Every person who is a fan of either Iowa or Nebraska knows that the most important football game in both teams’ seasons is the Iowa vs Nebraska game. This rivalry between the two teams has gone on for many decades, and will continue for many more. Every year the game is held the day after Thanksgiving and thousands of fans come together to see who wins.
Social Studies teacher Peter Kilburg thinks that the Iowa Hawkeyes will take home the win.
“Iowa has been playing significantly better since their early season losses to Iowa State and Indiana,” said Kilburg. “The younger and experienced defense is playing more cohesive and forcing teams into passing situations, which is favorable for them.”
Kilburg says that with Iowa’s new creative ideas it will make it tougher for Nebraska.
“The typical archaic Iowa offense has still heavily leaned on their run game this season but has been able to get more creative in getting their playmakers the ball in space and scheming up actions plays,” said Kilburg.
Kilburg says that with Nebraska’s previous games it might help Iowa take home the win.
“Nebraska is coming off a few tough losses in the middle of the season and a season-ending injury to their star quarterback,” said Kilburg. “Nebraska is still working to build their culture under Coach Rhule and will look to rally around a talented backup quarterback to maintain success throughout the season.”
Social Studies teacher Anita Penner says she thinks the Hawkeyes will win.
“Unfortunately, I think the Hawkeyes will win,” said Penner. “Nebraska’s starting quarterback, Dylan Raiola, broke his leg last weekend and he was the star of our offense. Nebraska’s offensive line has a hard time protecting the QB anyways. With freshman TJ Lateef starting as the QB that game, I think it will be a challenge for the Huskers.”
Penner says she hopes the score is not rough for the Huskers.
“Im hoping the score is close and it isn’t a blow out game. I’ll say 27-24 Hawkeyes win,” said Penner.
Economics teacher Myron Wilder says he thinks Nebraska will beat Iowa.
“I think it will be close, maybe 21-17. I think the home field advantage might be enough to give NU the edge this year,” said Wilder. “I predict that when Iowa loses they will whine about their coach needing to retire.”
Math teacher Joel Nelson says Iowa will run down Nebraska.
“Iowa has the better defense and does a good job with stopping the run. Iowa’s rushing attack will run all over Nebraska’s defense,” said Nelson. “Iowa’s passing has improved from precarious seasons so it will be able to help with Iowa’s rushing attack. Iowa has dominated Nebraska winning 8 of the last 9 matchups”
Social studies teacher Michael Childers says that he thinks the Hawkeyes will win a hundred percent.
“In all honesty, it will be ugly and come down to a last minute flag goal. The hawks have been playing well. Sitting at 6-3 after the Oregon loss, their 3 losses are by a combined 10 points,” said Childers. “Nebraska is very sneaky, especially with their new backup QB, very dynamic on offense now. Emmett Johnson is one of the best backs in the county. Still predicting the Hawkeyes, 23-21.”
Weight Lifting teacher Adam Loftis says even as a Nebraska fan he believes Iowa will win.
“Iowa has been the more consistent team all season. Although their passing game is a little suspect, they have a strong run game and are built to wear you down,” said Loftis. “Iowa is also very complacent and is willing to play the field position game, keeping the game within one score. They want to hold the ball as long as possible, and pin their opponent down if they don’t score.”
Loftis says looking at Nebraska it’s hard to figure out if they are good.
“Nebraska has stretches where they play very well, but overall, they have been very inconsistent. Having your starting QB out for the season doesn’t help them either. Lateef played very well against a bad UCLA team, but upcoming games against Penn State and Iowa will be a much greater challenge,” said Loftis. “ Lateef adds a QB run component, which was lacking with Raiola, but he is still only a Freshman. Nebraska needs to design a simple game plan with him and give him easy reads.”
Loftis says Nebraska might have a chance but it will be hard.
“Nebraska might stand a chance if they can get up 2 scores and force Iowa out of their game plan. But they can’t get too conservative if they get up, knowing that Iowa is completely fine playing in a one-score game and having it come down to the 4th quarter,” said Loftis
Assistant Principal Jefferey Novotny says he thinks Nebraska will win.
“Since they are home this year I think they will have the edge in offense this year,” said Novotny. “As always it will be an extremely close game”
Over the past years the Iowa Hawkeyes have won 9 out of the 11 games and the Nebraska Cornhuskers have only won once. This year we will see if Iowa continues on with the streak or if Nebraska ends up pulling it out and winning their second game in 11 years.
