Nov 2, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Logan Loya (17) returns a punt against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back DeShon Singleton (8) and defensive back Jeremiah Charles (25) during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

Still No Bowl: Nebraska Football Tripped Up by UCLA

Originally posted on Nebraska Cornhuskers on SI
By Kaleb Henry | Last updated Nov 2, 2024 7:23 PM ET

Nebraska football is still searching for bowl eligibility.

The Huskers fell to UCLA 27-20 in Memorial Stadium Saturday afternoon. NU is now 5-4 on the year and 2-4 in Big Ten play. The Bruins are 3-5 overall and 2-4 in the league.

Since last playing in a bowl game, Nebraska is 0-8 in games that would have clinched bowl eligibility.

"It was a tremendous missed opportunity," Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said after the game.

UCLA opened the game with an 8:00 drive that finished with a field goal. The Bruins added a touchdown and another field goal over their next two possessions.

Nebraska, on the other hand, struggled offensively throughout the day. The Huskers would have only had three-and-outs in the first half, but, after a failed third down, a UCLA unsportsmanlike conduct penalty extended the drive. NU went on to score.

As a matter of fact, Nebraska's three touchdowns all came on drives that were extended by Bruin unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. Those three drives accounted for 203 yards of offense. For e game, NU got 322 yards.

Dylan Raiola struggled to find open receivers all afternoon. After starting 3-for-10, Raiola ended up 14-for-27 for 177 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. That INT was returned for a touchdown on the opening play of the third quarter.

After Raiola was hurt midway through the fourth quarter, Heinrich Haarberg replaced Raiola at QB. Haarberg finished 2-for-7 for 32 yards and an interception on the last offensive play of the game for the Big Red in the final minute.

UCLA totaled 358 yards on the day, including 219 yards and two touchdowns from QB Ethan Garbers. Garbers added 56 yards on the ground to lead the Bruins in rushing.

Nebraska is off next weekend, but will close with three opportunities to get bowl eligible for the first time since 2016. NU is at USC Nov. 16, hosting Wisconsin Nov. 23, and at Iowa Nov. 29.