The eruption of the stadium was unmatched when Dylan Raiola threw for a first down conversion to Isaiah Neyor in a Mahomes’esc sidearm pass. That wasn’t where the Raiola, Neyor connection stopped either. The dynamic connected for 6 catches and 121 yards. Leading Nebraska to have its first 100 yard receiver since Trey Palmer went for 165 yards against Iowa in 2022. Raiola looked like a veteran in every facet, being shown early on when a UTEP defender jumped into the neutral zone. Raiola quickly realized the opportunity for a free play and took a shot at the end zone causing a pass interference leading to a Donte Dowdell touchdown just a few plays later. Even with Raiola’s experience beyond his years, he definitely enjoyed his comfort blanket in Neyor.
The runningback room looked very solid. Without a back yesterday showing big play ability, Dowdell and Emmett Johnson led the team in rushing. Dowdell and Emmett Johnson getting accumulating 55 yards a piece and both receiving 8 carries. Dowdell seemed to be the standout running back until he was benched due to fumbling on UTEP Miners 2 yard line. Even though, Dowdell and Emmett may have took control of the rushing game but all four backs seen touches against the Miners including 2 touchdowns for Gabe Ervin Jr. and a good dose of Rahmir Johnson.
The defense showed weakness at defensive back early when Malcom Hartzog was beat deep for a UTEP touchdown, but Hartzog did make up for the early mistake with a second quarter interception. The defensive line and linebackers played very well. Recording a total of four sacks against a team who got the ball out as quickly as possibly due reduce the defensive lines affect on the game.
In totality, Nebraska showed to be very impressive. A team which, if healthy, could win 9-10 games in 2024. To accomplish this task, Raiola will have to get more comfortable with his ability to throw the deep ball and Nebraska will have to find more explosive plays throughout the season. The defense looks close to what we were expecting and the offense may be even better than Husker nation was hoping for. This Week will be the true test for the biggest questions on the team in the offensive line and defensive backs as Colorado is sure to put both to the test.
