Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Nebraska Cornhuskers

The Wisconsin Badgers game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers will be pivotal for both teams. Both programs are in their second seasons under coaches who are expected to turn their programs around. This game is one both programs expect to win if they want to start competing for conference championships and beyond.

These programs are in a similar spot as underperforming teams in the past few seasons that have seemingly hired the right coach to bring them back to prominence. Both teams had a disappointing 2023 season but are primed to rebound.

A win in this game will be big for both programs moving forward.

Game Info

When: Saturday, November 23rd
Where: Memorial Stadium -  Lincoln, NE
TV: TBD
Radio: Badger Sports Network

History

This is one of the more lopsided 'rivalries' in college football. Before the Cornhuskers joined the Big Ten, the Cornhuskers owned the series, three games to two. But since 2011, the Badgers are 11-1 against the Huskers and are currently on a 10-game win streak.

Wisconsin's only conference loss to Nebraska was in 2012 when the Badgers fell 27-30 in Lincoln. The Badgers got some revenge later in the year when they beat the Huskers 70-31 in the Big Ten Championship Game.

Wisconsin Badgers running back Melvin Gordon had a record-breaking game in 2014 against the Huskers, rushing for 408 yards and four touchdowns on 25 carries in just three quarters.

The Badgers have dominated this 'rivalry.' Heading into this matchup, the Badgers own the series 13-4. The Badgers will look to extend their winning streak to 11 games and continue their dominance over Nebraska.

Last Season

5-7 Overall; 3-6 in Big Ten
18.0 points per game (123rd of 133)
18.2 opp. points per game (13th of 133)
2023 SOS: 69th of 133

The Huskers are slowly starting to turn things around under Matt Rhule. The Huskers' 2023 season is a great case against the 'you are what your record says you are,' argument.

Nebraska was 5-3 at one point in the season, losing to Minnesota, Colorado, and Michigan. Then the wheels fell off, losing their final four games, all of which were one-possession games.

This team was able to hang around in most games because of the defense. The stingy unit allowed just 18.2 points per game, the 13th-best in the country.

Unfortunately, their offense was among the worst in the country. They brought in Georgia Tech transfer quarterback Jeff Sims, who was supposed to be a huge addition for Matt Rhule and the Huskers. He lasted just five games, throwing for six interceptions and one touchdown.

From there, the Huskers relied upon Heinrich Haarberg and Chubba Purdy to run the offense for the remainder of the season. The duo combined to throw for 1,349 yards, nine touchdowns, and ten interceptions. Haarberg finished the season as the Huskers' top rusher, running for 477 yards and five touchdowns.

Only Michigan State and Iowa had worse offenses in the Big Ten than Nebraska.

The Huskers finished their season with a 5-7 record, failing to make a bowl game for the seventh consecutive season.

2024 Preview

With a new season comes new hope. Nebraska is slowly becoming the Big Ten version of 'Is Texas back?' every season. The Huskers seemingly made the right moves in the offseason. Rhule is a great coach with a proven track record. He has the resources available to him that he hasn't had anywhere else.

The Huskers were able to reel in the big fish named Dylan Raiola, a five-star quarterback who is expected to start right away as a true freshman. Many view him as an instant impact player and an immediate upgrade over what they had last year. If Raiola can be even moderately better than what they had last year, this team will immediately be a bowl contender.

In fact, the schedule for the Huskers has fallen very favorably for them. Assuming players stay healthy, there's a real possibility they enter their matchup with Ohio State with a perfect 8-0 record.

After their game with Ohio State, their schedule gets more difficult with games against USC (away), Wisconsin (home), and Iowa (away).

The matchup with the Badgers is going to be a big game for both teams. Will the Badgers continue their dominance over the Huskers? Or will Nebraska finally get over the hump and start progressing toward the program they used to be?

November 23rd could shape up into a must-win game for both teams.

Related: Wisconsin Football 2024 Preview: Oregon Ducks

Stay in the loop with all things Wisconsin Badgers football and men's basketball by visiting AllBadgers.com for more updates.

You can also follow Staff Writer Christian Borman at @ChristianBorman on X.