August 31, 2024; Lincoln, NE, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) throws a cross in the course of the third quarter towards the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium . Obligatory Credit score: Dylan Widger-Imagn Photos Nebraska will take the sector Saturday evening and, for the primary time in 5 years and 7 days, could have an AP High 25 quantity subsequent to its identify.
The Cornhuskers, ranked No. 23 within the AP ballot because of a robust efficiency towards Colorado final week, will look to construct on that effort towards Northern Iowa, the workforce’s first in 11 years. A 2-0 begin.
Second-year coach Matt Rhule has led Nebraska to its first 2-0 begin since 2016, the Huskers’ most up-to-date profitable report in a bowl recreation.
“That is in all probability the place we ought to be, but it surely’s not the place we wish to be, proper?” Rule mentioned. “My (three) youngsters are excited, glad for them. My gamers could also be excited, however we now have greater plans than that.
“We come right here with excessive expectations. You come right here to compete in large tournaments. You come right here to compete in entrance of a crowd, you realize? We’re hoping to get ranked, however no matter it’s – twenty third , twenty fourth – that is not the end result we needed, so go 1-0 each week and see what occurs.
To date, two large wins have occurred in entrance of a crowd of greater than 86,000 at Memorial Stadium — UTEP’s 40-7 defeat, adopted by a 28-10 win over Colorado final Saturday. Nebraska’s offense, led by freshman Dylan Raiola, remained balanced and dedicated few turnovers. Raiola accomplished 57 passes, taking pictures 73.7%, advancing 423 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no draft picks.
“What you see on offense is velocity,” mentioned Northern Iowa coach Mark Farley, whose program confronted Nebraska for the primary time in his greater than 23 years teaching. “You are going to see velocity that they’ve by no means had earlier than. It isn’t simply common velocity, it is a completely different velocity.”
In the meantime, the Huskers protection has dedicated eight sacks and 4 turnovers whereas permitting simply 8.5 factors and 232.5 yards per recreation. Each of the latter statistics rank within the prime 25 nationally. Defensive deal with Ty Robinson led the Huskers with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
“The factor I am watching about Nebraska proper now’s the perspective of their workforce, the way in which they’re enjoying, in contrast to some years in the past,” Farley mentioned. “Everyone is aware of you could have custom. Man, we now have custom. You take a look at the protection, it is robust, robust and quick. It is a robust mixture. That is why they solely gave up 16 (speeding) yards final week. .I feel they’re the fifth-best speeding protection within the nation.
That is not excellent news for Northern Iowa, which has thrown for 597 yards and 4 touchdowns in its first two video games towards FCS foes Valparaiso and St. Thomas. Senior Tye Edwards rushed for 310 yards.
“He runs arduous each time he runs,” Farley mentioned. “Whether or not it is a acquire of 1 yard or a acquire of 20 yards, that man is hitting the outlet the way in which he is speculated to, and he sees the sector nicely. The depth of his recreation might be why he is profitable proper now.”
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