Dylan Raiola’s first start draws praise from teammates and Matt Rhule

“It was a special moment,” Dylan said Saturday after NU’s 40-7 win over UTEP.

The younger Raiola – whose father was an All-American center at Nebraska – had an impressive first start for the Huskers, completing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two scores.

“I think I did pretty well,” Raiola said. “We want to fix and clean up a lot of things, but it’s hard to get wins in college football. For our team to get the first season this season, it’s exciting. I can’t wait to get better.”

Raiola’s teammates were effusive in their praise.

“Dylan is a very talented player, and the biggest thing I noticed about him was his poise,” said wide receiver Isaiah Neyor, who had six catches for 121 yards and a touchdown.

“He’s humble, but he’s ‘him,’” wide receiver Jahmal Banks said.

“Like a pro,” point guard Rahmir Johnson said. “Without blemish.”

Maybe not, coach Matt Rhule said. Raiola had some communication issues with teammates, Rhule said. But Rhule was also impressed by a “three-way check” before the snap that helped him set up Emmett Johnson for a 42-yard run and how Raiola calmly pulled through a two-minute drill halftime for a touchdown.

“With eight seconds left and a timeout, to throw a punt in the end zone, that’s ‘we’re going to play the way we want to play one day,’” Rhule said of Raiola’s 21-yard touchdown to Jahmal Banks. “I didn’t call a timeout and say ‘hey, you’ve got to remember!’ He took a hit and “boom”.