In celebration of reclaiming the Freedom Trophy after Nebraska’s lone win since 2014 two years ago, Iowa players waved goodbye to the Huskers and their fans, wishing them, “Merry Christmas,” before Nebraska stayed at home in bowl season for a seventh consecutive year.

A pre-game controversy overshadows Nebraska’s narrow loss to Iowa, sparking online backlash and raising questions about sportsmanship.

Nebraska managed to take two L's in one night against Iowa. On Friday night, Nebraska outgained Iowa and controlled the football for roughly 39 minutes. The Cornhuskers also had more first downs while the Hawkeyes didn't convert on a single third-down play.

Nebraska jumped out to a 3-0 lead on its first offensive possesion. The teams combined for 10 punts in the first half, but NU tacked on a touchdown in the final minute to take a 1

Stevens got his chance after defensive end Max Llewellyn forced and recovered a fumble by Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola at the Huskers’ 36-yard line with 20 seconds left. Two runs by Kaleb Johnson took the clock down to three seconds left before Stevens kicked the game-winner.