Nebraska Football defeats Rutgers 14-7 behind an impressive defensive showing from the Blackshirts. The Huskers improve to 5-1 on the season heading into the bye week. Avarie Howard spoke with Isaac Gifford following the win.
Avarie Howard: Isaac, you guys just handed Rutgers their first loss of the season. We have to talk about that incredible goal-line stand — six tries and you kept them scoreless. Can you describe what that moment was like for you and the team?
Isaac Gifford: Yeah, it was a big clutch moment, not just for the team but for the defense specifically. We’ve had our struggles with goal-line situations in the past, especially against Illinois. So, for us to come down here and get that stop, it was huge for us.
Avarie Howard: Rutgers had only turned the ball over three times this season, but today you forced them into two turnovers. What allowed the defense to be so successful?
Isaac Gifford: I think it was our offense getting off to a quick start. We went up by two scores, and that got Rutgers into a game they didn’t really want to play. They’re a team that likes to run the ball, be up by one score, and drag the game out. But we put them in a position where they had to throw the ball more, and that worked to our advantage.
Avarie Howard: James Williams was emotional coming off the field today. I saw you and your teammates giving him hugs at the end of the game. What was that emotion like for you all?
Isaac Gifford: It’s so awesome to see how much James has grown as a person and to watch his career take off. I couldn’t be more happy for him. It was a special moment.
Avarie Howard: You’ve now won two close games in a row, including this one heading into the bye week at 5-1. What’s the confidence level of the team right now?
Isaac Gifford: The confidence is high. We know how good we can be, and we know what it takes to be great. It’s all about continuing to put in the work every week and not getting a big head. We know that we can take this as far as we want to, and it’s really up to us to keep pushing forward.
Check out Mike Babcock’s story on Nebraska Football’s gritty 14-7 win over Rutgers.
