Huskers Dominate in Season Opener: Raiola Shines in Debut

The Nebraska Cornhuskers kicked off their 2024 season in style, delivering a resounding 40-7 victory over UTEP at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The game marked an impressive debut for true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, who led the Huskers to their first season-opening win since 2019.

Raiola’s Remarkable Debut

Raiola wasted no time making his mark, completing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns. The young quarterback’s poise and accuracy were on full display as he orchestrated an offense that amassed a total of 507 yards.

Offensive Fireworks

The Huskers’ offense was firing on all cylinders:

• Isaiah Neyor emerged as Raiola’s go-to target, hauling in 6 catches for 121 yards, including a spectacular 59-yard touchdown.
• Jahmal Banks added 4 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown of his own.
• The ground game was equally impressive, with three backs rushing for over 50 yards each:
  • Emmett Johnson: 71 yards on 8 carries
  • Dante Dowdell: 55 yards and a touchdown on 8 carries
  • Rahmir Johnson: 50 yards on 11 carries
• Gabe Ervin Jr. punched in two short-yardage touchdowns, contributing to the offensive onslaught.

Blackshirts Flex Their Muscles

The Husker defense wasn’t about to be outdone:

• They held UTEP to just 114 total yards in the first half.
• Defensive tackle Ty Robinson recorded a safety, swinging momentum firmly in Nebraska’s favor.
• Malcolm Hartzog Jr. snagged an interception late in the second quarter, setting up another Husker touchdown.

A Complete Team Effort

Head Coach Matt Rhule’s squad showed depth and versatility:

• 11 different receivers caught passes.
• 11 players recorded at least one carry.
• Backup QB Heinrich Haarberg saw significant action, going a perfect 5-for-5 for 35 yards.

Looking Ahead

The Huskers will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for a primetime showdown against Colorado next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. CT, with national coverage on NBC.

With Raiola at the helm and a balanced attack on both sides of the ball, Husker fans have plenty to be excited about as the 2024 season gets underway.