Most Since... Nebraska's Offensive Milestones Against Akron

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Michael Cavallo | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Nebraska didn’t just win its home opener against Akron; it unleashed decades of offensive benchmarks in a 68-0 statement that felt more like a program unveiling than a routine blowout. From Dylan Raiola’s surgical precision to Emmett Johnson’s explosive ground game, the Huskers piled up 728 yards and shattered records that had stood since the glory days of the Tom Osborne era.

It was the most points since 2007, the most yards since 2014, and the largest margin of victory since 1982. Beyond the numbers, this game marked something deeper: a glimpse of what Matt Rhule’s standard looks like when fully realized.

Quarterback Dylan Raiola set the tone early, slicing through Akron’s defense for a career-best 364 yards and four touchdowns through the air. Running back Emmett Johnson matched the fireworks on the ground, racking up 140 rushing yards, punching in two scores, and adding a receiving touchdown for good measure. Even backup quarterback TJ Lateef got in on the action, tossing for 128 yards and rushing for a touchdown. Proof that Nebraska’s quarterback depth isn’t just promising, it’s game-ready.

Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Nebraska’s offense erupted with a performance that rewrote the record books. Through the air, they torched Akron for 494 passing yards, the second-most ever by a Nebraska team. In a testament to depth and development, 108 players saw the field, matching the program’s all-time high set against UTEP last season. It was a full-throttle showcase of firepower, precision, and roster-wide execution.

Nebraska’s passing game came in waves as wide receiver Jacory Barney Jr. led the charge with 132 receiving yards, while 13 others joined the party, each hauling in at least one catch. On the other side of the ball, the Blackshirts slammed the door shut. They surrendered just 175 total yards (including a mere 62 through the air), forced a safety, and blocked a field goal, turning Akron’s offense into a non-factor from start to finish.

Nebraska’s defense delivered a vintage Blackshirt performance, pitching the program’s first shutout since the 2009 Holiday Bowl against Arizona. Special teams added their own exclamation points, forcing a safety, blocking a field goal, and consistently flipping field position to keep the Zips buried deep in their own territory. It was a complete defensive clinic, equal parts suffocating and opportunistic.

Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

The Cornhuskers' 68-0 dismantling of Akron wasn’t just a statistical outburst; it was a cultural reset. From record-breaking quarterback play to a defense that refused to yield a single point, the Huskers delivered a performance that felt transformative. It was a night where history met momentum, where depth met dominance, and where the standard wasn’t just met, it was redefined.

This article first appeared on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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