2022 Nebraska vs. Northwestern Fanalytix — Photo courtesy of Fanalytix

Nebraska vs. Northwestern Fanalytix Review

Turnovers and time of possession were key

Author:
David Max
Publish date:
Aug 28, 2022 8:05 PM EDT

In this story:

Northwestern Wildcats

Nebraska Cornhuskers

When I wrote the Fanalytix preview last April, this is what I wrote.

"Here is the takeaway from previous three Northwestern games. In spite of last year's blowout win by Nebraska the 2022 game may revert back to the one score history and whoever takes care of the ball better and converts on long drives will most likely win the game. Time of possession should be close to even."

Nebraska had three official turnovers compared to one for Northwestern. In reality you could count the onside kick that got a lot of Nebraska fans off the fence about Scott Frost's future at Nebraska a fourth turnover. Advantage Northwestern.

Northwestern had four scoring drives that started on their side of the field, 75, 82, 56, and 57 yards resulting in three touchdowns and a field goal. Another field goal started 48 yards out. Nebraska had three, 75, 80, and 88 yards resulting in three touchdowns. Difference in the game. Advantage Northwestern.

The third advantage giving Northwestern the sweep was time of possession which was substantial (34:12 to 25:48) and wore down the Husker defense in the fourth quarter.

Click here to drill down on individual drives and plays. There won't be a preview of the North Dakota game since the teams haven't played each other since 1961, a 33-0 Nebraska victory in the Bill Jennings era.