Nebraska defeated Wisconsin 44-25 on Saturday night in Lincoln to clinch the program’s first postseason appearance since 2016.

It’s a monumental victory for the Huskers, particularly in the midst of the slump they’ve been enduring over the past few weeks. The Huskers had lost 4 consecutive games since starting the year 5-1.

Here are 3 takeaways from Nebraska’s victory:

Nebraska’s offense was excellent

Much has been made about Nebraska’s mid-season change at offensive coordinator, but there’s little doubt that the move paid off on Saturday night vs. the Badgers.

Nebraska averaged 6.4 yards per play on the night. It’s only the third time all season that Nebraska has cleared the 6-yard threshold this season, with the other 2 instances coming against UTEP and Purdue.

Nebraska’s point total surpassing 40 is also significant. It’s the first time the Huskers have scored 40+ points in a Big Ten games since 2021. It’s only the seventh time they’ve accomplished that feat since the start of the 2017 campaign.

Nebraska was also a perfect 7-for-7 in the red zone against Wisconsin. It’s the first time since 2020 the Huskers have gone perfect in the red zone (min. 5 attempts) in a game since Dec. 5, 2020, in a 37-27 win over Purdue.

There’s work to be done on defense

As good as the offense was on Saturday night, Nebraska’s defense was fortunate to not give up more points to the Badgers.

Wisconsin’s offense averaged 7.4 yards per play on the night, but managed only 25 points mostly due to missed opportunities on 3rd and 4th down. Braedyn Locke had a great game against Nebraska’s pass defense, throwing for 292 yards and 3 touchdowns on 30 attempts.

Wisconsin’s lead running back, Darrion Dupree, also rushed for nearly 8 yards per carry.

Going into 2025, there’s plenty of room for improvement defensively in Lincoln.

At long last, the drought is over

Nebraska’s prolonged bowl drought is finally over with this win. The Huskers are now 6-5 on the season and will be playing in the postseason for the first time since 2016 when Mike Riley led the Huskers to a 9-4 campaign.

Since then, Nebraska fans have endured the end of the Riley era, the fall of Scott Frost and a couple of tumultuous campaigns under Matt Rhule.

This victory ends the program’s longest bowl drought since it made no postseason appearances from 1941-53.

Nebraska will have the opportunity to improve its position for bowl selection next weekend against Iowa.