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Matt Rhule tips cap to Nebraska seniors, Rahmir Johnson in 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl win over Boston College

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•12/28/24•

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Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

It was a solid ending for Matt Rhule and Nebraska, beating Boston College 20-15 in the Pinstripe Bowl to finish 7-6. At long last, the Huskers have won a bowl game again.

It was the first winning season since 2016 for the Huskers and Rhule credited his guys for continuing to fight and the seniors who wanted to go our the right way. There will be talk about the future, but 2024 could be a positive turning point for Nebraska.

In Rhule’s second season, the arrow pointed upward.

“I’m so happy for the guys,” Rhule said on the ABC broadcast. “You know, obviously, we’re in control all game. Credit to Boston College, they fought back and really for our offense to finally have a chance on the last drive, to put it away and win on offense. I was really, really excited.

“So if I can say this, you know, we got some seniors that their draftable grades probably didn’t have to play in this game … Just grateful for them.”

Rhule was emotional talking about running back Rahmir Johnson, a sixth-year senior, who clinched the game with a bulldozing run on the final drive. Johnson finished with nine carries for 59 yards and a touchdown.

“Him and I sat in my office when season was over, and I watched him cry and think about what was going to happen and for him to come back here and put the game away like that, to do the things that he did, the plays that he made,” Rhule said before calling Johnson over to the microphone.

“I’m just glad we got the win,” Johnson said. “It’s been a long time coming. I have a lot of family and friends over here, glad to get a dub in my city man.”

Rhule saw his team build a 13-2 lead at halftime and never relinquish it. Freshman QB Dylan Raiola finished 22-of-30 passing for 224 yards, one touchdown and an interception.

That defense held strong despite Boston College QB Grayson James throwing for 301 yards. The two touchdowns came on the ground for BC, but the Eagles were limited to 47 yards rushing.

For Rhule and company, it’s back to the drawing board to figure out what’s next. One thing’s for sure, Nebraska will soak in a bowl game victory before striving for more in 2025.