The Library Media — Sports · Sports Desk
Nebraska Shuts Out Rutgers, 31-0, to Become Bowl-Eligible
By Piper Rampage
Photo: Zeete / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Nebraska ended a four-game losing streak in emphatic fashion, shutting out Rutgers 31-0 at SHI Stadium to become bowl-eligible and record its first shutout of a power-conference opponent since 2009.
The Cornhuskers controlled the game on both sides of the ball, outgaining Rutgers 429-143. Nebraska scored in every quarter, opening with seven points in the first and adding seven more in the second and third. A 10-point fourth quarter completed the shutout and secured the 31-point victory.
Anthony Colandrea accounted for three Nebraska touchdowns. He threw touchdown passes to L. Lindenmeyer for 15 yards and C. Nelson for 13 yards, and added a 6-yard touchdown run. M. Nelson also found the end zone on an 11-yard rushing touchdown.
Jamal Rule led Nebraska’s ground production with 103 rushing yards. John Hohl added a 41-yard field goal as the Cornhuskers built their lead throughout the afternoon.
Rutgers, meanwhile, was unable to get its offense going. The Scarlet Knights were without starting quarterback Dylan Lonergan and others, and backup quarterback AJ Surace completed 4 of 12 passes for 24 yards, according to the supplied game reports.
The shutout marked a notable defensive milestone for Nebraska. It was the program’s first shutout of a power-conference opponent since 2009 and its first conference shutout since 2003.
The result also changed the outlook for Nebraska’s season. The Cornhuskers improved to 6-4 overall and 3-4 in Big Ten play, reaching bowl eligibility while putting an end to their four-game skid. The 31-point win came with a decisive statistical advantage, as Nebraska finished with 286 more yards of offense than Rutgers.
For Rutgers, the loss dropped the Scarlet Knights to 2-8 overall and 1-6 in conference play. Their offense was held scoreless across all four quarters, unable to match Nebraska’s production or break through for a touchdown.
Nebraska’s balanced scoring and defensive performance delivered a needed result: a shutout, bowl eligibility and an end to the losing streak. The Cornhuskers left Piscataway with a 31-0 victory and two significant defensive milestones to show for it.
Piper Rampage
College Football, The Library Media
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