{"id":1055,"date":"2025-09-15T10:00:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T10:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/?p=1055"},"modified":"2025-09-15T00:55:13","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T00:55:13","slug":"big-ten-paradigm-nebraskas-rising-confidence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/big-ten-paradigm-nebraskas-rising-confidence\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Ten Paradigm: Nebraska’s Rising Confidence"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nWeek 3 of the 2025 college football season brought plenty of drama across the country, but inside the Big Ten, the storylines hit close to home. From a shocking coaching change to Nebraska\u2019s early growth, fans already have plenty to discuss.<\/p>\n

Raiola Steps Up For Nebraska<\/h2>\n

On this week\u2019s Big Ten Paradigm<\/em><\/a> podcast, host Noah Drury<\/a> welcomed Omaha radio voice Connor Happer<\/a> to break down the Cornhuskers’ start. Dylan Raiola\u2019s maturity has impressed early, showing command of the huddle and making smart decisions with the football. Happer noted how the sophomore has avoided risky plays while still pushing the Huskers\u2019 offense forward. With improved receivers and steadier play-calling under new leadership, Nebraska\u2019s attack looks far more balanced than a year ago.<\/p>\n

UCLA\u2019s Big Ten struggles continue<\/h2>\n

Beyond Lincoln, UCLA\u2019s problems dominated headlines. Head coach DeShaun Foster was fired after just 15 games following a 35\u201310 loss to New Mexico. The Bruins have yet to find their identity in the Big Ten, struggling in the trenches and falling behind physically against league opponents. The firing was made easier by a modest buyout, but the larger issue remains: UCLA\u2019s inability to adapt to its new conference is troublesome.<\/p>\n

Big Ten Week 3 recap and what\u2019s next<\/h2>\n

Elsewhere, USC outlasted Purdue in a weather-delayed contest, while Cal surprised Minnesota behind freshman QB Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Oregon handled Northwestern despite some late drama, and Michigan State revealed both promise and concern in a victory over Youngstown State. Looking ahead, Nebraska hosts Michigan in one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 4. As Happer explained, the Huskers\u2019 secondary could be key against Michigan\u2019s talented receivers, while the Cornhuskers\u2019 front must disrupt Bryce Underwood.<\/p>\n

With conference play ramping up, the next two weeks will shape early playoff conversations. Nebraska isn\u2019t there yet, but as Happer noted, a win over Michigan would change everything.
\nListen to “Big Ten Paradigm Week 3 Recap Mixdown 1” on Spreaker.<\/a>
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