3 takeaways as Nebraska opens season with blowout of UTEP

Nebraska is 1-0, kickstarting the 2024 season and Dylan Raiola era with a blowout win over UTEP! While some stiff tests undoubtedly await the true freshman down the road, he was brilliant in his first career start in Week 1.

After announcing Raiola as the starter, head coach Matt Rhule was adamant the full playbook would be open for the offense. That proved to be the case with Raiola taking shots down the field throughout his time in the game, delivering some promising moments in the process.

By the time Raiola gave way to the backups, the game was well out of hand, and his job was complete. Most importantly: Raiola did not commit a turnover, allowing the offense to operate efficiently during his time in the game.

At the final whistle, Nebraska walked away with a 40-7 win over the Miners, a more than successful start to the year. Here are the key takeaways from the win:

Dylan Raiola is ready for the moment

Let’s get one thing out of the way: UTEP is not the toughest defense Nebraska is going to face all season. The Miners are a far cry from the elite B1G teams such as Ohio State, Michigan, Oregon and Penn State on the defensive side of the ball.

Nevertheless, Raiola’s performance in Week 1 provides a lot of confidence. He opened the season with a textbook scoring drive, complete with 3rd-down conversions, and maintained his efficiency throughout his time in the game.

Raiola finished his debut 19-for-28 passing the ball for 238 yards and 2 touchdowns. Combine that with the fact he did not commit a turnover and was able to make some throws on the move, and it’s fair to get excited for Nebraska’s potential on the offensive side of the ball.

Wide receiver newcomers leave their mark

While the spotlight was on Raiola’s outing, it’s fair to point out he was not throwing to the same receiving corps that Nebraska played in 2023. The transfer class of the Huskers this offseason included Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks, and both came up big in Week 1.

Neyor led the team with 6 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown while Banks was 2nd on the team with 4 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. That duo gives the Huskers some competitive playmakers on the outside, and their impact on the offense cannot be overstated.

The balance in the passing game and ability to push the ball downfield will only further open up a ground game that has a chance to be special this fall.

Running back rotation clicks in season opener

Rhule and his staff did not hide the fact that there would be 4 running backs to see the field early in the season opener. Every player in the quartet of Emmett Johnson, Rahmir Johnson, Dante Dowdell and Gabe Ervin Jr. logged at least 6 carries, and the Huskers as a team eclipsed 200 yards rushing.

Ervin scored 2 of the team’s 3 rushing touchdowns while Rahmir Johnson led the team with 11 carries. However, it was Emmett Johnson who led Nebraska with 71 yards, thanks to a 42-yard carry while in the game.

Realistically, it’s likely Nebraska begins to concentrate the carries between a few players as the season develops, but the performance in Week 1 speaks to the depth within the unit. The Huskers have a strength in their RB group, and it will help alleviate some of the pressure facing Raiola as the competition steps up.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.