In week one, Nebraska trounced the UTEP Miners to capture their first home-opening victory since 2019. Which Huskers were instrumental to their dominant 40-7 win inside Memorial Stadium?
Dylan Raiola
The true freshman quarterback is who he thought he was. Against UTEP, he routinely made sidearm throws and was almost flawless in the intermediate passing game. But the deep ball is where Raiola truly shined. Early in the second quarter, he extended the Cornhuskers lead by hitting Isaiah Neyor in stride for a 59-yard touchdown. And in the closing seconds before halftime, the Georgia native connected with Wake Forest transfer Jahmal Banks for a 21-yard score. It just seemed too easy out there for the NU legacy. In week two, the competition is going to be a lot harder. Nebraska hosts Colorado at home in a primetime matchup. This should motivate the true freshman to deliver the goods. But there’s only one problem. Buffalo cornerback Travis Hunter. The junior made a habit of flustering ex-Husker quarterback Jeff Sims. Could Raiola suffer the sins of the past? Or will he outwit the first-team All-American?
Dylan Raiola with a DEEP pass to Isaiah Neyor for the TD 🎯🎯🎯@HuskerFootball extends the lead! pic.twitter.com/hpXKReRxNA
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 31, 2024
Gabe Ervin
All four of Nebraska’s running backs made solid contributions against UTEP. This began early when Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell plunged into the endzone for the Huskers’ first score. However, his fumble gave the Miners the opportunity to answer. Junior quarterback Skyler Locklear connected with wide receiver Kam Thomas on a 38-yard score. Other than that miscue, the Cornhuskers dominated the game on the ground. Senior Rahmir Johnson and sophomore Emmett had 50 yards each. But junior Gabe Ervin provided the most impact. In short rushing situations, the 220-pounder rushed for two touchdowns. Will EJ Barthel’s rushers continue their momentum against Colorado? NU has plenty of evidence that they can expose the Buffs. Under defensive coordinator Robert Livingston, CU gave up 450 rushing yards against North Dakota State.
Jacory Barney Jr
The freshman from Miami factored into the Cornhuskers special teams unit under Ed Foley. Before NU’s first drive, Barney returned the ball 19 yards to the program’s own 28-yard line. Wide receivers coach Garrett McGuire also chose to deploy him as a slot receiver. This scheme led him to connect with Raiola on a first down throw. Not a bad start in week one. He can continue his ascent against CU’s leaky pass defense. But will the freshman accept the challenge ahead? After the spring game, he made it one of his goals to “take back a kickoff against Colorado.”
Ty Robinson
No surprise here. After being a key fixture on Nebraska’s defensive line last season, the Arizona native continued his strong play with the Cornhuskers against UTEP. His stats weren’t eye-popping, but he helped NU when it mattered most. After UTEP safety Landon Hullaby pounced on Dowdell’s fumble, Robinson and the Blackshirts suffocated Locklear and the UTEP offense in the endzone for a safety. And in the second half, he got inside the ex-Austin Peay quarterback’s head once again. This would show when he was stopped by Robinson once again. Will he be able to combat Colorado’s offensive line? Phil Loadholt’s unit only allowed one sack against NDSU. For reference, starting quarterback Shedeur Sanders was sacked a whopping 56 times in 2023.
Malcolm Hartzog
NU secondary coach John Butler had a phenomenal start to his coaching career at Nebraska. The Cornhuskers held the Miners to 150 passing yards on the day. The only miscue came when junior cornerback Malcolm Hartzog was caught flat-footed on the 38-yard line. This allowed UTEP to gather some momentum in the game, but they didn’t hold it for long. Next week will serve as an early test for Butler’s unit. Under head coach Deion Sanders, the Buffs have received threats all over the field. Against the Bison, Hunter snagged seven receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Jimmy Horn Jr was effective as well. He had seven catches for 198 yards and a score.
Read more about Jimmy Horn Jr’s explosive day for the Buffs against Nebraska last season in The Issues That Nebraska has to Fix For Northern Illinois
