Nebraska football is finally here! It’s finally football season in Lincoln, and before I get started on this recap, I just wanted to say how great it was. Waking up in the morning to hear music playing, hanging out with familiar faces, meeting new friends along the way, an awesome tailgate experience (shoutout Mike Delawhere). The gameday atmosphere in Lincoln just felt so great, even for UTEP. It all just felt good, like there is some real energy behind this team in 2024. It was a hot one, but the stadium was packed, and louder than anytime I can remember for a G5 opponent in my experience. But with that, the stage is set.. Let’s recap this game!
Nebraska had the ball first to open the season, and the first drive went very well. Dylan Raiola led a 12-play, 72-yard drive that took nearly six minutes off of the clock, ending in a counter play pounded in for the first points of the year. The Blackshirt Defense came and had a huge three-and-out to get the ball back to the offense. After that, the Husker offense struggled for a few drives, including a turnover on downs, a three-and-out, and a fumble inside in the UTEP five-yard line. The Miners turned that three-and-out into a quick-strike, three play drive to get on the board. Nebraska put together a big drive, until a red zone fumble loss gave UTEP the ball deep in their own territory. That is when out big anchor Ty Robinson made a huge play for the safety. Dylan Raiola showed off the arm talent in this first part of the game, but REALLY shined on a 59 yard touchdown bomb to transfer Isiah Neyor! Raiola finished the half 15-of-22 passing for 192 yards and two touchdowns. Nebraska totaled 339 yards in the first half. UTEP managed 114 yards, with 79 coming through the air.
From then, it just became the blowout that we have wanted to see for a long time. The bench was emptied, fun was had on the sideline, the stadium was emptying a little early (not too mad about it when we are up by so much, and energy was brought all game). Jokingly on my socials, I have been preaching “Nebraska is so back”. Yes, I am half kidding. But, how long has it been since we had a good looking offense like that? How long has it been since we could pull a bunch of starters in the third quarter? Think about some of these stats I am throwing at you. Today’s game marked the first time Nebraska opened the season at home since 2019, and the victory was the Huskers’ first in a season opener since 2019. The Huskers had 339 yards before halftime, just 80 yards shy of the Huskers’ 2023 game high (419 yards vs. Louisiana Tech). Nebraska did not hit 200 passing yards one time last season, but Dylan was at 192 by halftime, ending with 238 in his first game.
I really do feel this year is different now. Am I majorly budging off my 7-5 prediction? No. By different, I mean we are a decent-to-good football team that will be bowling and be able to play against competent football teams. However, you probably could convince me this team can win eight, with an outside shot at an upset to sneak 9. Don’t think 9 wins happens quite yet, but I am willing to concede now that it isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Dylan and this revamped WR core looked that good on film. Yes, it was UTEP, but that is not my point. The key takeaway from the opener is the noticeable evolution in our offensive game plan and execution. While the Huskers did take their foot off the gas early on, and faced some initial struggles, the overall quality of the offense was evident. The play-calling, offensive concepts, and execution have all shown significant improvement. These elements are not just situational; they represent a fundamental shift in how Nebraska approaches games. That translates to any opponent, regardless of quality.
Let me know your thoughts on social media, and watch NBNR Monday night to catch the guys’ thoughts on Week 1, and Colorado Week! My Colorado Preview will be released Thursday morning! GBR
