The rivalry between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Nebraska Cornhuskers is one of the most storied in college football
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. This clash of titans has been a highlight of the Big Ten Conference for years, with both teams bringing their unique strengths and strategies to the field.
The rivalry began back in 1901, with Wisconsin winning the inaugural game 18-0
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. Over the years, the series has seen many memorable moments, including Wisconsin’s dominant 70-31 victory in the 2012 Big Ten Championship Game
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. However, Nebraska has recently made a comeback, winning the latest matchup on November 23, 2024, with a score of 44-25
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The Freedom Trophy, awarded to the winner of this game, symbolizes the spirit of the rivalry and the pride each team takes in this annual contest
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. The trophy has become a coveted prize, with Wisconsin leading the series 13-5
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Wisconsin’s football program is known for its strong running game and powerful offensive line, a style influenced by former head coach Barry Alvarez, who played for Nebraska in the 1960s
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. On the other hand, Nebraska’s offense has often relied on a balanced attack, combining both the run and the pass to keep opponents guessing.
The 2024 game was particularly significant as Nebraska ended Wisconsin’s 10-game winning streak in the series
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. Nebraska’s freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola had an impressive performance, throwing for 293 yards and a touchdown, while running back Emmett Johnson rushed for over 100 yards
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. Wisconsin struggled defensively, unable to contain Nebraska’s offensive onslaught
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Despite the loss, Wisconsin remains a formidable team in the Big Ten, and the rivalry with Nebraska continues to be a highlight of their season. The Badgers will look to regroup and come back stronger in future matchups.
For more details and highlights from the latest game, you can check out this ESPN article
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Do you have a favorite moment from this rivalry?
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en.wikipedia.org
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www.espn.com
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www.jsonline.com