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What Did We Learn: Nebraska vs UCLA

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Samuel Rowland | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 1:01 PM ET

Nebraska’s 28-21 win over UCLA puts the Huskers back in the winning column. It’s also more proof that Matt Rhule has the ability to win one-score games. However, there were also some other notable things that we saw at the Rose Bowl. Let’s break them down.

What Did We Learn: Nebraska vs UCLA

Lateef’s First Start

For most of the season, Dylan Raiola was Nebraska’s starting quarterback. The sophomore proved it with his 2,000 passing yards and 18 touchdowns. However, Raiola’s hopes of completing the season were dashed when he broke his fibula against USC. This allowed true freshman TJ Lateef to take the reins of Dana Holgorsen’s offense. He performed admirably against the Trojans, but Lateef took his game to another level in his first start against UCLA. He was able to dissect the Bruins’ defense by throwing for 240 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, Lateef was also dangerous with his feet. On just two carries, the Compton native had 21 yards on the ground. It’s possible that the true freshman is that good, but the Bruins also boast one of the worst defenses in the Big Ten. The Cornhuskers will face an even tougher test against Penn State. It helps that Nebraska has a bye week before heading to Happy Valley. But the Nittany Lions’ defense should be up to the task after a narrow loss to Indiana.

A New All-American?

Emmett Johnson had another great day on the ground against UCLA. On just 28 carries, the junior running back was able to rush for 232 yards and three touchdowns against the Bruins’ defense. In addition, Johnson was one of the Huskers’ top threats through the air with 103 yards and two touchdowns. This type of performance cements Johnson as one of the best running backs in the Big Ten. It’s also likely that his performance will help him earn first-team All-American honors. But in order to be in talks for the Heisman Trophy, Johnson will have to have another incredible performance against Penn State. The Nittany Lions won’t make it easy for the Huskers. Jim Knowles’ group had eight tackles for loss against the Hoosiers.

32 Touches
129 RUSH YDS
103 REC YDS
3 TD@HuskerFootball RB Emmett Johnson is the only FBS player this season with rushing and receiving yards in the same game pic.twitter.com/Yo2lFfVJkk

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 9, 2025

Mobile Threats Hurt Huskers

Nebraska’s defense has struggled to defend dual-threat quarterbacks this season. UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava was proof of concept. The sophomore rushed for 86 yards on the day, which was enough for the Bruins to move the football down the field at a consistent pace. It also helped Iamaleava avoid pressure, but the Blackshirts still managed to contain him. The Huskers sacked the sophomore three times, which proved critical in stopping his rhythm. Additionally, the Blackshirts were able to make plays on the football field. Deshon Singleton was able to stop Iamaleava on a 4th and 1 play in the second quarter. Vincent Shavers also made a critical tackle on Jalen Berger to thwart the Bruins’ final drive. Nebraska will have to count on all of these players against Penn State. Dasan McCullough, Marques Buford Jr, and Malcolm Hartzog are all inactive for the Cornhuskers.

Just Enough On Special Teams

Mike Ekeler’s unit didn’t play a very good game against USC. Kyle Cunanan missed a 52-yard field goal in the third quarter. And freshman punter Archie Wilson also went through some growing pains. The Australian only averaged 38 yards per punt against the Trojans. And to make matters worse, Kenneth Williams didn’t get a chance to return a kickoff. Luckily, the Cornhuskers were able to rebound in this area against UCLA. After kickstarting Nebraska’s offense with a touchdown in the first quarter, Jacory Barney had 41 total yards as a punt returner. It also helped that Wilson flipped the field against the Bruins. Both of the freshman’s punts landed inside the 20-yard line. which allowed the Blackshirts to stall Jerry Neuheisel’s offense.

A Path To Nine Wins

There’s a legitimate shot that Matt Rhule could win nine games in Lincoln. After beating UCLA in the Rose Bowl, Nebraska travels to Happy Valley to take on Penn State. The Cornhuskers then return home to Memorial Stadium to take on Iowa. These two matchups will be tough for the Cornhuskers to win, but they both line up at the right time for the program. The Huskers have to take advantage of their bye week before traveling to Pennsylvania and energize themselves enough to beat the Hawkeyes on Black Friday. Main Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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