The energy in Kansas City was honestly electric. You had thousands of Husker fans pouring across the border, basically turning GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium into a sea of red. It felt like a home game for Nebraska, even though Cincinnati technically had the hosting rights for this "neutral" site season opener.
The final score of the nebraska cincinnati football game was 20-17 in favor of the Cornhuskers.
It wasn't pretty. Not at all. But for a Nebraska program that has spent the better part of a decade finding creative ways to lose one-score games, this felt like a massive weight lifting off their shoulders. This was a game of "almosts" for the Bearcats and "finallys" for Matt Rhule's squad.
The Score of the Nebraska Cincinnati Football Game: Breaking Down the 20-17 Nail-Biter
Basically, this game was won in the trenches and saved by a single hand in the end zone. Nebraska went into the locker room at halftime feeling pretty good with a 13-3 lead, thanks to a couple of Kyle Cunanan field goals and a late second-quarter touchdown pass from Dylan Raiola to Nyziah Hunter.
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But Cincinnati didn't just fold.
Brendan Sorsby, the Bearcats' quarterback, started taking matters into his own hands—literally. He scrambled for two second-half touchdowns, including a 1-yard plunge in the fourth quarter that cut the lead to just three points. You could feel the collective "here we go again" from the Nebraska faithful.
Key Moments That Decided the Outcome
- The Raiola-to-Key Connection: Early in the fourth, Dylan Raiola hit Dane Key for a 3-yard touchdown. It was a gutsy 13-play drive that ate up seven minutes of clock.
- The Goal Line Stand: Cincinnati had all the momentum late, driving deep into Nebraska territory with under a minute left.
- The Game-Saving Pick: With 34 seconds on the clock, Sorsby tried to force a ball into the end zone. Malcolm Hartzog Jr. tracked it, leaped, and snatched the ball out of the air. Game over.
Why This Win Matters So Much for Nebraska
Honestly, the score of the nebraska cincinnati football game tells only half the story. The real narrative here is about Nebraska finally winning a game they usually lose. Under Matt Rhule, the Huskers have been desperate for a signature "tough" win to start a season.
This was their first season-opening win against a Power Conference opponent since 2003. That is a wild stat if you think about it.
Dylan Raiola finished the night with 243 yards and two touchdowns. He looked poised, even when the pocket collapsed. On the other side, Cincinnati's Brendan Sorsby was a dual-threat nightmare, racking up 202 yards on the ground for the Bearcats. Cincy actually outgained Nebraska in rushing yards by nearly double, yet they couldn't turn those yards into enough points.
A Rivalry 119 Years in the Making
It’s kinda crazy, but these two teams hadn't played each other since 1906. Back then, Nebraska won 41-0. While the 2025 score of 20-17 was much closer, it kept Nebraska's perfect all-time record against Cincinnati intact (2-0).
The game was part of the "Battle Sports Kansas City Classic," and it certainly lived up to the "classic" billing. With 72,884 fans in attendance, it was one of the highest-attended non-conference games of the early 2025 season.
Stats That Don't Lie
If you looked at the box score without seeing the final result, you might think Cincinnati won. They averaged 6.7 yards per rush compared to Nebraska's 3.1. Usually, when you dominate the ground game like that, you win.
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But Nebraska won the "hidden" game. They converted 10 of 18 third downs. They controlled the clock for nearly 40 minutes (39:30 to be exact). They played "keep-away" football, and it worked.
What’s Next for Both Programs?
For Nebraska, this 20-17 victory is a springboard. They proved they can handle a hostile-ish environment and close out a tight game. They moved to 1-0 and immediately started receiving votes in the AP Top 25.
For Cincinnati, it’s a tough pill to swallow. Scott Satterfield has this team playing hard, and Sorsby looks like a legitimate star in the Big 12, but the turnovers—specifically that final interception—are the difference between a "good effort" and a "big win."
If you're looking for actionable takeaways from this matchup for your own sports analysis or betting:
- Watch the Turnover Margin: Nebraska’s ability to stay at zero turnovers while forcing one critical late mistake was the literal difference in the score.
- Time of Possession is King: If a team can hold the ball for 39 minutes, they don't need to be explosive to win.
- The "Raiola Factor": Dylan Raiola is no longer just a "top recruit"—he’s a game manager who can make elite throws under pressure.
Keep an eye on the 2033 season, as these two are scheduled to meet again in Lincoln. Hopefully, we won't have to wait another century for a rematch this good.