LINCOLN, NEB. - It was hot, it was windy, and it wasn’t all around pretty, but Nebraska improves to 5-1 with a 14-7 win over Rutgers.

The Blackshirts dominated all afternoon, controlling the run game, and Nebraska’s win puts them one away from bowl eligibility.

“That was a close win. In many ways, it was a tough day,” Head Coach Matt Rhule said. “Credit to Rutgers, credit to Greg Schiano, they did a  ton of things against us, we only turned the ball over once, and I thought it was as great a defensive performance as I’ve been around.”

Nebraska’s defense held a top 15 rushing offense in the nation to just 78 yards and 2.4 yards per attempt. The Blackshirts bottled up running lanes for Kyle Monangai (19 carries, 78 yards) and made several clutch second half stops, including a goal line stand fro, the two yard line after a blocked punt.

Matt Rhule credits the preparation in practice.

“Our defense practiced harder this week than they have probably in two years here,” Rhule said. “I think what they put in, came out, when the game started. We played a lot of different guys in a lot of different adverse situations and we made big stops on third and fourth downs.”

The win for Nebraska also included some unsung heroes, including punter Brian Buscini and defensive lineman James Williams. Buskin threw a spiral of a pass for a first down on a fake punt, while also dropping a 60 yard bomb punt to pin Rutgers late.

Williams recorded two clutch sacks late, which is nothing new to Ty Robinson.

“The guy is constantly going at practice,” Robinson said. “We go 1-on-1 with some of the best tackles in team scenarios, and his work ethic, it’s awesome to watch him go out and do his thing.”

While the defense thrived, the offense was somewhat quiet, being shutout in the second half. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola struggled to find a rhythm against the Rutgers defense going just 13/27 through the air for 134 yards and a pick.

“Hats off to their defense, they played a heck of a game and had a great plan for us,” Raiola said. “We just got to go back during the bye. I thought this was a really good defense coming into this game.”

Nebraska improves to 5-1, handing the Scarlet Knights their first loss of the season. The Huskers have  bye week before taking on a Top 25 team in Indiana on the road on Oct. 19.