Nebraska football midseason review: Dylan Raiola and offense

“Just the overall feel from the field where I was felt really good,” Rhule said in April, also noting the “positive energy” he saw from the Husker offense.

That was in a scrimmage. What Raiola has done since that moment, perhaps even his head coach couldn’t have predicted. Leading the Husker offense as a true freshman, Raiola has helped transform a unit that averaged just 18 points per game in 2023.

As a team, Nebraska scored 28 or more points on three different occasions a year ago; the Huskers have done so four times in the first six games this season.

The formula has changed too, with a lessened emphasis on the ground game and more success in the air. Unlike when quarterback Heinrich Haarberg toted the rock 120 times for the Huskers last season, Nebraska has needed to rely upon its running backs to power a rushing attack that ranks No. 90 nationally with an average of 136.7 yards per game.

The passing game, however, has been completely transformed from a unit that threw for 135.9 yards per game one year prior. Raiola has powered an above-average passing offense nationally, having thrown for 1,358 yards while completing 67% of his passes.

Raiola has also thrown nine touchdowns compared to just three interceptions.

“I think he’s been great,” Rhule said of Raiola on Monday. “He’s had some ‘wow’ moments, I think he gets us in the right checks and I think he protects the football.”

“… I think Dylan’s the guy that the guys on offense look to. We can continue to help him with an improved run game, guys getting open, and I think he’ll get better and better and better every week.”

Snap counts: Raiola 379, Heinrich Haarberg 41.

Raiola was so efficient early in his Nebraska career that he rarely had to play all four quarters, which obviously has changed during Big Ten play. Recent games against tough, physical defenses have succeeded in limiting Raiola’s output and putting him on the ground — but not enough that the freshman has been thrown off his game.

Of the 41 snaps Haarberg has played this season, 33 have come at quarterback. The junior, who’s carried the ball eight times and caught one pass, has also lined up at running back and wide receiver.

Snap counts: Rahmir Johnson 139, Dante Dowdell 128, Emmett Johnson 105, Gabe Ervin Jr. 17.

While the snap counts between Nebraska’s three most-utilized running backs are close, the number of rushing attempts each has accounted for is not. Dowdell has carried the ball 74 times, compared to 36 for Rahmir Johnson and 35 for Emmett Johnson.

Both Johnsons have made a big impact as pass-catchers and change-of-pace running backs — but it’s been Dowdell who’s been the bruiser between the tackles. The running back rotation continues to shift weekly, however, with Emmett Johnson turning in a pair of strong performances in recent weeks.

Snap counts: Jahmal Banks 303, Isaiah Neyor 284, Janiran Bonner 129, Jacory Barney 126, Jaylen Lloyd 90, Alex Bullock 84, Carter Nelson 28.

The seniors Nebraska targeted in the transfer portal as impact pass-catchers have been just that midway through the 2024 season. Banks is the offense’s leading receiver, with 21 catches to his name, but it’s Neyor who’s taken the top off opposing defenses with four of the team’s nine receiving touchdowns.

Outside of Banks and Neyor, Nebraska has the depth needed to sub them off the field without a considerable drop-off. Barney has been a standout performer in the slot, Lloyd adds another deep threat and Bullock has blocked well on the perimeter to earn additional playing time.

Snap counts: Thomas Fidone 258, Nate Boerkircher 179, Luke Lindenmeyer 80, Barret Liebentritt 26.

Now in the midst of a second consecutive healthy season, Fidone continues to improve and grow his presence within the Husker offense. Having recorded 14 catches, Fidone could be targeted even more as a receiver if needed.

Boerkircher is one of Nebraska’s most-used players on offense, with him and Lindenmeyer often doing the dirty work as blockers. Liebentritt, NU’s only fullback, has done the same.

Snap counts: Justin Evans 380, Bryce Benhart 380, Ben Scott 380, Henry Lutovsky 256, Turner Corcoran 197, Gunnar Gottula 192, Micah Mazzccua 130.

The Huskers have their left guard, center and right tackle positions locked down with Evans, Scott and Benhart having anchored the first-team offense thus far. Mazzccua started NU’s first two games at right guard but has been replaced by Lutovsky in the weeks since. Gottula, a redshirt freshman, has done well in replacing an injured Corcoran.

The Nebraska offense wouldn’t be the same without any of its starters, but there’s only one who’s single-handedly elevated the unit: Raiola. The freshman has rarely shown his inexperience, instead commanding the offense with the poise of a seasoned veteran.

Coaches praise his work behind the scenes and teammates praise his work on the field, which has been consistent if not earth-shattering. Raiola is capable of pushing the football when he needs to, but his knowledge of when to take the short checkdowns is equally important.

One thing’s for sure — Nebraska wouldn’t be 5-1 if not for the play of its freshman quarterback.