The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team is set to embark on a new season in 2024, looking to build on their 2023 campaign. Head coach Matt Rhule enters his second season at the helm, eager to lead the Huskers to success.
The 2024 Husker schedule features a mix of familiar foes and new challenges, with the team set to face several Power Five opponents and a number of Group of Five teams. The Huskers will open their season at home against the Northern Illinois Huskies, looking to start the year with a strong performance.
As the season progresses, Nebraska will face a number of tough tests, including road games against the Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines, and Wisconsin Badgers. The Huskers will also host several key conference matchups, including a home game against the Penn State Nittany Lions and a rivalry game against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
2024 Husker Schedule
The 2024 Husker football schedule is set, featuring a mix of familiar foes and new challenges.
- Season opener: Northern Illinois Huskies (home)
- Tough road tests: Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin
- Key conference matchups: Penn State (home), Iowa (home)
- Rivalry game: Iowa Hawkeyes (home)
- New opponents: Charlotte 49ers, Ball State Cardinals
- Bye week: Week 8
- Regular season finale: Minnesota Golden Gophers (away)
- Potential bowl game: TBD
The Huskers will look to build on their 2023 campaign and make a bowl game in 2024.
Season opener: Northern Illinois Huskies (home)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will kick off their 2024 season at home against the Northern Illinois Huskies on Saturday, August 31.
- Familiar foe: The Huskers and Huskies have met twice before, with Nebraska winning both games. The last meeting was in 2018, a 42-38 Nebraska victory in Lincoln.
- New coach for NIU: The Huskies will have a new head coach in 2024, as Thomas Hammock departed to take the head coaching job at Arkansas. NIU has hired Michael Schooler, the former head coach at Texas Southern, to lead the program.
- Huskers looking to start strong: After a disappointing 2023 season, the Huskers will be eager to start the 2024 campaign with a strong performance. A win over Northern Illinois would give Nebraska a much-needed boost of confidence.
- Home-field advantage: Memorial Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in college football, and the Huskers will be looking to use their home-field advantage to their advantage in the season opener.
The Northern Illinois game is a key opportunity for the Huskers to set the tone for the 2024 season. A win would give Nebraska momentum heading into a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Oklahoma and Texas A&M.
Tough road tests: Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will face three of the toughest road environments in college football in 2024, traveling to Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
- Ohio State: The Buckeyes are one of the top teams in the country year in and year out, and they will be looking to avenge their 2023 loss to Nebraska in Lincoln. Ohio Stadium is one of the largest and loudest stadiums in the country, and it will be a daunting task for the Huskers to win in Columbus.
- Michigan: The Wolverines are another perennial powerhouse, and they will be looking to continue their recent dominance over Nebraska. Michigan Stadium, also known as “The Big House,” is the largest stadium in the country, and it will be another tough environment for the Huskers to play in.
- Wisconsin: The Badgers are always a tough out, and they will be looking to protect their home turf against Nebraska. Camp Randall Stadium is known for its enthusiastic fans and its unique atmosphere, and it will be a challenge for the Huskers to win in Madison.
These three road games will be a major test for the Huskers in 2024. If they can pull off an upset or two, it would be a major boost to their resume and their chances of reaching a bowl game.
Key conference matchups: Penn State (home), Iowa (home)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will host two key conference matchups in 2024, against Penn State and Iowa. These games will be crucial for the Huskers’ chances of winning the Big Ten West Division and reaching the Big Ten Championship Game.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions are one of the top teams in the Big Ten, and they will be looking to avenge their 2023 loss to Nebraska in State College. Penn State is known for its strong defense and its explosive offense, and they will be a tough test for the Huskers.
Iowa: The Hawkeyes are Nebraska’s biggest rival, and the two teams always play a close and competitive game. Iowa is known for its physical defense and its efficient offense, and they will be looking to spoil Nebraska’s home opener in 2024.
These two games will be a major test for the Huskers in 2024. If they can win both games, they will be in a strong position to win the Big Ten West Division and reach the Big Ten Championship Game. However, if they lose both games, it will be an uphill battle for the Huskers to reach their goals.
The Huskers will have the home-field advantage in both games, and they will be looking to use that to their advantage. Memorial Stadium is one of the toughest places to play in college football, and the Huskers will be hoping to use their passionate fan base to help them pull out two big wins.
These two conference matchups will be crucial for the Huskers’ 2024 season. If they can win both games, they will be in a great position to compete for a Big Ten Championship. However, if they lose both games, it will be a long and difficult road to the postseason.
Rivalry game: Iowa Hawkeyes (home)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers and Iowa Hawkeyes have one of the most heated rivalries in college football. The two teams have met 50 times since 1922, with Nebraska holding a 32-17-1 advantage. The game is known as the “Heroes Game” in honor of the state of Nebraska’s military veterans.
- Trophy: The winner of the game receives the Heroes Trophy, which was first awarded in 2011. The trophy is a bronze statue of a soldier kneeling in front of a flag.
- Home-field advantage: The game is played alternately in Lincoln and Iowa City, and the home team has a distinct advantage. Nebraska is 19-7 against Iowa in Lincoln, while Iowa is 10-10-1 against Nebraska in Iowa City.
- Recent history: The Huskers have won the last two meetings, including a 24-17 victory in Iowa City in 2023. However, the Hawkeyes have won five of the last seven meetings overall.
- 2024 matchup: The 2024 game will be played in Lincoln on November 23. The Huskers will be looking to extend their winning streak against Iowa to three games, while the Hawkeyes will be looking to reclaim the Heroes Trophy and spoil Nebraska’s senior day.
The Nebraska-Iowa rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in college football. The two teams always play each other tough, and the game often comes down to the wire. The 2024 matchup is sure to be another classic.
New opponents: Charlotte 49ers, Ball State Cardinals
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will face two new opponents in 2024: the Charlotte 49ers and the Ball State Cardinals.
- Charlotte 49ers: The 49ers are a member of Conference USA, and they will be making their first-ever appearance in Lincoln. Charlotte is led by head coach Will Healy, who is known for his innovative offensive schemes. The 49ers are a rising program, and they will be looking to make a statement against Nebraska in 2024.
- Ball State Cardinals: The Cardinals are a member of the Mid-American Conference, and they will be making their first trip to Lincoln since 2012. Ball State is led by head coach Mike Neu, who has led the Cardinals to two bowl games in the past four years. The Cardinals are a well-coached team with a lot of experience, and they will be a tough test for Nebraska in 2024.
These two new opponents will add some variety to the Nebraska schedule in 2024. The Huskers will have a chance to face two different styles of play, and they will need to be prepared for anything. These games will also be a good opportunity for the Huskers to showcase their own talents and build some momentum heading into the Big Ten season.
Bye week: Week 8
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have their bye week scheduled for Week 8 of the 2024 season. This is a good time for the Huskers to rest and recover, as they will have played seven games in a row to start the season.
The bye week can also be used as an opportunity for the Huskers to work on their weaknesses and prepare for the second half of the season. The Huskers will have a chance to get healthy and make any necessary adjustments to their game plan.
The bye week can also be a good time for the Huskers to scout their upcoming opponents and develop a game plan for the second half of the season. The Huskers will have a chance to study their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and develop a strategy for how to beat them.
Overall, the bye week is an important time for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. It is a chance for the team to rest, recover, and prepare for the second half of the season. The Huskers will need to use their bye week wisely in order to be successful in 2024.
The bye week can also be a good time for the Huskers to bond as a team and build camaraderie. The players and coaches can spend some time together away from the field, which can help to strengthen their relationships and build a stronger team.
Regular season finale: Minnesota Golden Gophers (away)
The Nebraska Cornhuskers will wrap up their 2024 regular season on the road against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. This game will be a rematch of the 2023 regular season finale, which Nebraska won 24-21 in Lincoln.
The Golden Gophers are a tough opponent, and they will be looking to avenge their loss to Nebraska in 2023. Minnesota is led by head coach P.J. Fleck, who is known for his high-powered offense. The Golden Gophers have a lot of talented players on offense, including quarterback Tanner Morgan and running back Mohamed Ibrahim.
The Huskers will need to be at their best in order to win in Minneapolis. The Huskers will need to find a way to slow down Minnesota’s offense and force some turnovers. The Huskers will also need to be efficient on offense and take advantage of their scoring opportunities.
The regular season finale against Minnesota will be a big test for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Huskers will need to win this game in order to finish the regular season with a winning record and have a chance at a bowl game.
The Nebraska-Minnesota rivalry is a relatively new one, but it has quickly become one of the most intense rivalries in the Big Ten West Division. The two teams have met six times since 2014, and the Huskers hold a 4-2 advantage. The games between these two teams are always close and competitive, and the 2024 regular season finale is sure to be no different.
Potential bowl game: TBD
The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ potential bowl game destination for the 2024 season will depend on their record and their performance in the Big Ten Championship Game. If the Huskers win the Big Ten Championship Game, they will likely earn a spot in a New Year’s Six bowl game, such as the Rose Bowl or the Sugar Bowl.
If the Huskers do not win the Big Ten Championship Game, they could still earn a spot in a bowl game if they have a strong regular season record. The Huskers could be selected for a bowl game such as the Music City Bowl, the Gator Bowl, or the Citrus Bowl.
The Huskers could also earn a spot in a bowl game if they are ranked in the Top 25 at the end of the regular season. The Huskers could be selected for a bowl game such as the Alamo Bowl, the Holiday Bowl, or the Cheez-It Bowl.
Ultimately, the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ bowl game destination will depend on their performance during the 2024 season. If the Huskers can have a strong season and finish with a winning record, they will have a good chance of earning a spot in a prestigious bowl game.
The bowl game is a great opportunity for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to showcase their talents and finish the season on a high note. The Huskers will be looking to make a statement in their bowl game and build momentum heading into the 2025 season.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule:
Question 1: When is the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ first game in 2024?
Answer 1: The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ first game in 2024 is on Saturday, August 31, against the Northern Illinois Huskies at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Question 2: When is the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ homecoming game in 2024?
Answer 2: The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ homecoming game in 2024 is on Saturday, October 12, against the Charlotte 49ers at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Question 3: When is the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ rivalry game against Iowa in 2024?
Answer 3: The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ rivalry game against Iowa in 2024 is on Friday, November 29, at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Question 4: How many Big Ten conference games will the Nebraska Cornhuskers play in 2024?
Answer 4: The Nebraska Cornhuskers will play nine Big Ten conference games in 2024.
Question 5: How many non-conference games will the Nebraska Cornhuskers play in 2024?
Answer 5: The Nebraska Cornhuskers will play three non-conference games in 2024.
Question 6: What is the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ bye week in 2024?
Answer 6: The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ bye week in 2024 is Week 8.
Question 7: Where can I find more information about the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule?
Answer 7: You can find more information about the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule on the official website of the Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics department.
Closing Paragraph: We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule. For more information, please visit the official website of the Nebraska Cornhuskers athletics department.
Now that you know more about the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule, here are some additional tips for making the most of your experience:
Tips
Here are some tips for making the most of your Nebraska Cornhuskers football experience in 2024:
Tip 1: Buy your tickets early. Nebraska Cornhuskers football games are always popular, so it’s important to buy your tickets early to get the best seats. You can purchase tickets online, over the phone, or at the Memorial Stadium ticket office.
Tip 2: Arrive early. Memorial Stadium is a big stadium, and it takes time to get to your seats. Arrive early to avoid missing any of the game. You can also enjoy the pre-game festivities, such as the Husker Walk and the Pep Rally.
Tip 3: Wear your Husker gear. Show your support for the Huskers by wearing your Husker gear to the game. You can find a wide variety of Husker gear at the Nebraska Bookstore, online, or at sporting goods stores.
Tip 4: Be prepared for the weather. Nebraska weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for anything. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain, and dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
Closing Paragraph: We hope these tips help you have a great time at the Nebraska Cornhuskers football game in 2024. Go Big Red!
Now that you have some tips for making the most of your Nebraska Cornhuskers football experience, here is a brief conclusion to wrap up the article:
Conclusion
The Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule is set to be a challenging one, but it also presents a great opportunity for the Huskers to make a statement and return to prominence. The Huskers will face a number of tough opponents, including Ohio State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, but they will also have a chance to showcase their talents against some new opponents, such as Charlotte and Ball State.
The key for the Huskers in 2024 will be to stay healthy and develop some consistency. The Huskers have a lot of talented players, but they need to be able to put it all together on the field. If they can do that, they have the potential to be a major player in the Big Ten West Division.
The 2024 season is a big one for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The Huskers are looking to build on their success in 2023 and make a run at a Big Ten Championship. With a tough schedule and a lot of new faces on the team, the Huskers will need to be at their best in 2024. But if they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have the chance to be a special team.
Closing Message: We hope you enjoyed this preview of the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ 2024 football schedule. Go Big Red!