Minnesota defeats Nebraska 24-6 as nine sacks spark Rhule scrutiny

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota handed No. 25 Nebraska a 24-6 defeat Friday night at Huntington Bank Stadium, routing the Cornhuskers behind a dominant ground game and a relentless pass rush that produced a program-record nine sacks. The loss exposed vulnerabilities for Nebraska in its third season under coach Matt Rhule and came amid persistent speculation linking Rhule to the vacant Penn State job.

Minnesota outgained Nebraska 339 yards to 213 and leaned on running back Darius Taylor, who rushed for 148 yards, including a 71-yard run that flipped field position and energized the Gophers. Nebraska produced all of its scoring in the first half and was held scoreless after halftime as Minnesota controlled the line of scrimmage and the clock.

Sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola completed 17 of 25 passes for 177 yards and did not throw a touchdown. The Huskers’ offensive line was repeatedly breached; left tackle Elijah Pritchett was ejected for targeting in the first half and right guard Rocco Spindler exited early with a hand injury, forcing multiple in-game adjustments. Nebraska finished under heavy pressure, and coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the team was out of sync, saying after the...