Nebraska vs Iowa: Rivalry Showdown on Black Friday

The Tradition Continues: Black Friday Showdown in Lincoln

As Thanksgiving leftovers settle, college football fans turn their attention to one of the sport's most storied rivalries: the Nebraska Cornhuskers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes. The 56th edition of this border battle kicks off at 11 a.m. CST on Friday, November 28th, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. Both teams enter the matchup with 7-4 records, each seeking an eighth win to secure bowl eligibility and bragging rights in this annual showdown.

Key Matchup Details

This year's game carries added significance for both programs:

• When: Friday, November 28th
• Time: 11:00 AM CST
• Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
• TV: CBS
• Radio: Huskers Radio Network and affiliates

The Black Friday kickoff has become a cherished tradition, with fans traveling across the region to witness this heated rivalry.

Team Breakdowns

Nebraska Cornhuskers (7-4, 4-4 B1G)

The Huskers are coming off a disappointing 37-10 loss to Penn State, exposing vulnerabilities in both offensive and defensive lines. With a short turnaround, head coach Matt Rhule faces critical questions about his team's resilience. True freshman TJ Lateef will make his second career start at quarterback, facing the daunting task of navigating Iowa's elite defense. Despite recent struggles, Nebraska has shown flashes of progress in Rhule's third season.

Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 5-3 B1G)

Under the steady leadership of Kirk Ferentz, Iowa continues its remarkable run of consistency with 13 straight winning seasons. While offensive coordinator Tim Lester's unit has regressed, the Hawkeyes remain dominant on defense—ranking in the top 15 nationally against rushing, passing, total offense, and scoring. Key contributors include:

• RB Kamari Moulton: 690 rushing yards and 2 TDs
• QB Mark Gronowski: Dual-threat with 13 rushing TDs
• Defense: Led by LB Karson Sharar (73 tackles) and DB Zach Lutmer (3 INTs)
• Special Teams: Kaden Wetjen (nation's top return man with 6 TDs)

Three Critical Storylines

1. Can Nebraska's Offensive Line Hold Up?

   After being gashed for 231 rushing yards by Penn State, the Blackshirts face another elite defensive front. Iowa's defensive line trio of Ethan Hurkett, Max Llewellyn, and Aaron Graves combines for 17 sacks. Protecting Lateef will be paramount.

2. The Freshman QB Challenge

   Playing behind one of the nation's best defenses coordinated by Phil Parker, Lateef must make quick decisions against a secondary that ranks 12th in red zone defense. Iowa's aggressive scheme will test his composure under pressure.

3. Special Teams Battle

   Mike Ekeler's Nebraska special teams rank top-20 nationally in punt returns, while Iowa's Kaden Wetjen poses constant threat with explosive return skills. Field position could swing this low-scoring affair.

Historical Context

Despite Nebraska's 30-22-3 all-time lead, Iowa has dominated recent meetings, winning 13-10 in last year's contest. The Hawkeyes' victory featured Drew Stevens' iconic 53-yard game-winning field goal, adding another chapter to this unpredictable rivalry.

What's at Stake

For Nebraska, a loss would raise questions about Rhule's program direction heading into bowl season. Iowa aims to build momentum for a potential New Year's Six bowl. Beyond postseason implications, the winner claims the coveted Florence K. Murray Cy-Hawk Series trophy and bragging rights until next year's meeting.

As kickoff approaches, expect a physical, defensive-minded affair where coaching adjustments and execution under pressure will decide the outcome. This Black Friday classic promises to deliver the intensity and drama that defines the Iowa-Nebraska rivalry.