Northwestern
3-4 , 1-3
Nebraska
4-3 , 2-2
Nebraska Grinds Past Northwestern, 17-9
10/21/2023 5:52:00 PM | Football
Olsen drills career-best three field goals
LINCOLN, Neb. (October 21, 2023) – Northwestern's defense forced two interceptions and K Jack Olsen converted a career-high three field goals, but the Wildcats dropped a 17-9 decision to Nebraska on Saturday afternoon inside Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Defensively, Northwestern (3-4, 1-3 B1G) kept the Nebraska (4-3, 2-2 B1G) offense in check for most of the game, holding the Cornhuskers to 248 total yards in comparison to posting 257 yards of total offense for the Wildcats. The 'Cats defense disrupted the Nebraska passing attack on the way to pulling down two interceptions and breaking up three Cornhuskers passes. Nebraska totaled just 24 passing yards in the first half, its fewest in a first half since 2019.
Anthony Tyus III led all Wildcats rushers with 63 yards in the contest, picking up 10.5 yards per carry, and scampering for a career-long 39 yard rush in the second quarter. Cam Porter also added 20 yards on the ground.
Starting for the second straight week, quarterback Brendan Sullivan completed 12-of-23 passes for 176 yards. His most prolific target in the game was Bryce Kirtz, who caught three passes for 96 yards.
Rod Heard II showed out for the Northwestern defense, collecting one interception. Devin Turner added five tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one interception.
The Wildcats won the turnover battle in Saturday's game, forcing two turnovers while coughing the ball up one time.
How It Happened
Northwestern's defensive unit wasted no time in making an impact, forcing the first of two Nebraska turnovers in the first half just seven seconds in when Devin Turner picked off Heinrich Haarberg's opening pass attempt of the afternoon.
Just over four minutes later, Heard looked to provide a spark, coming up with an interception of his own to set Northwestern up in striking distance. Jack Olsen booted home a 45-yard field goal shortly after to put the 'Cats on the board first, 3-0, with 7:18 to play in the first quarter.
Following a Tristan Alvano field goal that knotted the score up at 3-3 late in the first quarter, both offenses struggled to mount a prolonged drive.
Tyus helped Northwestern's ground game find some traction, ripping off runs of 15 and 39 yards, respectively, as part of a 10-play, 73-yard drive that was capped off by a 37-yard Olsen field goal to put the Wildcats back on top, 6-3.
Nebraska landed the final blow of the first half, with Haarberg scampering in from three yards out to send the hosts into the locker room with a 10-6 edge.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Nebraska struck only 53 seconds into the final frame, as Haarberg connected with Malachi Coleman for a 44-yard touchdown that stretched the Cornhuskers' lead to 17-6.
The 'Cats looked to provide an immediate response on their ensuing drive following Nebraska's score. Sullivan tallied his longest completion of the afternoon, connecting with a streaking Kirtz for a 66-yard strike down to the Cornhuskers' nine-yard line. Olsen went on to drill his third field goal of the day, converting from 25 yards out to make it a one-score game, 17-9, with 11:09 remaining.
Game Notes
» Northwestern outgained Nebraska 257-248, including a 176-85 advantage through the air.
» Northwestern converted 3 of 15 third downs while Nebraska was successful on 4 of 12.
» The Wildcats had three players with more than eight tackles in the ballgame led by Bryce Gallagher, who had nine.
» Jack Olsen knocked through three field goals for the Wildcats with a long of 45 yards.
» Hunter Renner placed four punts inside the 20-yard line, a career-high.
» Northwestern's defense recorded two interceptions in the first quarter, marking the first time the defense recorded two interceptions in the first quarter since the 2020 season opener against Maryland. It was Northwestern's second game with two or more interceptions this season (Sept. 9 vs. UTEP).
Up Next
Northwestern returns to Ryan Field on Saturday, October 28 to battle Maryland. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. in a matchup that will be televised on Big Ten Network.
This story created through content automation technology from Data Skrive.
Team Stats
NW 3, NEB 0
NW - Olsen,Jack 45 yd field goal 5 plays, -14 yards, TOP 02:21
NW 3, NEB 3
NEB - Alvano,Tristan 47 yd field goal 9 plays, 35 yards, TOP 04:00
NW 6, NEB 3
NW - Olsen,Jack 37 yd field goal 10 plays, 73 yards, TOP 05:32
NW 6, NEB 10
NEB - Haarberg,Heinrich 3 yd run (Alvano,Tristan kick), 10 plays, 77 yards, TOP 05:18
NW 6, NEB 17
NEB - Coleman,Malachi 44 yd pass from Haarberg,Heinrich (Alvano,Tristan kick) 1 plays, 44 yards, TOP 00:07
NW 9, NEB 17
NW - Olsen,Jack 25 yd field goal 6 plays, 68 yards, TOP 02:48
