Nebraska Beats UCLA 28-21 on Lateef's Strong Debut

PASADENA, Calif. — The Nebraska Cornhuskers secured a 28-21 victory over the UCLA Bruins on Saturday night at the Rose Bowl, improving to 7-3 overall and 3-3 in the Big Ten Conference with freshman quarterback TJ Lateef delivering a poised performance in his first collegiate start.

Lateef, a true freshman from California who stepped in after starter Dylan Raiola suffered a season-ending fractured fibula in last week's 21-17 loss to USC, completed 13 of 15 passes for 205 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 31 rushing yards, avoiding any sacks in a game that showcased his mobility and decision-making. Running back Emmett Johnson powered the offense with 129 rushing yards on 28 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown run, while catching three passes for 103 yards and two scores—a 56-yard screen pass in the second quarter and a 40-yard reception to open the third.

Nebraska jumped to a 21-7 halftime lead, capitalizing on UCLA's early defensive lapses. Johnson's scores, combined with Lateef's precise passing, helped the Huskers build momentum after a sluggish start to the season that included a 3-0 nonconference skid. The defense, coordinated by John Butler, held UCLA to 21 points...