Matt Rhule praises Dylan Raiola, talks quarterback’s preparation for Colorado game

After Dylan Raiola’s flash and sizzle revealed the explosive potential of Nebraska’s offense Saturday, Matt Rhule saw subtleties in the film that also sparked optimism.

The NU coach saw a freshman who protected the football, checked into the right plays and had the level of aggressiveness Rhule wanted from his quarterback.

Raiola was selected as the Big Ten freshman of the week after completing 19 of 27 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, guiding Nebraska to touchdowns on five of his eight series against the Miners.

Next up is Raiola’s first power conference opponent as rival Colorado comes to town. Deion Sanders and a brash Buffaloes team that took down Nebraska in Boulder a season ago will be a step up from UTEP and a major early-season test.

“We don’t treat any game differently than another in terms of our preparation,” Rhule said. “If you prepare more this week than you did last week, then what were you doing last week? So Dylan, he’ll double down on his process and practice hard and get ready for the game and go out and play, and we’ll play as hard as we can and I’m sure he’ll lay it all on the line.”