Dylan Raiola impresses, Satterfield has ‘heck of a call’

Nebraska football writer Luke Mullin offers his extra points from the Husker football team’s 34-3 win over Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Play of the game: Jaylen Lloyd’s 59-yard reception during the second quarter. Not only did Lloyd burn his coverage at the line of scrimmage, but he was so wide open that quarterback Dylan Raiola spent several seconds scanning the field before he saw Lloyd and launched a deep pass. Of Lloyd’s eight career catches, six have gone for 25 yards or further.

Turning point: Ty Robinson’s third-down pass deflection. With Northern Iowa looking to keep pace with Nebraska, the Panthers were near midfield when they faced a third-and-6. Robinson blew up the screen attempt, forcing a punt when a fourth-down try might’ve been possible. Northern Iowa never regained the momentum it lost after having to punt.

Quotable: Head coach Matt Rhule on Jacory Barney Jr.’s touchdown run.

“It was a heck of a call by (offensive coordinator Marcus) Satterfield. Calling a reverse on the 12-yard line? I wouldn’t do that.”

Game ball: Dylan Raiola. The freshman quarterback completed 70% or more of his passes for the third game in a row, throwing for a career-high 247 yards. Raiola’s command of the offense was so dominant that for the second time in his young college career, he was on the sidelines with his helmet off as the fourth quarter proceeded.

A fourth-quarter interception, the first of his career, will also provide a learning moment on film.

Game ball: Isaac Gifford. The senior defensive back was all over the field as he made a game-high 10 tackles, including 1 1/2 for a loss. Only a near-interception that evaded Gifford’s grasp was worth looking back on as a missed opportunity in a game where his physicality set the tone for the Nebraska defense.

Hat tip: To the entire Nebraska receiving group. Ten players, including quarterback Heinrich Haarberg, caught a pass from Raiola as the Huskers showcased their deep group of pass-catchers.

Questionable: A third-quarter play in which Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks was called for offensive pass interference. Officials were unsure of whether the ball had been tipped at the line of scrimmage — a touch would’ve allowed Banks to legally block rather than being called for a penalty — and initiated a video review.

The call was overturned after review with no penalty called, ending a head-spinning few minutes that were needlessly complicated.

Tone-setter: Nebraska’s game-opening touchdown drive. Playing as a heavy favorite, Nebraska needed to establish an early lead that would prevent Northern Iowa from gaining momentum within the game. An efficient, eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive was just the Huskers needed to take a 7-0 lead right from the jump.