Nebraska Cornhuskers set for prime-time showdown at Penn State Nov. 22

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By: Jessica Morrison

Nebraska heads to prime time at Penn State on Saturday, November 22. The 7-3 Cornhuskers take on the struggling Nittany Lions at 7:00 PM ET. This Big Ten matchup airs live on NBC from Beaver Stadium. The game marks Nebraska’s first visit since 2017.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • Kickoff: 7 PM ET Saturday, Nov 22 on NBC
  • Location: Beaver Stadium, University Park, Pennsylvania
  • Nebraska Record: 7-3 overall, 4-3 Big Ten
  • Penn State Record: 4-6 overall, 1-6 Big Ten
  • Odds: Penn State opens as 10-point favorite

What Happened: Huskers’ Surge Meets Penn State’s Struggles

Nebraska arrives in University Park riding momentum. The Cornhuskers sit at 7-3 and need to stay sharp. Head coach Matt Rhule guided Nebraska to respectability this season. His squad wants to prove their worth with a major road win.

Penn State enters this game as 0-6 in conference play. The Nittany Lions lost their last game but recently snapped a six-game losing streak. Coach James Franklin faces intense pressure to finish strong. This Senior Night clash gives Penn State a final home opportunity.

“After ending a six-game losing streak, Penn State returns home as a surprising favorite against Nebraska for its 2025 home finale. The Nittany Lions opened the week as a 10-point favorite over the Cornhuskers, who are 7-3.”

Sports Illustrated

This matchup carries extra intrigue because Matt Rhule was Penn State’s head coach before. He built winning programs there. Now he competes against his former school. Nebraska hasn’t visited Beaver Stadium in eight years. The game features nostalgia and competitive stakes.

Why This Matters: Playoff Dreams on the Line

Nebraska needs this win to bolster its postseason resume. Every victory helps the Cornhuskers climb toward bowl eligibility. A road win at a Big Ten rival elevates their credentials. The 12-team College Football Playoff dawns next month. Strength of schedule matters significantly for rankings.

Penn State fights for respectability after a disappointing 2025 season. The Nittany Lions want to end strong for their senior class. Winning Senior Night creates lasting memories. Coach Franklin needs momentum heading into the offseason. A 10-point home advantage gives Penn State real hope.

The broadcast audience will dwarf previous games. Prime-time television on NBC means massive viewership. Both fanbases tune in nationwide. Beaver Stadium’s electric atmosphere amplifies the stakes.

The Details: Team Statistics Reveal Competitive Battle

Both teams bring distinct offensive identities to this matchup. Nebraska ranks 90th in rushing yards per game at 137.4 yards. Penn State averages 159.9 rushing yards and ranks 64th nationally. The Nittany Lions have edge in ground game production.

Offensive Stat Nebraska Penn State
Rushing Yards/Game 137.4 (Rank: 90) 159.9 (Rank: 64)
Passing Yards/Game 248.2 (Rank: 46) 178.9 (Rank: Lower)
Overall Record 7-3 (4-3 Big Ten) 4-6 (1-6 Big Ten)
Home/Away Status Road Team Home Team

Nebraska’s passing attack ranks higher at 46th nationally. The Cornhuskers average 248.2 passing yards per contest. Penn State lags behind with 178.9 yards passing. This discrepancy suggests Nebraska could control the air. The Huskers’ balanced offense presents problems.

However, Penn State’s home-field advantage cannot be understated. Beaver Stadium holds 106,500 fans. The noise affects road teams and their communication. Nebraska must execute flawlessly in hostile conditions. Prime-time television magnifies every mistake.

What To Watch For: Key Moments Saturday

Several subplots emerge as kickoff approaches. Watch these developments closely:

  • Matt Rhule’s Return: Will the Nebraska coach find success against his former employer?
  • QB Performances: Which team executes passes more efficiently in primetime?
  • Rushing Attack: Can Penn State’s ground game dominate Nebraska’s defense?
  • Turnover Battle: Ball security determines close games at this level consistently.
  • Senior Class: Will it be memorable for Penn State or bittersweet?

The 12-team College Football Playoff looms large for both squads. Extra wins strengthen resumes. Nebraska controls its destiny with consistent play. Penn State cannot afford another loss before bowl season officially arrives.

Can Nebraska Win on the Road in Prime Time?

Beaver Stadium ranks among college football’s toughest environments. Nebraska’s away record needs evaluation here. The Cornhuskers bring momentum but face external pressures. Coach Rhule returns to familiar turf against Penn State. Winning this game propels Nebraska forward.

Penn State’s 10-point advantage reflects home turf influence. Yet Nebraska enters as the superior team overall. The visibly stronger Big Ten record speaks volumes. Prime-time television showcases both programs nationally. What takes place at Beaver Stadium reverberates through playoff conversations.

This matchup delivers compelling college football Saturday evening. Will youth and momentum overcome experience and familiarity? Will Coach Rhule outfox his former program? November 22 determines answers and affects national rankings immediately.

Sources

  • USA Today – Sports Illustrated – Penn State opens as favorite over Nebraska; game analysis
  • ESPN – Live coverage and official scoring information
  • HuskerMax – Team statistics and matchup data

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