Five Reasons Nebraska Will Win: UTEP

We are back to the best time of the year, Husker football season!

Sometimes I’m in awe of the way we continue to pick ourselves up after so many disappointing seasons and are ready to charge forward when the next year starts. We get our hopes up and then they are dashed.

I say NO MORE! This is the year the Huskers come back. This is the year we can look at and say that is when the rise began.

So here we go folks, the EPIC 2024 season starts tomorrow!

We’re going to start with UTEP.

#1 THE QUARTERBACK ROOM

I’m not trying to hype up a true freshman quarterback too much, but… oh what the heck, yes I am!

Dylan Raiola is going to finally be able to go out and show us what he is all about. I am confident that he is going to get the job done as the Huskers QB1.

It’s not just Raiola though, having Heinrich Haarberg and Daniel Kaelin as the back ups will bode well for the Huskers as well. This quarterback room is going to be a strength of the Huskers all season.

#2 DEFENSE

Last year Nebraska’s defense was ranked 11th in total defense nationally.

There are six returning starters ready to lead the way again this year. Last year’s defensive unit allowed for only 16 plays of 30 yards or more. Look for more of that defense this season.

All but one of the players who received single digit jerseys this year were defensive players. I think speaks to the level of defense that we can expect to see.

I’m looking forward to seeing some solid sacks from Nash Hutmacher, Jimari Butler, and Ty Robinson. There were also four defensive backs in that list. That makes me hopeful for a solid Husker secondary and a couple interceptions to start the season.

#3 WIDE RECEIVER

Last season the Husker’s pass game was not very solid. They ranked 13th in the BIG and 126th in the nation.

This year I expect that to change. One reason is that I don’t expect Raiola to be the leading rushers like Haarberg was last year. He has a lot of talented receivers and I expect that we are going to see a much improved passing game.

With the talents of Jahmal Banks, Jaylen Lloyd, Isaiah Neyor, and Jacory Barney Jr. at wide receiver the Huskers are sure to have some big pass plays.

I’m also excited to see Malachi Coleman as he gets 100% healthy and Carter Nelson as he learns the SLOT position.

This group is going to be a strength of the Husker offense this season.

#4 UTEP IS REBUILDING

Nebraska is facing a Miners team that is replacing a lot of it’s top production in both offense and defense from a 3-9 team last season.

While they do have their quarterback returning, UTEP is missing their top three rushers and top four receivers from last season.

They are also missing their top three tacklers.

#5 OPENING WITH A HOME GAME

The Huskers haven’t had a home game as their season opener for the past four years.

Do you know the results of each of those away openers? Nebraska ended up on the losing end each time.

Since 1980, the Huskers have only lost a home season opener twice.

I like those odds.

Be ready to celebrate a solid win to start the season!