Dylan Raiola reflects on 1st start as Nebraska quarterback: 'A lot of adrenaline'
Dylan Raiola, one of the top freshman quarterbacks in the country and Nebraska’s Day 1 starter this year, looked the part in a 40-7 blowout win over UTEP. But it wasn’t an immediate rollout to success for Raiola in his first start.
After some early jitters — which Raiola quickly overcame — he finished with a clean passing line of 19-of-27 for 238 yards and two touchdowns. And already playing the part leader at his young age, Raiola made sure to heap credit on his teammates and run game.
“I think about the third drive,” Raiola said of when he settled in, “first and second was really a lot of adrenaline and our script. But other than that we settled in and my running game took over and did a great job with that.”
The realization that he would be the Nebraska starting quarterback didn’t quite set in with Raiola until shortly before arriving at Memorial Stadium. And as the son and nephew of Nebraska legends, the meaning of being the starting quarterback for the Cornhuskers hit squarely for Raiola.
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“Just started on the bus drive over here,” Raiola said. “Got heavy on me. Just so thankful and grateful for everything my parents have sacrificed and everybody that’s been part of this journey so just very fortunate.”
The line is out for Nebraska’s next game against Colorado
An old Big 12 rivalry will be back for another year in Week 2. Colorado and Nebraska will square off once again on Saturday, and the updated point spread has been released.
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The Cornhuskers are 7.5-point favorites over the Buffaloes, according to FanDuel. The over-under has been set at 58.5 for the matchup.
Colorado and Nebraska squared off at Folsom Field last year. Both programs were entering new eras as Deion Sanders took over at CU and Matt Rhule started his first year leading the Huskers. Ultimately, it was the Buffaloes who came away with the 36-14 victory.
Next week’s game marks an interesting matchup between two high-profile quarterbacks. Shedeur Sanders is coming off a huge 2024 debut as he looks to become a top NFL Draft pick, while Dylan Raiola made his first career start against UTEP after arriving as a highly touted recruit.
That adds to the intrigue of the second matchup between Rhule and Coach Prime. It all gets underway Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET.