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For the first time in a long time, Nebraska is 1-0 to start the new year.
After playing and losing to Big Ten opponents to open each of the last four seasons, the Huskers finally were given a Group of Five opponent in their first game in the UTEP Miners. Unlike the previous few openers, Nebraska found success and rolled to a 40-7 win. After a few long seasons, it seems like there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for Husker fans.
Here are three takeaways and a question from Nebraska’s resounding win over UTEP:
The passing offense is completely revamped
In the 2023-24 season, the Huskers had an abysmal time passing the rock. Nebraska ranked 126th out of 134 teams in passing offense and passing efficiency, throwing for a measly 10 touchdowns on the year.
In the offseason, the Huskers looked to completely revamp the passing game, adding blue-chip freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola and a plethora of targets for him to throw to. After today’s game, it’s safe to say that the revamp was successful.
Against the Miners, Raiola had a strong debut, going 19-of-27 in the air for 238 yards and 2 scores. Last season, the most yards Nebraska threw for as a team was 199 yards vs Michigan.
Raiola’s arm talent is something that the Huskers have not had in a while. It also helps that the weapons Nebraska added in the offseason were dynamic.
The star receiver for the Huskers today was senior newcomer Isaiah Neyor, who caught six passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. The highlight for Neyor was a 59-yard touchdown in the second quarter where he was able to beat the defensive back and keep his balance to reach the endzone.
Other newcomers such as senior Jahmal Banks, freshman Carter Nelson and freshman Jacory Barney Jr. also contributed to the passing game. Overall, Nebraska had a total of 11 players catch a pass, giving the Huskers a lot more options in the passing attack than last season.
After a historically bad passing attack in 2023-24, it is a breath of fresh air to see Nebraska attacking through the air.
Defense is good as advertised
Unlike the offense, Nebraska’s defense in 2023-24 was exceptional. The Blackshirts ranked 8th in rushing and 40th in passing defense during the campaign and were a bright spot on a disappointing team.
After returning most of their production from last season, the Husker defense had high expectations coming into the opener and they were able to deliver on those.
Nebraska’s front seven was a nightmare for the Miners. The veteran defensive line duo of seniors Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson was as formidable as ever making their way into the backfield often. Overall the unit produced nine tackles for loss and only allowed a total of 56 yards on the ground. They also forced a safety early in the second quarter, marking the Husker’s first defensive one since 2009.
The passing defense also looked strong. The defense only allowed 149 passing yards on the day. Outside of a 38-yard touchdown by Miner back Kam Thomas, the unit limited the big plays through the air. They also were able to force UTEP to throw two interceptions, which helped the Huskers win the turnover battle.
Many expected Nebraska’s defense to improve and today they were able to prove that.
Huskers look poised for a big year
After many long and arduous seasons, it finally looks like the Huskers may be able to put it together.
It has been a while since Nebraska has had a collection of talent like this on both sides of the ball. There have been years where one side of the ball excels, but recently there has not been any where both sides are as polished as this year.
The Huskers also looked very disciplined today. Besides a few early penalties, Nebraska played a clean game of football. Many teams in recent years have sabotaged games by committing boneheaded penalties, but this team feels a lot more level-headed.
With Raiola’s incredible arm, the monstrous front seven and a softer schedule than usual, the Huskers may be able to reach heights they’ve only been able to gaze at in recent years.
Who will emerge out of the running back room?
One of the biggest questions coming into the game was the situation at running back. On the initial depth chart, Nebraska listed four starters at the position. Senior running back Rahmir Johnson was the back who got the first carry, however, sophomore running back Dante Dowdell quickly emerged as the go-to guy, getting the bulk of the following carries.
When it seemed like Dowdell was going to cement himself as the starter, a costly fumble on the Miners’ three-yard line was the last time he saw the ball.
The other backs, sophomore Emmett Johnson and junior Gabe Ervin Jr. emerged as the game progressed. Johnson finished as the leading rusher with 71 yards and Ervin punched in two scores.
Many expected an answer at the position today, but it seems that only more questions emerged.
Ben Beecham is an assistant sports editor at The Daily Nebraskan. Follow him on X @BeechamBen
sports@dailynebraskan.com
