Iowa concluded its regular season with a dominant 40-16 victory over Nebraska on November 24, 2023, at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. The Hawkeyes‘ commanding performance secured their tenth win of the season and marked a fourth consecutive triumph over their Big Ten West division rival.
The win elevates Iowa to a 10-2 overall record and 7-2 in conference play, positioning them favorably for a potential New Year’s Six bowl game appearance.Nebraska, concluding its season, falls to 8-4 overall and 5-4 in the Big Ten. This outcome concludes Nebraska’s hopes for a division title and a spot in the Big Ten Championship game, while solidifying Iowa’s status as a leading contender in the conference.
Iowa’s offense,led by quarterback Deacon Hill,proved efficient,accumulating 341 total yards. Running back Kaleb Johnson spearheaded the ground attack with 84 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Hawkeyes’ defense stifled Nebraska’s offense, limiting them to 282 total yards and forcing two turnovers.
“I thought our guys played really well,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz stated postgame. “We were able to run the ball effectively and our defense was outstanding.”
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Harberg completed 15 of 28 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown, while also leading the team in rushing with 98 yards. though, the Cornhuskers struggled to establish a consistent offensive rhythm against iowa’s tenacious defense.
Iowa jumped to an early lead, scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions.A 16-yard touchdown pass from Hill to Luke Lachey and a 2-yard run by Johnson gave the Hawkeyes a 14-0 advantage in the first quarter. Nebraska responded with a field goal, but Iowa continued to extend its lead throughout the remainder of the game.
The Hawkeyes’ victory marks their highest point total in the series since a 42-17 win in 2011. Iowa will now await its bowl game assignment, with the possibility of playing in the Citrus bowl or the outback Bowl among potential destinations.