Nebraska has its first winning season since 2016. It wasn’t pretty but the Huskers got it done. The Big Red is taking the Pinstripe Trophy back to Lincoln.
“I’m excited where we’re heading,” head coach Matt Rhule said postgame.
Here are my takeaways from Nebraska’s 20-15 Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College:
Rhule needs to reevaluate Ed Foley
Nebraska’s special teams continued to implode at Yankee Stadium. From the blocked extra point to the blocked punt, it’s been impressive how many times woes have affected the Big Red. There isn’t much else to say, it’s happened all season.
Underclassmen have huge upside
Three freshmen Blackshirts stood out today, linebackers Vincent Shavers Jr., Willis McGahee IV and cornerback Donovan Jones. Shavers and McGahee had solid freshmen seasons but took it to a whole new level against the Eagles. They clearly took a leap during the past month of bowl practice.
Jones redshirted this season but came in at corner and didn’t look back. He had three solo tackles and wasn’t getting beat by receivers. On the other hand, junior defensive back Malcolm Hartzog Jr. struggled at times, missing key tackles. Jones might have positioned himself to be a serious contender to be one of the starting defensive backs going into 2025.
On offense, freshman wideout Jacory Barney Jr. didn’t have much production but still is going to be one of the main weapons going into next year. Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Gunner Gotuella filled in well this season. Anticipate him being a starter going forward.
Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola played solid. He completed 74 percent of his passes for 228 yards, with one touchdown and an interception. The new Nebraska freshman passing yard record holder will need to work on his deep accuracy.
He also is going to have to work on his ability to improvise outside of the pocket over the offseason, but he showed some fire that is needed in a quarterback at the end. Overall, Raiola had a respectable freshman campaign. Now it’s time for him to take the next step.
Haarberg is at a position that fits him
Who would’ve thought? Junior Heinrich Haarberg has found his position. The converted quarterback, now tight end/receiver, was savvy in the Big Apple. The Kearney native pancaked an Eagle defensive back to help the Huskers get a first down and had one heck of a crack block to open up a 22-yard run for senior running back Rahmir Johnson.
It will be fun to watch Haarberg this next season. He only caught one pass for eight yards, except offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen focusing on utilizing him as a vertical threat during the offseason.
Seniors end on a high note
The Nebraska seniors end their wild ride with a win. Defensive lineman Ty Robinson was a freak on the field, heckling Boston College’s offense and blowing up Eagle defenders lining up at fullback. Robinson should be at least a day-two NFL draft pick.
“The goal when we first got here was to leave this place better than we found it, to start something new, lay that foundation for years to come,” Robinson said postgame. “I think with today’s win us older guys were able to do that.”
Rahmir Johnson had a fitting ending at his childhood roots. The Harlem native had 59 yards on the ground with a touchdown. Rhule revealed that Johnson’s mother had passed away in November. He’s faced a lot of adversity on and off the field. He sure showed heart in his final game as a Husker and was named the Pinstripe Bowl MVP.
“I love this program, I’m dedicated to this place,” Johnson said postgame. “Even with news like that I still wanted to play for these guys and that’s just the type of person I am.”
From Nash Hutmacher, Robinson, Johnson and the rest of the group, they decided to do something unusual in today’s college football world by playing in the bowl game. How can a guy not applaud them? People might look back at the 2024 senior class as the group that steered Nebraska back to prominence.
