The Nebraska Cornhuskers opened their season after a long off season of waiting and anticipation. The Huskers hosted CUSA opponent UTEP Miners lead under first year head coach Scotty Walden. The game started off fast enough, with the Huskers taking a quick 7-0 victory. They followed it with a dominating three and out on defense. After that, things got murky for a moment. The Huskers went three and out themselves, and then UTEP quickly scored on a deep shot to the end zone. In my analysis of the spring game, I was worried about our defense having the top taken off of it with deep shots, and so this was frustrating to see happen. Luckily, this would be the last points UTEP would score. The Huskers then went down and were ready to score when Dante Dowdell fumbled the ball near the endzone. He never entered the game again after that. Following the fumble, which was frustrating familiar from 2023, the Huskers Blackshirts caused a safety and it was all Nebraska after that. Here are the key observations.
Impressive Performance by QB Raiola
As expected, 5 Star High School phenom QB Dylan Raoila was expectational in his debut as the Huskers starting QB. As freshman, I was extremely impressed with not just his arm talent, but his football IQ. His ability to check plays at the line of scrimmage, make smart checkdowns, and throw the ball away is something we haven’t had at the QB position in a loooooooooong time. Raoila would go on to go 19/28 for 238 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. His most impressive touchdown was a perfect back shoulder fade to Banks right before half time. Raiola’s favorite target appeared to be Neyor, who made several important catches throughout the game, including a touchdown pass wherein he shrugged off two tacklers on a deep route to get in the endzone.
Running Backs Rotation and Performance
All the running backs got a chance to show their skills in the opener, providing a glimpse into the team’s backfield depth. As we talked about earlier this week, I was concerned with the fact that we had no clear RB1 going into this game. Early on, Dowdell looked particularly talented and I thought he was clearly the guy, although a fumble marred his otherwise promising performance. He never saw the field again. E. Johnson and Gabe Ervin formed a solid one-two punch, creating a dynamic and effective running game. R. Johnson, on the other hand, had an okay game but didn’t stand out as much, although he collected 50 yards on the ground. Overall the Huskers ran for 223 yards. Impressive. Going forward I would expect E. Johnson to RB1, with Ervin as the powerback.
Blackshirt Performance
The Huskers’ defense initially gave up a big play over the top—a concern that had lingered since the spring game. However, they quickly locked in and made significant adjustments. They soon after forced a safety which appeared to be the turning point of the game. One of the highlights of the defensive performance was Malcom Hartzog’s critical takeaway right before halftime. Later in the game, Rahmir Stewart (a backup) took one away from the Miners as well. Besides being taken off the top that one play, the Blackshirts flew to the ball, were dominant, and reminiscent of the 2023 team. Alvano even made his lone field goal from 20 yards, and made all extra points. This should bode well going forward.
Backups Getting into the Game
Nebraska was able to get its backups, second, third and heck I think even some fourth string guys made it into the game. This is huge, as that builds the talent and depth needed for championship caliber football teams. What I will say is I don’t recall the last time that Nebraska was able to play backups to this extent. It is worth noting that with backups being in most the second half, and UTEP still was not able to score again.
All in all, dominant performance by the Huskers. I was concerned early with the fumble and when it was tied 7-7. I’ll admit I became anxious, but the Huskers quickly regrouped and dominated the game. That’s what good teams do. So good signs for all thing ahead. Go Big red.
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