Welcome to the Hot Topic, a weekly feature that poses a key question about the Nebraska football team. On the “Life in the Red Podcast,” Luke Mullin and Amie Just will discuss a topic heading into that week’s game, and a transcription of the conversation will appear in the Journal Star’s Huskers section.
Is Indiana’s Kurtis Rourke or Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola the better quarterback right now?
Amie: Right now, I think it’s Rourke, but I think Raiola’s ceiling is higher. I think there’s something to be said for years of experience, he’s been through a lot, he’s seen a lot and I think he’s (Rourke) in a system that really showcases what he can do really well. I think the same is true for Raiola, but he’s not quite there yet. He’s still showing some of the freshman mistakes that showed up against Rutgers. I think his ceiling is incredibly high, but as it stands right now Rourke is more polished and more veteran.
Luke: Everybody knows what Dylan can become, you see that talent in a freshman and you just protect outward. You just think, man, give him a couple more years to improve and get better — and Rourke has been through that process. Tony White talked about facing him back in the day when Rourke was at Ohio and said he was just kind of like an option quarterback, not really that full command of the offense yet.
He gets those couple seasons at Ohio, really developed, and I agree with you that right now Rourke is playing so well. He’s been one of those outside guys you talk about as a Heisman (Trophy) candidate, and you look at how efficient he’s been. He’s not been throwing interceptions, he’s not been throwing incompletions and that offense is running the ball well too, so it’s not just an all pass-heavy offense.
You get a senior versus a freshman and you’re talking about, hey, who’s going to go out and win one game for you, Dylan absolutely has the capability to do it.
Luke: But you’ve got this guy in Rourke, he’s got all the experience and is playing so well right now, it’s hard to doubt that guy at this moment.
Photos: Nebraska football hosts Rutgers on Homecoming in Lincoln — Sept. 5
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (bottom) is tackled by Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) and Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) prepares to tackle Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai (5) as he runs the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) and Malcolm Hartzog (7) try to prevnent Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) from scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) punts the ball out of the Noth endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska players huddle up the North endzone in the fourth quarter against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) sacks Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano (center) argues a targeting call on one of his players in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
A pass intended for Rutgers’ Ben Black (2) bumps off his helmet as he attempts to score in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues a call with an referee in the quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers’ Eric Rogers (0) and Flip Dixon (10) try to bring down Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) as he runs the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen (center) watches Nebraska take on Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
From left to right, Nebraska defenders Isaac Gifford, Ceyair Wright, DeShon Singleton and MJ Sherman (48) celebrate during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty on Nebraska during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska coach Matt Rhule reacts to a penalty during the game against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) watches the offense play from the sideline during the third quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) looks on during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Javin Wright (33) tackles Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Vincent Shavers (1) forces Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) to fumble the ball on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) makes a pass in the first quarter while teammate Bryce Benhart (54) blocks Rutgers’ Kyonte Hamilton (48) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) receives a hand-off from quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (center) is tackled by Rutgers’ Joe Lusardi (37), Davoun Fuse (19), and Kaj Sanders (5) in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) reacts toward fans in the strands after the Huskers win over Rutgers 14-7 on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) is sacked by Rutgers’ Abram Wright (11) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with teammates on the sideline in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer (44) after completing a pass in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Rutgers’ Flip Dixon (10) rushes after Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) as he catches a pass from Brian Buschini (not pictured) on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) throws a pass on a fake punt against Rutgers on Saturday. The play resulted in a 30-yard gain to Jaylen Lloyd.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nerbaska’s Brian Buschini (13) reacts after absorbing a hit by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) tosses the ball to Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) during the first quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) dives into the end zone for a touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) walks onto the field during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) lays on the ground after being hit on a blocked punt by Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates an interception by Marques Buford (center) during the second quarter of the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska’s John Bullock (right) tackles Rutgers’ Kenny Fletcher (12) during the second quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (right) passes the ball while pressured by Rutgers’ John Stone (71) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska celebrates a touchdown by Dante Dowdell (center) during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner takes off on his second-quarter touchdown run against Rutgers on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star
Nebraska’s Marques Buford picks up an interception against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
Rutgers’ Kyle Monanga escapes tackles andi runs past Nebraska defenders in the second quarter Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson runs with the ball against Rutgers in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Flag was initially drawn but later withdrew as Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal defends against Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor in the second quarter, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Marques Buford (right) defends against Rutgers’ Chris Long in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell scores against Rutgers in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (left) and Malcolm Hartzog (right) Rutgers’ Timmy Ward in a fake field goal attempt in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) is checked on by medical staff after being hit in the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) tumbles into the endzone for a touchdown after being pushed by Rutgers’ Shaquan Loyal (6) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska fans celebrate after the first touchdown against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Justin Evans (left) and Alex Bullock (right) celebrate a touchdown by teammate Janiran Bonner in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates with his teammates after a sack in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) is sacked by Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after stopping Rutgers on third down on Oct. 5 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (16) attempts to hurdle Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) as he is tackled mid air in the second quarter on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Ben Orozco (right) pours shots onto a Husker themed shot-ski board for Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Nebraska fans tailgate before the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Jeff Wylie of Omaha grills bratwursts while tailgating before the Nebraska game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL Journal Star
Ashley Garrard (from left), Sarah Maher, Ally Garrard and Miguel Pagcaliwagan take shots from a Husker themed shot-ski board as they tailgate before the Nebraska game on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
KATY COWELL, Journal Star
Austin Freiberg (from left) from Sergeant Bluff, IA, sits in the bed of a truck while tailgating outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Austin Freiberg sits in the bed of a truck (from left) while his father Dwight grills, from Sergeant Bluff, IA, tailgate outside of at Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
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Nebraska’s Teddy Prochazka (65) high fives fans as he makes his way inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) walks into the stadium during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) makes his way through the crowd during the Legacy Walk before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer waits to get into the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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UNL freshman mechanical engineering major Orion Ulmer (left) and senior construction management major Broc Homeyer wait alongside other students to get inside the stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
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Carter Hergot, 12 (from left) Preston Scott, 12, and Heywood Johnson, 13, hang out in the south stadium before the game on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Bailey Jennett of Lincoln, 16, hands out red balloons ahead of the Rutgers game, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star
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