The Cincinnati Bearcats football vs Nebraska Cornhuskers football match player stats tell the story of a tight season opener that came down to the final 34 seconds. Nebraska escaped with a 20-17 victory at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Dylan Raiola throwing for 243 yards and two touchdowns while Malcolm Hartzog Jr. sealed the win with a clutch end zone interception.
Table of contents
- Game Summary: Final Score and Top Performers
- Quarterback Battle: Raiola’s Efficiency vs Sorsby’s Dual Threat
- Ground Game Analysis
- Receiving Leaders and Touchdown Makers
- Defensive Standouts and Game-Changing Plays
- Special Teams Impact
- Scoring Summary by Quarter
- Turning Points and Critical Moments
- What the Numbers Reveal
- Historical Context and Season Implications
- Looking at the Cincinnati Bearcats Football vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Match Player Stats
Game Summary: Final Score and Top Performers
Final Score: Nebraska 20, Cincinnati 17
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 33 of 42 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Running back Emmett Johnson powered the ground game with 108 yards on 25 carries. For Cincinnati, quarterback Brendan Sorsby struggled through the air with just 69 passing yards but made up for it with 96 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 13 carries.
Key Performance Stats Overview
| Category | Nebraska | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 353 | 271 |
| Passing Yards | 243 | 69 |
| Rushing Yards | 110 | 202 |
| First Downs | 23 | 16 |
| Third Down Conversions | 10/18 | 3/10 |
| Fourth Down Conversions | 1/2 | 2/2 |
| Time of Possession | 39:30 | 20:30 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Penalties | 3-27 | 4-20 |
Quarterback Battle: Raiola’s Efficiency vs Sorsby’s Dual Threat
Dylan Raiola Stats (Nebraska)
The sophomore quarterback showed maturity beyond his years in his season debut. Raiola’s performance against Cincinnati marked a significant step forward from his freshman campaign.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions | 33 |
| Attempts | 42 |
| Completion Percentage | 78.6% |
| Passing Yards | 243 |
| Yards Per Attempt | 5.78 |
| Touchdowns | 2 |
| Interceptions | 0 |
Raiola’s 33 completions tied for the fourth-most in a single game in Nebraska history. He spread the ball efficiently, converting 10 of 18 third down attempts to keep drives alive. His two touchdown passes went to transfer receivers Nyziah Hunter and Dane Key, showing early chemistry with his new weapons.
“There’s going to be a lot of good. There’s going to be a lot of things we want to correct,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said after the game. “We’ll be in there tomorrow and start getting better for next week.”
Brendan Sorsby Stats (Cincinnati)
The redshirt junior faced a tough night through the air but kept the Bearcats competitive with his legs.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Completions | 13 |
| Attempts | 25 |
| Completion Percentage | 52.0% |
| Passing Yards | 69 |
| Touchdowns | 0 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Rushing Attempts | 13 |
| Rushing Yards | 96 |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 2 |
Sorsby’s dual threat ability kept Cincinnati in the game despite the passing struggles. His two rushing touchdowns in the second half brought the Bearcats back from a 13-3 halftime deficit. He converted a crucial fourth-and-seven to Cyrus Allen on the final drive before the interception ended Cincinnati’s comeback hopes.
“Really proud of our guys,” Cincinnati head coach Scott Satterfield said. “Our guys fought, they played hard, just looking at the sideline, and guys are flying around and playing physical.”
Ground Game Analysis
Emmett Johnson (Nebraska) Rushing Stats
Nebraska’s junior running back delivered a workhorse performance in the season opener.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Rushing Attempts | 25 |
| Rushing Yards | 108 |
| Yards Per Carry | 4.3 |
| Receptions | 7 |
| Receiving Yards | 27 |
| Total Touches | 32 |
| Yards from Scrimmage | 135 |
Johnson handled 32 of Nebraska’s 78 offensive plays, posting his second career 100-yard rushing game. His versatility as a receiver added another dimension, leading the Huskers with seven catches.
Cincinnati Running Back Production
| Player | Attempts | Yards | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brendan Sorsby (QB) | 13 | 96 | 7.4 |
| Tawee Walker (RB) | Various | Contributing yards | N/A |
| Evan Pryor (RB) | Various | Contributing yards | N/A |
Cincinnati’s rushing attack outgained Nebraska 202-110 overall, with the Bearcats particularly dominant in the fourth quarter where they rushed for 83 yards compared to Nebraska’s six.
Receiving Leaders and Touchdown Makers
Nebraska Receivers
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Touchdowns | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nyziah Hunter (WR) | 6 | 65 | 1 | 5-yard TD catch late 2nd quarter |
| Dane Key (WR) | Multiple | Various | 1 | 3-yard TD on 4th down, 4th quarter |
| Emmett Johnson (RB) | 7 | 27 | 0 | Team-high receptions |
Hunter, a transfer from California, and Key, who came from Kentucky, both found the end zone in their Nebraska debuts. Key’s fourth-down touchdown grab with 10:36 remaining gave the Huskers a 20-10 advantage.
Cincinnati Receivers
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyrus Allen (WR) | 5 | 41 | Caught crucial 4th-and-7 |
| Joe Royer (TE) | Multiple | Contributing | Future first-round draft pick |
| Caleb Goodie (WR) | 1 | N/A | Fumbled after catch in 2nd quarter |
Allen came through on the biggest play of Cincinnati’s final drive, converting fourth-and-seven to keep hopes alive before Hartzog’s interception.
Defensive Standouts and Game-Changing Plays
Malcolm Hartzog Jr. (Nebraska)
The senior defensive back delivered the game’s defining moment with 34 seconds remaining.
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Tackles | 1 |
| Pass Breakups | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
“This is going to build us some confidence for sure. A lot of people say we can’t win the close game,” said Hartzog, who had been called for pass interference just before his interception. “We got the team to do it, the players, the staff, the people.”
The interception was Hartzog’s eighth of his career and marked a redemption moment after his holding penalty on the previous play put Cincinnati in scoring position.
Nebraska Defense Leaders
| Player | Tackles | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|
| DJ Singleton (DB) | 8 | Team-high tackles |
| Jake Golday (LB) | Multiple | Sack with 2:28 remaining |
| Vincent Shavers Jr. (LB) | Multiple | Forced fumble on Caleb Goodie |
Shavers’ forced fumble with just over one minute left in the first half set up Nebraska’s first touchdown. The Blackshirts held Cincinnati to just 69 passing yards and 271 total yards.
Cincinnati Defense Performance
| Player | Tackles | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Jake Golday (LB) | 12 | Team-high, most in career as Bearcat |
| Logan Wilson (CB) | N/A | Fourth-down pass breakup in 3rd quarter |
Despite the loss, Cincinnati’s defense forced Nebraska into difficult situations multiple times, including a crucial fourth-down stop early in the third quarter.
Special Teams Impact
Kicking Stats
Nebraska:
- Kyle Cunanan: 2/2 FG (52 yards, 22 yards)
- Extra Points: 2/2
Cincinnati:
- Stephen Rusnak: 1/1 FG (45 yards)
- Extra Points: 2/2
Cunanan’s 52-yard field goal from the right hash tied the game at three in the first quarter, showcasing the sophomore’s range in his Nebraska debut.
Punting Excellence
Australian punter Archie Wilson made his football debut for Nebraska and delivered four punts that pinned Cincinnati inside the 20-yard line three times and inside the 10 twice. His performance proved crucial in the field position battle.
Scoring Summary by Quarter
First Quarter:
- CIN: Stephen Rusnak 45-yard FG (CIN 3-0)
- NEB: Kyle Cunanan 52-yard FG (3-3)
Second Quarter:
- NEB: Kyle Cunanan 22-yard FG (NEB 6-3)
- NEB: Nyziah Hunter 5-yard TD pass from Dylan Raiola (NEB 13-3)
Third Quarter:
- CIN: Brendan Sorsby 7-yard TD rush (NEB 13-10)
Fourth Quarter:
- NEB: Dane Key 3-yard TD pass from Dylan Raiola (NEB 20-10)
- CIN: Brendan Sorsby 1-yard TD rush (NEB 20-17)
Turning Points and Critical Moments
The Fumble That Changed Momentum
With just over a minute left in the first half, Cincinnati receiver Caleb Goodie caught a short pass and was immediately hit by Nebraska linebacker Vincent Shavers Jr., forcing a fumble. Williams Nwaneri recovered at Cincinnati’s 24-yard line, setting up a short touchdown drive that gave Nebraska a 13-3 halftime lead.
Fourth Down Decisions
Nebraska went 1-for-2 on fourth down, with the conversion being Dane Key’s touchdown catch. Cincinnati converted both of their fourth-down attempts, including Sorsby’s completion to Cyrus Allen on the final drive.
The Final Drive Drama
Trailing 20-17 with 2:28 remaining, Cincinnati got the ball back after Jake Golday’s sack forced a Nebraska punt. Sorsby drove the Bearcats to the Nebraska 33-yard line before attempting a shot to the end zone. Hartzog’s diving interception sealed Nebraska’s first one-score victory in a game that mattered since their Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College to end the 2024 season.
What the Numbers Reveal
Time of Possession Domination
Nebraska controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes compared to Cincinnati’s 20:30, running 78 offensive plays to the Bearcats’ 67. This possession advantage allowed the Huskers to dictate tempo despite being outrushed.
Turnover Battle Proves Decisive
The stat sheet shows Nebraska with zero turnovers compared to Cincinnati’s two (one fumble, one interception). The Bearcats forced two fumbles but couldn’t recover either, proving costly in a three-point game.
Third Down Efficiency Gap
Nebraska converted 10 of 18 third downs (55.6%) while Cincinnati managed just 3 of 10 (30%). This disparity kept Cincinnati’s offense off the field and prevented the Bearcats from building consistent drives.
Passing Yards Disparity
The 174-yard gap in passing yardage (243-69) highlighted Nebraska’s aerial advantage. Raiola’s efficiency kept chains moving while Sorsby’s struggles forced Cincinnati to lean heavily on the run game.
Historical Context and Season Implications
This marked the second meeting between these programs, with Nebraska previously winning 41-0 on Thanksgiving Day in 1906. The neutral-site clash at Arrowhead Stadium drew 72,884 fans, with approximately 95% supporting Nebraska despite Cincinnati being the designated home team.
For Nebraska, the victory represented more than just a win. The Huskers had gone 4-22 in one-score games from 2021 through 2024 before winning two straight (including the Pinstripe Bowl). Breaking the close-game curse became a major storyline.
“Nebraska has won TWO STRAIGHT games by one score,” posted The Athletic’s Chris Vannini. “Huskers had been 4-22 in one-score games since the start of 2021 before these last two.”
Looking at the Cincinnati Bearcats Football vs Nebraska Cornhuskers Football Match Player Stats
The cincinnati bearcats football vs nebraska cornhuskers football match player stats showcase two teams heading in different directions. Nebraska improved to 1-0 with the win, gaining confidence after years of heartbreak in tight games. Cincinnati fell to 0-1 but showed resilience in fighting back from a double-digit deficit.
Nebraska’s balanced attack featuring Raiola’s arm and Johnson’s legs proved just enough to withstand Cincinnati’s second-half surge. The Bearcats’ inability to establish consistency through the air ultimately cost them, as Sorsby’s 69 passing yards represented the lowest output for any Cincinnati quarterback in recent memory.
Both teams moved forward with lessons learned. Nebraska discovered it could win ugly and survive late-game pressure. Cincinnati proved it could compete with Big Ten opponents but needed better execution in crucial moments. The player stats and performances from this Kansas City thriller set the stage for what both programs hoped would be breakthrough seasons.
For the Huskers, September 6 brought a home opener against Akron. For the Bearcats, Bowling Green awaited on the same day. But on this Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium, Malcolm Hartzog Jr. made the play that mattered most, and Dylan Raiola took another step toward fulfilling his potential as Nebraska’s franchise quarterback.
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