored opponents on the season, 335-272. 

On Saturday, Nebraska raced out to a 14-3 lead before giving up a pair of second quarter touchdowns to trail 17-14 at halftime. The Huskers responded with two touchdowns to open the third quarter and take back a double-digit lead, but Northwestern again clawed back with two touchdowns of its own.

The Huskers had one final chance to drive into field goal range in the final minutes, but Casey Thompson's second interception of the day ended hopes of a comeback.

Northwestern also finished the 2021 season with a 3-9 record, which included a 56-7 loss to Nebraska in October.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
'Unstoppable' Donovan Mitchell goes off, Cavs destroy Pacers in much-needed win
Brad Marchand's playoff OT goal gives him a signature moment with Panthers 
Cardinals pitcher throws first complete game of career against his former team
Pirates Gold Glove-winning IF has brutal assessment of 'terrible' team
Pat Riley makes harsh comments about Jimmy Butler
Titans GM shares surprising update about Cam Ward, Will Levis
Connor Bedard facing major criticism for refusing to play for Team Canada at World Championship
Eastern Conference team 'forecasted' as Kevin Durant landing spot
Rockies off to worst start in National League history
Jordan Love’s new weapon shares honest observation of Green Bay
Golden Knights forward facing suspension ahead of Game 3
Browns GM sends message to fans regarding Nick Chubb's future
Ashton Jeanty nearly sets NFL record without playing a snap
Red Sox star Rafael Devers sounds off on front office
LeBron James once again shades Lakers' front office
SEC, Big Ten reportedly in favor of another major change to College Football Playoff
Top landing spots for former No. 1 overall pick
Packers WR sees contract offer retracted for disappointing reason
Timberwolves bounce back with emphatic Game 2 win over Steph Curry-less Warriors
Pope Leo XIV's three surprising connections to the sports world

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.