Husker Fan, Got Him

These days, 18- or 19-year-old college prospect prospects are bigger and stronger, more adept at being behind a microphone and enrolling early more often than their predecessors. But even in an era where freshmen are more ready than ever to contribute in their first year, it’s a rarity to see someone completely calm, poised and in command as the starting quarterback.

One of my thoughts while watching the first half was about the photos on social media of people sharing their heart rate on their smartwatch display during a big game. I’ve seen many where they go into the 90s or 100s or more.

I can’t imagine Dylan Raiola’s heart rate being higher than about 75 beats per minute.

Nebraska won the 2024 opener over UTEP 40-7. Yes, the defense is still great, flying to the ball and wreaking havoc on an opposing offense. Oh, and the transfers in NU’s offense seem to be pretty good too. But all this seemed like mere background to the real story.

Husker fans: I got it. The hype is real, it’s been building for a while, and it grew even more on Saturday. There were simple throws that were made with ease, plays kept alive with his movement in and out of the pocket, and highlight reel throws that previous NU QBs just couldn’t make last year or the year before, maybe ever.

He looked effortless at times, and even when he was forced to move, step out of the pocket, or drive toward the line as the pass rush surrounded him, Raiola continued to scan the field. There was one sack, a handful of near misses or intentional throws and 19 completions on 27 attempts.

Three plays stood out. You know what they are. I’ll go in reverse order, which is also how I’d rank them in terms of raw excitement.

Just before halftime, Husker DB Malcolm Hartzog intercepted an errant UTEP pass at the NU 41. Leading 23-7, Raiola engineered a two-minute drive that started with a 3rd-and-12 conversion to transfer WR Isaiah Neyor . A few plays later, he hit Janiran Bonner for the 14, putting the Huskers 21 yards from paydirt with 0:08 on the clock and a timeout.

Three receivers ran toward the middle or right side of the end zone. Raiola targeted fellow transfer Jahmal Banks, who was double covered. All it would take is a perfectly placed ball, and of course that’s what Raiola delivered. Banks, who like Neyor is 6’4”, plucked it out of the air for the exclamation point TD of the half.

Ty Robinson just destroyed UTEP’s backfield, essentially tackling both the quarterback and running back into their own end zone for a safety. Raiola missed Neyor on first down, but not on second down.

Neyor, lined up on the right side of the formation, blew by his defender in (what would have been) press coverage and sprinted down the sideline. Raiola saw him gain at the line of scrimmage and put a deep ball into the rainbow. Neyor had a chance on a similar pass in the first quarter that he just couldn’t meet, but this time he made the catch, slipped a pair of tackles and stayed on his feet to score.

The 59-yard touchdown was the longest drive of the game and gave Nebraska a 16-7 lead. It was the first of four straight TD runs before Raiola’s day ended.

The first game of the opener started with a couple of third and short converted grounders. Then came two of Nebraska’s three penalties on the day, a false start and offensive pass interference. 2nd and 30. So much for scoring on the first drive, right?

Not so fast – things are different now.

Banks found a big hole in the zone coverage for a 19-yard catch and ran to set up 3rd-and-11 from the UTEP 36-yard line. Raiola dropped back, scanned the field and realized he was running out of time. Sliding forward into the pocket, he spotted Neyor crossing from left to right. With little time to react to the small window of opportunity, Raiola ducked to his right and lobbed Neyor’s weapons right at the sticks. (Side gun third down from a number 15 in red? Stand still, my heart.)

A gain of 16 and a first down led to another transfer, Dante Dowdell, scoring his first points of the season from five yards out to end the game.

~~~

It’s on, folks. I don’t want to sound hyperbolic, but it’s difficult to describe what we see without gushing a little. I am very impressed and you should be too. Second seasons under Matt Rhule are historically much better than first seasons anyway, but he’s never had a college signal caller like this. The floor and ceiling have been raised with Dylan Raiola as the new leader of a new-look offense.

Now comes Colorado. This first foray into college ball was against a Conference USA team. Colorado has talent, and while they can be very lumbering and disorganized, they showed last season that they can put up points in a hurry. Raiola’s leadership and stability will almost certainly be tested.

If today was any indication, he’ll be up to it.

Come on… let yourself dream a little.