On August 31, the Nebraska Cornhuskers welcome first-year head coach Scottie Walden and the UTEP Miners inside Memorial Stadium. Which Husker players should contribute to a victory? Let’s break it down.
Dylan Raiola
After an offseason of hype, Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule decided that Raiola will be the Cornhuskers’ week one starter against UTEP. This isn’t surprising news. All of college football expected him to manage the program’s offense as a true freshman. But why did Rhule make this decision? In an interview with Husker Radio Network, Rhule said that the former five-star prospect “Has a great arm,” that allows him to make, “Timed throws with his feet.” These intangibles have led him to protect the ball during fall camp.
On the other hand, he’s also become a leader off the field. In the offseason, he trained the program’s wide receivers in Texas. And he invited the offensive line to dinner. These actions have drawn him closer to his teammates. This has translated to the practice field because it’s made him, “Aggressive in all the right ways.” But will his elite play prevent freshman mistakes in his first game? It’s an interesting question to ask before kickoff.
Dylan Raiola will start at quarterback for the Huskers vs. UTEP#GBR x #WhatsNExt! pic.twitter.com/iNVFEOjSvf
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) August 21, 2024
Ty Robinson
It was a busy off-season for the sixth-year senior. At Big Ten Media Days, Robinson was picked to represent Nebraska alongside center Ben Scott. And in August, Rhule awarded him one of the program’s single-digit numbers. He’ll be instrumental in disrupting the rhythm of UTEP’s starting quarterback. In 2023, the twelve-game starter tallied up 29 tackles and broke up six passes for the Cornhuskers. He also proved himself on special teams when he blocked a field goal against Iowa. In turn, senior nose tackle Nash Hutmacher will make life hard for Miner running back Jevon Jackson. Even though he rushed for 1,000 yards last season, the South Dakota native’s wrestling background helped him become of the premier players in the Big Ten Conference last season. His experience should allow him to triple his tackles, and give the Blackshirts another pass rush threat in Tony White’s defense. More importantly, he’ll also guide Cam Lenhardt and Princewill Umanmielien as they begin their sophomore years.
Issac Gifford
The Lincoln native’s role as a leader has made him a valued defender in John Butler’s secondary at Nebraska. It’s something that will most likely allow the senior to shut down former Austin Peay wideout Trey Goodman. In 2023, the Georgia native tallied 34 receptions for 721 yards and seven touchdowns for the Governors. As a result, he was able to earn first-team honors in his junior season with the program. On paper, he poses a legitimate threat to the Huskers defense. In the first half, we should expect Jake Brown’s new scheme to confuse the Cornhuskers defense. But later in the contest, Gifford’s defensive acumen should lead NU’s secondary to stop him in his tracks.
Jaylen Lloyd
At the wide receiver position, Nebraska has acquired significant talent under Garrett McGuire. Nebraska’s transfer wideouts Jahmal Banks and Isaiah Neyor headline the group. But there are also underclassmen on the roster that have impressed. Freshman Jacory Barney is one of them, but Lloyd has more to offer NU’s offense. In 10 games as a true freshman, he caught six passes for 237 yards and three touchdowns. Under Raiola’s guidance, the Omaha native has kept his big-play ability. This manifested itself during the Cornhusker’s spring game when the two connected on a 64-yard touchdown pass. Can the sophomore continue to perform this season? Or will the two-sport athlete encounter a slump?
Micah Mazzccua
The transfer from Florida looks to be an immediate fixture on NU’s offensive line this season. In 2023, he used his massive frame to become a mainstay for the Gators at right guard in 2023. He almost came to Lincoln in 2022, but things didn’t align. But now that he is here, he’s ready to contribute. In his address to the media on Wednesday, he’s challenging NU’s offensive line to “not be scared of anyone.” The position group has taken a blow at the left tackle position with Teddy Prochazka’s injury, so this attitude should take hold.
Read more about Nebraska’s problem at left tackle in Depth Chart Predictions: Nebraska’s Offensive Line
