Late interception seals Huskers' 20-17 win over Cincinnati

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Coach Matt Rhule's third year at the helm of Nebraska kicked off with a Huskers victory. 

With 34 seconds left, senior defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. picked off a Cincinnati pass at the front of the end zone, which held off the Bearcats for Nebraska's 20-17 win at Arrowhead Stadium.  

“There were also some plays where we kind of hurt ourselves, but, you know, that’s game one and that’s the growing pains,” sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola said. “I’m just glad we left here with a W.” 

The Bearcats started with an early lead in the first quarter off a 45-yard field goal. The Huskers' offense moved the ball steadily, but settled for two field goals in the second quarter by sophomore kicker Kyle Cunanan. 

Sophomore wide receiver Nyziah Hunte caught a 5-yard pass from Raiola for a Nebraska touchdown with less than a minute until halftime. The Huskers left the Bearcats to grapple with a gap of 13-3 heading into the locker room at half. 

Cincinnati responded with a 7-yard touchdown run by junior quarterback Brendan Sorsby during the third quarter. Both teams scored a touchdown each in the fourth quarter. Nebraska’s was a pass from Raiola by senior wide receiver Dane Key. Cincinnati’s was on a 1-yard run by Sorsby. 

The win gives the Huskers a 1-0 start to the season. Nebraska’s next game is its home opener at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, against Akron at Memorial Stadium.

Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) smiles at the crowd after winning the game against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium on Aug. 28, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri. Nebraska won 20-17 against Cincinnati. Izzy Lewis/UNLimited Sports

Published in UNLimited Sports, read here.