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.
Which Nebraska football position group has been the most consistent?
Amie: Quarterback is the obvious one, but I’m going to go with the offensive line. Granted, the end of the Illinois game (was) not great for anyone. But also, of course, Illinois is going to blitz you; that’s the way that goes. Overall, I’d say the offensive line. Not a ton of sacks that have been their fault, Dylan (Raiola)’s danced very, very long on some of those and sacks aren’t always an offensive line issue.
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Luke: I think the offensive line is definitely a fair answer for this one, but since you didn’t say it, I’ll say quarterback with Dylan Raiola and Heinrch (Haarberg) and a little bit of Jalyn (Gramstad) too there earlier in the season. But, just the level of quarterback play, everybody knew Dylan was going to come in and elevate this offense but what he’s done has been so impressive that, as Matt Rhule has mentioned a couple times, you forget he’s a freshman. He’s still playing his first five, six games of college football and makes all the adjustments, all the throws, all the reads and continues to put this Nebraska offense in positions to succeed.
And the way they’ve got Heinrich Haarberg on the field, I know it’s the main thing you’re looking for in that quarterback position, but we keep calling for more Heinrich on this podcast and will continue.
Amie: You look at Dylan’s stats, yes he has two interceptions but neither one of those were his fault. He’s been completing passes at a really high percentage, I believe he’s leading freshmen quarterbacks in completion percentage this season.
Photos: Nebraska football at Purdue in Week 5 college football game — Sept. 28
Nebraska’s Marques Buford Jr. (3) celebrates with one of head coach Matt Rhule’s daughter after the Huskers defeated Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher (0) high-fives head coach Matt Rhule’s daughter after the Huskers defeated Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue fans leave the stadium during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) runs the ball into the end zone to score a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball against Purdue on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball during the second half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball past Purdue’s Nyland Green (2) on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s James Williams (90) tackles Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) as he throws the ball during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) runs the ball into the end zone to score against Purdue during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. on Saturday.
Purdue fans cheer on during the second half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) runs the ball against Purdue’s Joseph Jefferson II (32) during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball against Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman (31) during the second half on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue fans cheer on as they stand over a sign reading “Hammer Down Cancer Sharpe Strong” during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Nebraska radio announcer Greg Sharpe is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad (19) runs the ball against Purdue’s Kyndrich Breedlove (10) during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Kai Wallin (93) celebrates a sack with Nash Hutmacher during the game against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) and Kai Wallin (93) sack Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska fans cheer on after a touchdown against Purdue during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) celebrates with teammates after a touchdown against Purdue during the second half on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue’s Markevious Brown (1) celebrates after blocking a pass to Nebraska in the end zone during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule watches on during the second half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Winston Berglund (20) and Purdue’s Markevious Brown (1) stop Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball during the second half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) runs the ball during the second half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) and Dylan Raiola (15) celebrate after a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball into the end zone to score a touchdown against Purdue during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) celebrates a touchdown against Purdue during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (29) attempts to leap over the Purdue defense at the goal line but falls short during the second half on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) and teammates celebrate after a touchdown during the second half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Yanni Karlaftis (14) celebrates after a stop against Nebraska during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (14) is tackled by Purdue’s Yanni Karlaftis (14) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Keelan Crimmins (30) punts the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s John Bullock (5) and Javin Wright (33) tackle Purdue’s De’Nylon Morrissette (8) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) goes to throw the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after sacking Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) sacks Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Devin Mockobee (45) runs the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (24) runs the ball against Purdue’s Nyland Green (2) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) throws the ball as he is pressured by Nebraska’s Vincent Shavers Jr. (10) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s John Hohl (90) attempts a field goal held by Brian Buschini (13) against Purdue on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) looks on during the first half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) is tackled by Purdue’s Kydran Jenkins (4) and Will Heldt (15) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Vincent Shavers Jr. (10) and Cameron Lenhardt (11) stop Purdue’s Reggie Love III (23) on Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball against Purdue’s Yanni Karlaftis (14) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball against Purdue’s Yanni Karlaftis (14) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Princewill Umanmielen (18) is blocked from Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) by Marcus Mbow (63) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (24) runs the ball after making a catch against Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska players huddle during the first half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (24) misses a catch against Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman (31) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans watch on as the Huskers take on Purdue during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts to a call Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball against Purdue during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) makes a catch during the first half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Jaron Tibbs (13) goes up for a catch above Nebraska’s Ceyair Wright (15) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans watch on as the Huskers take on Purdue during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) goes up for a catch blocked by Purdue’s Will Heldt (15) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) goes up for a catch blocked by Purdue’s Will Heldt (15) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Purdue’s Hudson Card (1) throws the ball during the first half of a college football game against Nebraska at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) throws the ball as he is tackled by Purdue’s Yanni Karlaftis (14) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney Jr. (17) runs the ball against Purdue’s Joseph Jefferson II (32) during the first half of a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
A look inside Ross-Ade Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans find their seats prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II (24) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Daniel Kaelin (12) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Justin Evans (51) and Grant Seagren (79) warm up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Purdue head coach Ryan Walters embrace prior to a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and Purdue head coach Ryan Walters talk prior to a college football game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) warms up prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walks off the field prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) walks off the field prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska players gather at the 50 yard line prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans walk around prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska players walk off the field after gathering at the 50 yard line prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen walks off the field prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska players gather at the 50 yard line prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska’s Nash Hutmacher (0) and Ty Robinson (9) stickers are seen on the team’s bus prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
A look inside Ross-Ade Stadium prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
A sign is posted in the Ross-Ade Stadium end zone prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska players gather at the 50 yard line prior to a college football game between the Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans walk around prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska fans walk around prior to a college football game between the Nebraska Huskers and the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule and the Huskers arrive at Ross-Ade Stadium prior to a college football game against the Purdue Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Ind., on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024.
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