On a cool and cloudy day in West Lafayette, the Nebraska Cornhuskers rebounded from an anemic first half to soundly defeat the Purdue Boilermakers 28-10 and move to 4-1 on the season. It was an unusually ugly first half as the two teams combined for four missed or blocked field goals, seven punts, going 1 for 12 on third down conversions and committing 129 yards in penalties. In fact, at intermission, Purdue had 90 yards in penalties and just 89 yards of total offense. They had four punts to go with just five pass completions. The Huskers crossed the Purdue 40-yard line on all six first half possessions and racked up 210 yards of offense without scoring a point. Including the end of the Illinois game, it was eight straight possessions by Nebraska inside the other team’s 40 without points. It was a game that deserved to be on Peacock so that a limited viewership had to witness the ineptitude.

The second half began with Purdue consuming 8:08 of the third quarter clock before John Bullock made an impressive stop on third and short to force a Boiler trey. The Huskers then scored on their next three possessions on touchdown drives of 70, 63, and 57 yards, while the defense forced two 3 and outs with Purdue netting -7 and then -1 yards. Purdue’s next drive resulted in a 29-yard pick six by Bullock and at 28-3, the rout was on. It was the Colorado game in reverse in that the Huskers scored all their points after intermission instead of before.

The teams combined for 24 penalties totaling 259 yards. Purdue compiled 165 yards in penalties with every defensive penalty being at least 10 yards. They committed five pass interference penalties as they could not contain Isaiah Neyor, Jahmal Banks, or Heinrich Haarberg. Nebraska had its share of the laundry as well, including an absolutely atrocious offensive pass interference penalty on Thomas Fidone who actually avoided contact with the defender. The flag wiped out a 22-yard touchdown by Rahmir Johnson in the second quarter. The nonsense finally culminated with a fourth quarter 10-yard holding penalty on Jahmal Banks that prompted Matt Rhule to slam his headset to the ground incurring an additional 15-yard personal foul. At that point, I didn’t blame Coach Rhule as the Big Ten officials make middle school referees look like professionals. Facing 2nd and 29, Dylan Raiola completed a pass to Emmett Johnson that picked up 27 yards plus another 15 tacked on for a facemask. The Huskers scored two plays later.

The Blackshirts held the Boilers to 50 yards rushing and 174 yards passing. Purdue managed a consolation touchdown against reserves with 1:29 left in the game, but the defense has now held four of five opponents to 10 points or less this season. Nebraska totaled five sacks in the victory, its second-highest total of the season (six vs. Colorado) and recorded nine tackles for loss. Saturday was the second opponent Nebraska has held scoreless in the first half (Colorado) and the defenders have allowed just three points in the second quarter this season. Nebraska is one of only seven teams who has not allowed a rushing touchdown this season and including last season, the Huskers have not allowed a rushing touchdown in 10 of their past 12 games.

Ceyair Wright, filling in for Tommi Hill, had another outstanding game co-leading the defense with five tackles and two pass breakups. Mikai Gbayor also had five stops in the game. James Williams with 2 sacks and M.J. Sherman with 1.5 sacks both set career highs in that category on Saturday. Williams’ two sacks are the most by a Husker this season and the most since Nash Hutmacher had 2.5 sacks against Northwestern last season. Ty Robinson added another sack and Kai Wallin shared a sack with Sherman. Bullock, Mario Buford, Jimari Butler, and Keona Davis all chipped in with tackles for loss. The pick-six by Bullock was his first career interception and was heartily celebrated by his teammates as the pick was a just reward for a guy who has been working his butt off on defense.  It marked Nebraska’s second interception for a touchdown this season (Tommi Hill vs. Colorado) and it marks the first time since 2017 that Nebraska has had two pick-six TDs in a season. In finishing +1 in turnovers Saturday, Nebraska improves to +5 on the season with the Huskers outscoring opponents 31-0 in points off turnovers.

Dylan Raiola finished 17-of-27 for 257 yards and a touchdown, as he connected with eight different receivers. He has also thrown at one touchdown pass in all five games this season. He was sacked just once as the Huskers started their third string left tackle, Gunnar Gottula, following the injury to Turner Corcoran last week. The offensive line generally gave Raiola plenty of time in pass protection but struggled in the first half with run blocking as the Huskers only had 49 yards rushing on 13 attempts. They seemed to improve as the game wore on, though, finishing with 161 yards on the ground on 31 carries yielding two touchdowns.

Senior receiver Jahmal Banks caught a 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter for Nebraska’s first points. It marked his second touchdown of 2024 (UTEP) and his 15th career receiving touchdown. Banks finished the day with five catches for 82 yards and has 13 receptions the past two weeks. Thomas Fidone had 3 catches for 39 yards and Jaylen Lloyd nabbed one grab for 25 yards.

Jacory Barney Jr. led Nebraska with 66 yards rushing on four carries, including a career-high 31-yard run and a 25-yard touchdown run. Barney entered the game with 38 yards rushing. He also had two catches for 28 yards. His speed is electric and has to be a challenge to defend. Emmett Johnson totaled 98 all-purpose yards (50 rushing, 48 passing) on just 10 touches. Johnson’s 48 receiving yards were a career high (43 vs. UNI) while his 27-yard reception was also career long. Johnson seems to spark the team when he enters the game as he has a wiggle and a burst that nets solid gains. Dante Dowdell (9 carries for 21 yards) was stuffed more often than not but got a 1-yard fourth down fourth quarter touchdown to put the Huskers up 14-3. The play was aided by a great block by Barret Liebentrit who nailed two defenders on the edge.

Special teams were a disaster and if not improved will cost the Huskers at least a game or two down the stretch. With Tristan Alvano still nursing a groin injury, back-up kicker John Hohl missed his first field goal attempt from 42-yards. The second and third attempts were blocked after bad snaps that holder Brian Buschini barely got set. Camden Witucki replaced Aidan Flege as the snapper after the first block, and at least managed decent snaps on four subsequent extra point attempts. The errant snaps may have cost us the game last week and must be maddening for a coaching staff that has to consider keeping the offense on the field no matter the fourth down yardage. Blockers on punt returns are whiffing on blocks and gunners on punt coverage are getting lost in the end zone rather than downing punts inside the 5-yard line. Punter Brian Buschini did manage to get two of three punts inside the 20 and had touchbacks on four of five kickoffs while making three tackles on punt and kick coverage.

After last week’s gut punch loss that had presented so many opportunities to win, you take any road win you can get in the Big Ten. The Huskers likely gained a bit of confidence with their second half performance against a mediocre Purdue team as Nebraska has yet to play a four-quarter game. In his presser, Coach Matt Rhule stated, “It might not be for everybody, but we are just a growing team.” He has continued to stress the long game of growth and maturity. Kids make mistakes. It’s up to the coaches to help them learn and develop. It will certainly help if the Huskers find that four-quarter game next Saturday as the undefeated and likely ranked Scarlet Knights from Rutgers make their appearance in Memorial Stadium. Hopefully, the team can take the next step toward bowl eligibility. Go Big Red!!!

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MORE: Adam Carriker Gut Reaction: Nebraska Football’s Ugly, Bounce-Back Win Over Purdue

MORE: WATCH: Nebraska Football Coach Matt Rhule Postgame; Cornhuskers Top Boilermakers

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.

This week’s Turning Point gave the Nebraska Cornhuskers the confidence to turn a close game into a blowout.

Nebraska’s offensive performance was a tale of two halves on Saturday. Despite outgaining the Boilermakers by 120 yards, having three fewer three-and-outs, and never-ending a drive in their own half, Nebraska was tied with Purdue 0-0 after 30 minutes of play. 

After the first half, it felt like a classic Husker loss was brewing. Over the last several years, Husker fans have known the pain of seeing their team lay an egg as a road favorite. After not finding the scoreboard in the first half due to untimely penalties and poor special teams, it seemed that the destination of this contest was heading toward a familiar place: disappointment.  

The Huskers of old would’ve folded. They would’ve allowed the bad calls and special team woes to affect all other aspects of the game. Purdue would’ve grabbed all the momentum and brought their crowd back into the game. Nebraska would’ve floundered under the pressure to finally taking the next step. The old guard would’ve lost this game. 

But these Huskers aren’t the old guard. 

The defense came out of the locker room and held the Boilermakers to three points on the opening drive. Unfazed by Purdue striking first blood, the offense marched down the field and asserted dominance. After two short gains, the Big Red faced a key third and six on the Purdue seven-yard line.

From the shotgun, Raiola bided his time in the pocket and feathered a throw to Jahmal Banks in the back of the endzone, taking a 7-3 lead.

Watching the NU offense get into the endzone was comparable to watching a struggling sharpshooter make a three. They just needed to see the ball go through the basket or, more appropriately, into the end zone.

After amassing five offensive drives inside the 40-yard line that resulted in zero points, that scoring drive proved there wasn’t an invisible wall in front of the end zone. Once they scored the first, the floodgates opened. 

The Big Red scored touchdowns on their next two possessions, pushing the score to 21-3. Nebraska’s final two full offensive possessions were dominant. NU gained 130 yards on 16 plays, produced three explosive plays of 25+ yards, and had a passing-to-rushing yard split of 70-60. 

The Huskers proved on Saturday that they aren’t the same old Huskers. They don’t allow past mistakes to continuously affect other decisions. They don’t hang their heads and allow other teams to take control of games. This new guard of Husker football continued to believe in themselves and handled business on the road. 

MORE: Adam Carriker Gut Reaction: Nebraska Football’s Ugly, Bounce-Back Win Over Purdue

MORE: WATCH: Nebraska Football Coach Matt Rhule Postgame; Cornhuskers Top Boilermakers

MORE: Big Ten Football Week 5 Capsules

MORE: Nebraska Football Dominates Second Half, Runs Away from Purdue in West Lafayette

MORE: Nebraska, Purdue Tied at Halftime of Ugly Affair in West Lafayette

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers On SI, subscribing to HuskerMax on YouTube, and visiting HuskerMax.com daily.

Though Nebraska might not be one of the most well-known fall foliage destinations in the US, scattered throughout the Cornhusker State’s rolling prairie lands are forested landscapes saturated with autumn colors. Set amid these festive seasonal backdrops are some of Nebraska’s most delightful destinations: cozy villages and charming communities where visitors can scope the season’s brightest hues. From High Plains locales like Chadron to Sandhill spots like Valentine, these are the least-crowded towns in Nebraska to catch autumn colors.

Nebraska City

Nebraska City is a small, picturesque town in Southeastern Nebraska. The oldest incorporated city in the state, Nebraska City honors its rich heritage with attractions like the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Nebraska City is also the home of Arbor Day and commemorates the holiday at sites like Arbor Lodge State Historical Park at Arbor Day Farm.

The home of Arbor Day has plenty of tree-filled locations to enjoy the breathtaking Nebraska seasonal hues. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park encompasses over 65 acres of wooded land bordering Nebraska City and is a wonderful place to spot some of the season’s best hues, while destinations like the Steamboat Trace Trail offer hiking and biking on tree-lined paths awash with color. However, the best spot to indulge in Nebraska City’s brilliant colors is Arbor Day Farm. Comprising 260 acres of stunning natural beauty, the historic haven is home to Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and hosts many autumn activities like apple picking, cider tasting, Oktoberfest at Steinhart Lodge, and the famed Apple Jack Festival on the last two weekends in September.

Nebraska City is expected to reach its fall foliage peak during the last week of October. At this time, visitors can explore the region’s brightest reds, oranges, and yellows at Arbor Day Farm. Popular October activities include Arbor Lodge Mansion’s Living History Weekends, Apple House Market, and lovely walking trails like Doug’s Trail and the Conservation Trail. Union Orchard and Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard also have a festive line-up of fall activities throughout October.

While Arbor Day Farm is one of Nebraska City’s best locales for scoping colorful fall foliage, destinations like Riverview Park, River County Park, Kearney Hill Park, and Steinhart Park are walkable downtown spots to enjoy some of Nebraska City’s best panoramic vistas without the seasonal crowds.

Chadron

Chadron is a darling Nebraska small town known for its abundant heritage and picturesque High Plains landscapes. Once a fur-trading outpost, Chadron is awash with history, which is evident throughout its Commercial Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Signature attractions like the Museum of the Fur Trade and the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center also offer an in-depth glimpse into the Dawes County town’s rich cultural tapestry.

However, there is more to this High Plains community than its history. Home to Nebraska’s first state park—the eponymous Chadron State Park—Chadron is an off-the-beaten-track autumn scenery destination worthy of the most devoted leaf peepers. Additionally, Chadron’s northwest Nebraska location means a slightly earlier peak season beginning in mid-October.

Explore Chadron’s most vibrant peak season hues with a visit to Chadron State Park. Surrounded by lush trees and bordered by Forest Service lands, the state park is also home to miles of hiking and biking trails, wildlife watching, and spectacular scenic vistas of the Pine Ridge region. Chadron State College’s campus is another Chadron locale where visitors can enjoy beautiful tree-lined paths amid the site’s cultural and educational institutions.

A Great Plains community like Chadron may not be famed for its colorful, leafy backdrops. And yet, it is still one of Nebraska’s least crowded fall foliage destinations because of lovely places like Chadron State Park and the surrounding Nebraska National Forest. Here, visitors can bask in the beautiful small town’s wooded areas scattered throughout its signature pine landscapes. To enjoy more fall fun in the Chadron region, visit its Harvest Moon Festival in October or travel to nearby Crawford for Haunted Halloween at Fort Robinson State Park (another great area location for fall foliage).

Harrison

Harrison is a pretty Northwestern Nebraska town in Sioux County. Designated “Nebraska’s Top Town,” Harrison is one of the highest towns in Nebraska at 4,876 feet above sea level. Harrison’s small-town charm creates the ideal backdrop for any fall escape, whether it is walking the town’s historic streets with a Sole to Soul Walking Tour or exploring the enchanting regional landscapes.

Harrison’s Sioux County locale is close to two Nebraska Scenic Byways that are great ways to explore the area’s burgeoning autumn landscapes during peak color season, from early to mid-October. The Bridges to Buttes Scenic Byway on US 20 begins in Harrison and winds through some of the state’s most diverse landscapes—from forests to bluffs, towering buttes to rolling hills. Picturesque stops along this route include lovely small towns like Chadron and Valentine and a leaf-peeper’s paradise at the Pine Ridge Region of the Nebraska National Forest, Fort Robinson State Park, and Chadron State Park.

Road-trippers can also combine a drive on the Bridge to Buttes Scenic Byway with a breathtaking exploration of the Gold Rush Byway. Beginning in Chadron, this stretch of Highway 385 is known as one of America’s most scenic and historic roads. It also includes some of Nebraska’s most spectacular natural settings—perfect for viewing the state’s richest autumn hues. Gurley is another epic day trip just two hours from Harrison. A charming Cheyenne County gem, Gurley is home to Fanny’s Fruit Farm & Pumpkin Patch, a quaint destination for autumn activities and family fun.

Valentine

Valentine is located in Nebraska’s Sandhills region in lovely Cherry County. And while the area may be known for its history—think Cherry County institutions like the Centennial Hall Museum and the Cherry County Historical Society Museum—Valentine itself is famed for some of the Cornhusker State’s most scenic backdrops.

Set amid a breathtaking Niobrara River setting, Valentine’s leafy landscapes are even prettier in autumn. Additionally, there are many opportunities for outdoor recreation set amid Valentine’s multi-hued backdrop, such as hiking at Niobrara National Scenic River, bison watching at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, and hunting, camping, and stargazing at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. Destinations like Smith Falls State Park and Snake River Falls are also home to picturesque waterfalls that are even more beautiful to behold when viewed against October’s bright fall colors.

Like many parts of Nebraska, Valentine is expected to reach its peak autumn colors in mid-October. To take advantage of the season’s best and most vivid colors, consider visiting popular locales in and around the Niobrara River. Scenic vantage points like the Cowboy Trail, an almost 200-mile trail with wooden decked bridges, offer some of the area’s best panoramic views and are ideal for autumn hiking and biking. To celebrate more Valentine-style fall festivities, attend the town’s Pumpkin Patch Craft Fair.

Ponca

Named for the area’s Ponca Indian Tribe, Ponca is located in and is the county seat of Dixon County. It is known for its storied culture, heritage, and cozy, hometown atmosphere.

However, there is more to this Northeastern Nebraska town than its rich history. Throughout the fall, the area is home to many spectacular spots where visitors can bask in the vibrant autumn scenery, including one of Nebraska’s most visited state parks: Ponca State Park. The eastern gateway to stretches of the Missouri National Recreational River, Ponca State Park’s forested landscapes and stunning panoramic vistas are ideal for admiring the state’s prettiest fall foliage. The park is also great for fall hiking and biking experiences and hosts an annual HallowFest each October.

Scenic drives are another wonderful way to experience Ponca and the surrounding area throughout peak fall foliage during mid to late October. One of the region’s most popular road trips is the Highway 12 Outlaw Trail Scenic Byway from Ponca to Valentine, a meandering route from the Sandhills to the forest, hilly landscapes of Northeastern Nebraska. Additionally, the town of Blair—less than two hours south of Ponca—hosts its Skinny Pumpkin Patch festivities throughout October. Both drives are idyllic adventures for reveling in the Cornhusker State’s autumn splendor.

Seward

The county seat of historic Seward County, Seward is one of its most populous communities. Seward’s Southeastern Nebraska location—intersected by Interstate 80 and Highways 34 and 15—provides convenient access to some of Seward County’s most scenic natural landscapes. Seward is also just 30 minutes from Lincoln, making it easy for fall adventurers to enjoy the state capital’s peak colors at destinations like Holmes Lake Park, Pioneers Park Nature Center, and Mahoney Park.

Seward County’s autumn colors are expected to peak around mid to late October, offering travelers the perfect opportunity to explore some of the area’s most brilliant reds, yellows, and oranges. Destinations like Smith Creek Wildlife Area and Meadowlark Lake are home to picture-perfect waterways nestled amid wooded landscapes and offer outdoor activities like fishing, camping, and hiking. Visitors can also enjoy Seward’s scenic sights while hiking and biking on the town’s pretty Plum Creek Trail & Garden Area.

Visitors can also soak up the town’s autumn atmosphere with some local flavor. Explore popular spots like Bottle Rocket Brewing Company, home to seasonal brews and an annual Oktoberfest; Red Path Gallery and Tasting Room, featuring local art, beverages, and events; and Junto Wine and its relaxed, picturesque setting and live music.

McCook

Also known as “The Capital of the Buffalo Commons,” McCook’s High Plains locale may not seem like a must-visit fall destination—but the cozy Western Nebraska town has more to offer than its vast, uninterrupted prairie lands. Signature cultural attractions lend the small-town character and charm, with places like Senator George W. Norris State Historical Site and Sutton House (the only Frank Lloyd Wright house in Nebraska) offering visitors a window into history.

With its Red Willow County location, McCook is filled with pristine landscapes perfect for enjoying autumn. Rolling prairie lands give way to beautiful, tree-dotted vistas awash with color at destinations like Red Willow State Recreation Area and Barnett Park. Visitors can also soak up the area’s loveliest fall vistas with a scenic drive to Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area and Medicine Creek State Recreation Area, each less than 30 minutes from McCook.

McCook’s peak fall foliage is expected to last from mid to late October, an ideal time for exploring Red Willow County. Popular autumn activities include the Night at the Museum Spooktakular at McCook’s Museum of the High Plains and scenic road trips to fall attractions like the Homestead Pumpkin Patch in nearby North Platte.

Final Thoughts on Nebraska’s Fall Foliage Destinations

Starting in October, Nebraska’s lovely forested landscapes become awash with color. Everywhere from state parks to iconic scenic byways boasts the season’s most vivid autumn hues: vibrant yellows, reds, and oranges ideal for any leaf peeper. And the best way to enjoy peak foliage is by visiting one of Nebraska’s least-crowded towns. Home to some of the state’s most dazzling backdrops, these delightful destinations offer visitors the best experiences for viewing fall foliage without the crowds.