In an absolute BOLD and SHOCKING move, Matt Rhule has officially named Dylan Raiola the starting quarterback for Nebraska. Just kidding, this decision has been anticipated for months, but it’s now official. With that “news,” let’s dive into what expectations should be for this season.
The reality is that many fans have set their expectations for this kid far too high, particularly given his status as a true freshman. To put it simply, this team does not require a superhero performance from Raiola this fall. Sure, we expect him to develop into one by his junior and senior seasons, but as a freshman? The reality of a freshman quarterback is that there will be growth and learning curves. The ultimate goal for Raiola this season is not to dazzle with extraordinary plays but to make smart, consistent decisions and to manage the game effectively.
The key issue from last fall was turnovers, a problem that has been a significant focus for Matt Rhule throughout the spring and fall. Rhule’s coaching philosophy heavily emphasizes the importance of ball security and the ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. Raiola’s primary role will be to adhere to this emphasis, focusing on minimizing turnovers and making prudent decisions with the football. The emphasis is on avoiding costly mistakes rather than producing highlight-reel moments. Yes, a kid with this much talent is going to make some “WOW plays,” but we need to avoid the “WHY plays” we as fans are all too familiar with. If I could use a crystal ball and look at any one player statistic to gauge how this season would go, I would choose Dylan Raiola’s turnover count. If he manages the game and hangs onto the football, Nebraska is set to win 7-8 games, for sure.
By following Rhule’s strategic focus on turnover management, Raiola can help guide Nebraska to a successful season. The statistics from Rhule’s previous coaching stints reveal that winning the turnover battle is crucial for success. For Raiola, understanding and executing this strategy effectively will be more critical than any single spectacular play. His ability to manage the game, maintain ball security, and make smart decisions will be vital for achieving victory. Setting realistic expectations for his performance this season is essential. Rather than expecting him to perform at a superstar level right away, it’s more reasonable to focus on his ability to manage the game and reduce turnovers. Let this talented team go to work, and let these coaches develop these young players.
