Nebraska football got back in the winning column, taking down UCLA 28-21 in Pasadena. The Bruins nearly mounted a comeback after scoring 14 unanswered in the second half, but the Huskers held on for the victory.

Four takeaways from the match:

No Dylan, no problem

Don’t get it wrong. Dylan Raiola is Nebraska’s leader and is integral to how the Huskers’ offense operates, but the offensive production did not seem to drop off with TJ Lateef at the helm. It does help that UCLA’s defense is one of the worst in the conference. However, Lateef showed he can steady the ship and command this team in Raiola’s stead.

After looking flustered and unprepared in the second half against USC, Lateef looked poised against the Bruins. The true freshman had an impressive first start, going 13-of-15 for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

The quarterback’s arm wasn’t called on much, but when it was, he delivered. Lateef was decisive with his throws and had veteran-level ball placement in the short-to-mid passing game. 

The Compton native’s dual-threat ability also added a new wrinkle to Nebraska’s offense. Although Raiola can move out of the pocket and pick up yards with his legs when he needs to, Lateef is a much more complete rusher. Lateef finished with 31 rushing yards on five carries and extended passing plays with his legs on multiple occasions.

It might have been against a middling UCLA team, but Lateef’s performance is promising for Nebraska moving forward.

Emmett Johnson is playing at an All-American level

Emmett Johnson came into this week as the leading rusher among Power Four running backs. The junior continued that dominance against the Big Ten’s worst rushing defense, posting 232 total yards and three scores.

On the ground, Johnson finished the game with 129 yards on 28 attempts and a touchdown. It’s almost become boring talking about Nebraska’s top-back. He’s been so consistent that there’s not much to take away from his recent performances other than he’s one of the best ball carriers in the conference, or even the nation. 

Even with another massive workload, Johnson’s production hasn’t begun to dip. Johnson will continue to command 30 or more touches per game down the stretch, so it’s important to see that he can continue to play at a top level despite the fatigue. 

Not only did Johnson run rampant on the ground, but he was also the Huskers’ top threat through the air. Johnson caught three passes for 103 yards and two touchdowns, with both of those plays being some of the biggest momentum shifts in the game.

Nebraska’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Devine Ozigbo continued to prove he is one of the most dynamic backs in the country. Johnson is consistently a threat to get over 200 all-purpose yards. He deserves to be in the All-American conversation. 

Defense bends a lot but never breaks

The Blackshirts had an all-around good performance. The Huskers’ defense didn’t have one of its best showings, but it was enough to quell a UCLA offense that has found a second life in the Tim Skipper era. 

The Bruins did put together a couple of solid drives, but Nebraska limited them from scoring on a lot of them. UCLA had multiple lengthy drives end in zero points because the Huskers stayed consistent and didn’t allow their defense to break. 

Nico Iamaleava and the Bruins’ offense did find rooms to operate. Nebraska has struggled with containing dual-threat quarterback’s and Iamaleava exploited that weakness. The Tennessee transfer put together one of the best performances by an opposing quarterback this year.

Iamaleava finished 17-of-25 passing with 191 yards and two touchdowns, while also leading the Bruins in rushing with 86 yards. The former five-star recruit showed his skill all night, but the Huskers stayed consistent with their defensive game plan, and it paid off in the end. 

Nebraska stays in control all game

This win marks the Huskers’ fourth conference victory. However, this one feels like the first time Nebraska has taken control early and kept it all game.

After forcing a three-and-out on UCLA’s first drive, the Huskers answered with a lengthy scoring drive to take the lead. From then on, it just seemed inevitable that Nebraska would win. 

The Huskers controlled both sides of the ball for a lot of the game. The Huskers put together strong offensive drives and forced the Bruins off the field quickly en route to a 28-7 lead.

Even after the Bruins went on a 12-play, 96-yard drive and brought the game within one score, Nebraska still felt like it was in the driver’s seat. A lot of former Nebraska teams would’ve snowballed after giving up 14 unanswered points. However, the Huskers answered with a game-sealing drive.

The narrative has shifted. Matt Rhule has consistently won close games this season after years of one-score losses. A lot of football is mentality, and this team carries itself like it’s always in control, even if it always isn’t. That could be the difference moving forward.

Ben Beecham is the Assistant Sports Editor and Nebraska football beat reporter for The Daily Nebraskan. Follow him on X or contact him at benbeecham@dailynebraskan.com

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