The Nebraska vs Penn State matchup has always carried weight in college football, but their clash on November 22, 2025, turned heads for more than just the rivalry. The Penn State Nittany Lions football team welcomed the Nebraska Cornhuskers to Beaver Stadium in what was billed as a high-stakes Big Ten showdown.
Here’s a breakdown of how things played out — from the key storylines to the final Penn State football score, pivotal players, and broader implications.
Key Storylines & Context
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Coaching Narratives
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Matt Rhule, head coach for Nebraska, returned to his alma mater’s turf. Ironically, he played for Penn State, making this a homecoming game of sorts.
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On the other side, Penn State’s head coach at the time was Terry Smith, serving in an interim capacity.
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Series History
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This was the 19th all-time meeting between the Huskers and Nittany Lions.
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According to Penn State’s game notes, Nebraska still holds a slight edge in the rivalry, with a 10–8 lead in the series.
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Broadcast & Timing
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The game kicked off at 6 PM CT (7 PM ET) and was televised nationally on NBC.
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It marked Nebraska’s final regular-season road game for the 2025 campaign.
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The Game Itself — Penn State Victory & Player Highlights
Final Score
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Penn State won 37–10 over Nebraska.
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The Nittany Lions scored on six of nine drives, showcasing their offensive efficiency.
Star Performers
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Kaytron Allen: The senior running back was decisive. He ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, becoming Penn State’s all-time career rushing leader in the process. He passed Evan Royster, who held the previous mark at 3,932 yards.
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Nick Singleton: While Allen stole much of the spotlight, Singleton also made key contributions; he’s among PSU’s top all-time rushers.
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Defense: Penn State’s defensive unit had one of its strongest performances of the season, limiting Nebraska’s offense and keeping momentum firmly with the Nittany Lions.
Nebraska’s Side
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Emmett Johnson: Despite the loss, Johnson had a solid outing, totaling 151 all-purpose yards.
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TJ Lateef: The Nebraska quarterback completed 21 of 36 passes for 187 yards, and added 15 rushing yards.
Implications & Bigger Picture
For Penn State
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The win kept PSU football hope alive — particularly for bowl contention.
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With Kaytron Allen breaking the rushing record, his legacy is now firmly etched in Penn State all-time rushing leaders lore.
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The strong showing could also bolster confidence in the program during a season of transition (with an interim coach).
For Nebraska
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Despite a 7–3 record heading into the game, the loss highlighted some offensive struggles against a top-tier Big Ten defense.
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Matt Rhule’s return to Penn State was symbolic, but the defeat may raise questions about Nebraska’s trajectory and consistency.
How to Watch / Where It Was Broadcast
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The Nebraska Cornhuskers football vs Penn State Nittany Lions football matchup was aired on NBC.
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Streaming was available via Peacock, making it accessible to a broad national audience.
Additional Notes & Context
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This game was Senior Day for Penn State, which often adds emotional weight to the contest.
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The series between these two teams isn’t just competitive on the field—it’s also personal: two Penn State alums faced off as head coaches (Rhule and Smith).
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Nebraska’s win over UCLA prior to this game was a highlight of their season and gave them momentum, but Penn State shut that down.
Why This Matchup Matters in 2025
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Big Ten Relevance: Both teams are in the Big Ten, so this game has conference implications.
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Legacy Moments: Allen setting the rushing record is a defining moment for PSU.
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Coaching Storylines: Rhule’s Penn State roots + Smith’s interim leadership create a compelling narrative.
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Fan Engagement: A night game at Beaver Stadium, with high stakes, made this must-watch for fans of both programs.
