Quick Read
- Emmett Johnson became the first Nebraska running back to record 100+ yards rushing and receiving in one game.
- Johnson scored two receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown against UCLA.
- Nebraska reached seven regular-season wins for the first time since 2016.
- TJ Lateef threw for 205 yards and three TDs in his first career start.
- Nebraska sealed the win by running out the final 4:47 of the game clock.
Emmett Johnson’s Breakout Game Propels Huskers Over Bruins
Saturday night at the iconic Rose Bowl, Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson turned in the kind of performance athletes dream about—a record-setting display that powered the Huskers to a 28-21 win over UCLA and etched his name into program lore. In a game thick with playoff implications and history, Johnson became the first Nebraska running back ever to rack up more than 100 yards both rushing and receiving in a single contest, finishing with 129 yards on the ground and 103 through the air, including two electrifying touchdown catches.
For Nebraska fans, the win was more than just a notch in the victory column. It marked the team’s seventh regular-season triumph, a feat the program hadn’t achieved since 2016. But the real story, as the evening unfolded beneath Pasadena’s stadium lights, was the relentless pace and versatility of Johnson, who seemed to find seams and break tackles at will.
How Johnson’s Performance Shifted the Game
Johnson’s impact was immediate. After Nebraska’s defense forced a three-and-out on UCLA’s opening drive, the Huskers marched downfield behind a balanced attack. Quarterback TJ Lateef, stepping into his first career start, connected early and often, but it was Johnson’s blend of power and agility that gave Nebraska its edge. On the Huskers’ first scoring drive, Johnson reeled off runs of 13 and 5 yards, setting up Lateef’s short touchdown pass to Jacory Barney Jr.
The second quarter saw Johnson break loose for a 56-yard screen pass, weaving through defenders and outrunning pursuit down the sideline for his first receiving touchdown. The play not only silenced the home crowd but also signaled that Nebraska’s offense would be a problem all night. By halftime, the Huskers had built a 21-7 lead, with Johnson capping another drive with a physical two-yard touchdown run.
UCLA, led by freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, answered with grit and determination, piecing together long scoring drives and narrowing the deficit. But each time the Bruins seemed poised for a comeback, Johnson and the Huskers responded—most dramatically in the third quarter, when Johnson caught a wheel route for a 40-yard touchdown, his second receiving score of the night.
Key Moments: The Drive That Sealed It
With just under five minutes left and Nebraska clinging to a seven-point lead, Johnson and Lateef engineered a masterclass in clock management. Johnson’s eight- and two-yard runs moved the chains, and Lateef’s pinpoint passes kept the Bruins’ defense guessing. After another Johnson run for a crucial first down, Nebraska was able to run out the final minutes, denying UCLA any chance at a last gasp.
“Emmett was just unstoppable tonight,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said postgame. “He did everything—running, catching, blocking. It’s the kind of performance that inspires a team and breaks an opponent’s spirit.”
Johnson’s feat—three consecutive 100-yard rushing games in Big Ten play—is something no Husker has accomplished since 2017. As he crossed the 1,131-yard mark for the season, the junior’s stock soared in a program known for its storied running backs.
UCLA’s Rally Falls Short Amid Defensive Struggles
For UCLA, the loss was another chapter in a season marked by flashes of promise and bouts of inconsistency. The Bruins’ defense struggled to contain Nebraska’s multifaceted attack, particularly Johnson’s knack for finding open space. Despite Iamaleava’s 191 passing yards and two touchdowns, and his 85 rushing yards, UCLA couldn’t get the crucial stops late in the game.
As the clock wound down, the Rose Bowl crowd watched the Huskers convert third downs with poise, leaving the Bruins’ defense exhausted and the home team searching for answers. UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper lamented his team’s missed tackles and lack of “fanatical effort,” a standard that had slipped since earlier wins.
“We knew we had to play perfect football against a team as physical as Nebraska,” Skipper said. “We showed flashes, but couldn’t sustain it. Johnson was the difference.”
Historic Night, Bigger Implications
Nebraska’s victory reverberated beyond the box score. For a program eager to return to national relevance, seven wins and a breakthrough star in Johnson signal a turning point. The Huskers will now look ahead to a critical matchup against Penn State, with momentum and confidence on their side.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s performance has drawn national attention, with media outlets like Los Angeles Times, Nebraska TV, and Fox Nebraska highlighting his rare statistical achievement and the energy he brings to Nebraska’s offense. His ability to deliver under pressure, especially on the road in one of college football’s legendary venues, has set a new standard for Husker backs—and offered a glimpse of what could be a breakout season to remember.
As for UCLA, the questions persist: Can they find defensive consistency? Will their offense mature in time for future challenges? The answers remain uncertain, but the lessons from Saturday night are clear. Against a running back like Emmett Johnson, every mistake is magnified, and every missed tackle can become a highlight for the opposition.
Emmett Johnson’s historic game against UCLA was more than just a personal triumph—it was a statement about Nebraska’s resurgence and the power of adaptability in college football. With Johnson’s versatility and composure under pressure, Nebraska not only broke its win drought but set a new bar for what’s possible in Big Ten play.