Nebraska expert previews Penn State vs. Nebraska

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Nebraska expert previews Penn State vs. Nebraska

Penn State will host Nebraska on Saturday night for the final home game in Beaver Stadium this season. At the beginning of the season, this matchup had a lot of potential to play a pivotal role in the College Football Playoff picture. Of course, at this stage of the 2025 season, that is clearly not about to be the case. Penn State is battling just to reach bowl eligibility while Nebraska is hoping to keep things together enough to get into the postseason with some momentum despite losing its star quarterback to a season-ending injury.

And then, of course, there is Matt Rhule’s homecoming to Penn State. Once considered one of the favorites to be named the next head coach at Penn State, Rhule has since agreed to a new contract to remain in Lincoln. Of course, he has left a school for another opportunity despite getting an updated contract. Could Rhule still be on the table for the Nittany Lions?

To help us get a better perspective on this week’s opponent, we reached out to Cornhuskers Wire lead writer Evan Bredeson to ask some questions about Nebraska. Here is what we learned.

Let’s talk about Matt Rhule

Sep 17, 2016; University Park, PA; Penn State head coach James Franklin (right) shakes hands with former Temple head coach Matt Rhule (left) following the completion of the game at Beaver Stadium. Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

Nittany Lions Wire: So it looks like Penn State an scratch Matt Rhule off its list of coaching candidates after Rhule got a new deal with Nebraska. Has this calmed any nerves in Lincoln for good?

Evan Bredeson, Cornhuskers Wire: I don’t know that anyone was nervous about Rhule leaving. Fans always knew it would come up at some point, but I don’t think they thought it would happen this early in his tenure. Now that it’s been dealt with, everyone is ready to move on and work toward the ultimate goal of a Big Ten Championship Game appearance or a trip to the CFP.

What to expect at Quarterback

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback TJ Lateef (14) throws against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NLW: Like Penn State, Nebraska has seen its starting quarterback go down with a season-ending injury to Dylan Raiola. TJ Lateef did well against UCLA. Can he keep things rolling for Nebraska?

Evan: It’s a different offense. Offensive coordinator Dana Holgerosen likes running Lateef more than he would Raiola. The offense is also realizing that running back Emmett Johnson can handle heavy workloads. Early in the season, the offense was trying too hard to be diverse and involve multiple players, but as the Big Ten schedule has evolved, it has leaned on Johnson more and more. This, along with Holgorsen’s willingness to call simple routes (screens, slants, quick outs, and using the flats) for the freshman, should help Nebraska move the football.  

Is Nebraska’s defense legit?

Nov 23, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Tawee Walker (3) runs against Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Marques Buford Jr. (3) and linebacker Princewill Umanmielen (18) during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

NLW: Statistically speaking, this seems to be the best year Nebraska has had in a number of years. Does that feel accurate to say, or am I taking too much stock in yards per game numbers?

Evan: This is the best Nebraska team in the last decade, but if you look at the numbers, that’s not saying much. Fans aren’t looking for bowl games or even eight-win seasons. They still have high expectations, and Matt Rhule has already said that he has all the resources to win in Lincoln. Now he needs to produce the results on the field. People expect conference championship games and CFP appearances. That may seem lofty, but the program is spending the money and wants a return on the investment.

Nebraska’s star running back

Nov 8, 2025; Pasadena, California, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers running back Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins during the second half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NLW: Emmett Johnson seems to be breaking out this season quite nicely. Who else should Penn State fans be aware of this week?

Evan: Wide receivers Dane Key and Nyziah Hunter are important targets in the passing game. Jacory Barney is a menace in the screen game. Kenneth Williams is one of the best kick returners in the country. Defensively, Nebraska’s corner Andrew Marshall and nickel back Ceyair Wright are the backbone of the defense.

What is Nebraska worried about vs. Penn State?

Michigan State's Darius Snow, right, tackles Penn State's Kaytron Allen during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

NLW: What is Nebraska’s biggest concern this week on the road for a night game at Penn State?

Evan: Can the freshman quarterback handle the pressure of a big-time Big Ten night game? Can Emmett Johnson continue to perform at a Heisman Trophy candidate level? Can Matt Rhule win a big game on the road? Penn State may be down this year, but Nebraska and the fans still see it as a major measuring stick for the current state of the Matt Rhule era.

Thanks to Evan from Cornhuskers Wire for helping us out this week. Be sure to visit Cornhuskers Wire for more coverage on Nebraska football and everything Cornhuskers.

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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Nebraska expert answers questions about Penn State’s next opponent

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