Somehow, someway, Nebraska’s season opener is upon us. The Miners of UTEP march to town, and the four-touchdown underdogs say they have more on their minds than just the $1.65 million they earn just for showing up.
Game predictions
Who scores the game’s first points and how?
Amie Just, columnist: Dylan Raiola to Jahmal Banks, 37-yard touchdown off a corner route.
Luke Mullin, reporter: Dylan Raiola finds Thomas Fidone for a 9-yard touchdown pass.
Nate Head, editor: Dylan Raiola on an 8-yard scramble. Pocket breaks down, he slips out, crowd goes bananas.
Colton Stone, digital editor: Dylan Raiola hits Rahmir Johnson on a 12-yard swing pass for a score.
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Who will lead Nebraska in rushing?
Mullin: Gabe Ervin Jr., though Emmett Johnson will be a close second.
Head: Flip a four-sided object and see what it lands on. Let’s say Rahmir Johnson.
Stone: Emmett Johnson by a slim margin.
Which defensive player will we be talking about after the game?
Mullin: DeShon Singleton. The safety will dominate in his return to the field with several crushing tackles.
Head: Malcolm Hartzog. He had three interceptions as a freshman in 2022; none in 2023. He gets back on the board Saturday.
Stone: Jimari Butler. He knows how to wreak havoc, especially after 8½ TFLs and 5½ sacks a season ago.
How does the fourth quarter feel?
Just: Boisterous and fun. Backups playing for Nebraska.
Mullin: Comfortable, but not too comfortable as Nebraska mixes up its personnel.
Head: Hot. (But Nebraska is up big).
Stone: Exciting and relieving as Nebraska will be in total control.
Over/under
Dylan Raiola passing yards — 243.5
Raiola interceptions — 0.5
Jahmal Banks receiving yards — 53.5
Thomas Fidone receiving yards — 24.5
Longest field goal made, in yards — 38.5
Luke Mullin and Amie Just have the Husker report after a news conference on Monday.
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