Nebraska Football Shocks Big Ten: Huskers' Stunning Resurgence Captivates Fans Nationwide

Nebraska football heads north tonight for a pivotal Big Ten West clash with Minnesota, and the matchup carries postseason stakes that Husker Nation has not felt this late in October for years. No. 25 Nebraska (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) will kick off against the Golden Gophers (4-2, 2-1) at 7 p.m. CDT inside Huntington Bank Stadium, with national coverage on FOX and streaming via the FOX Sports app. WHY THIS GAME MATTERS • Bowl eligibility is already within reach, but a road win would position the Cornhuskers alone atop the division heading into November. • A victory would be Nebraska’s first in Minneapolis since 2020 and would extend its current four-game winning streak. • Head coach Matt Rhule is 3-0 on the road in conference play this season, a turnaround from the Huskers’ 1-4 mark away from Lincoln a year ago. KEY STORYLINES Quarterback health Starter Heinrich Haarberg left last week’s win over Purdue with an ankle tweak. Rhule said the sophomore “looked sharp in Tuesday’s practice” and is expected to start, but backup Chubba Purdy took first-team reps all week as insurance. Keeping Haarberg mobile is essential against a Minnesota front that ranks second in the league in sacks. Anthony Grant’s resurgence Since Gabe Ervin Jr.’s season-ending knee injury, senior running back Anthony Grant has averaged 112.3 rushing yards and scored five touchdowns. Grant’s downhill style will test a Gopher defense that has surrendered 174 rushing yards per game over its last three outings. Third-down dominance Nebraska’s defense has quietly become elite on money downs, holding opponents to 28 percent conversions (6th nationally). Defensive coordinator Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme will aim to confuse Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who has thrown four interceptions on third down this season. WEATHER & FIELD CONDITIONS Forecasts call for 56 °F at kickoff with 10 mph winds out of the northwest—ideal passing weather but cool enough to keep the ball slick if showers linger from the afternoon front. Special-teams play, particularly Tristan Alvano’s range on long field-goal tries, could decide a one-score contest. BETTING LINES & TV INFO • Spread: Nebraska ‑3.5 • Over/Under: 47.5 • Money line: Nebraska ‑165 / Minnesota +135 (Odds via Covers consensus as of Friday morning) WHAT TO WATCH 1. Early tempo The Huskers have scored on their opening drive in three straight games. A quick start will neutralize Minnesota’s home-field crowd and force the Gophers to abandon their deliberate ground attack led by Darius Taylor. 2. Turnover margin Nebraska is +7 in takeaways over the last four weeks; Minnesota is ‑4 in that span. If the Blackshirts continue to generate pressure up front, expect at least one game-changing turnover. 3. Explosive plays Marcus Washington’s return from a preseason collarbone fracture adds a downfield threat opposite Malachi Coleman. The Gophers have allowed nine pass plays of 40+ yards—worst in the Big Ten. HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN • TV: FOX (Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, Jenny Taft) • Streaming: FOX Sports App, FoxSports.com • Radio: Huskers Radio Network, SiriusXM Ch. 83 • Live stats: Huskers.com GameCenter PREDICTION Nebraska’s balanced offense and opportunistic defense give the Huskers a narrow edge. If Haarberg protects the football and Grant tops 100 yards, Nebraska should head back to Lincoln 6-1. Final score: Nebraska 27, Minnesota 23 SEARCH-FRIENDLY TAKEAWAY Nebraska football seeks its first six-win start since 2016 tonight against Minnesota. With QB Heinrich Haarberg trending healthy and Anthony Grant surging, the Huskers are positioned to keep their Big Ten West title hopes alive in prime time.