When QB Dylan Raiola went down with an injury against USC in Week 10, Nebraska fans collectively held their breath. They weren’t alone, as HC Matt Rhule watched in disbelief while his star quarterback exited in the third quarter as they lost to USC 21-17. The 20-year-old suffered a broken fibula and will be out for the entire season. But that’s not stopping the star athlete from helping other players.

Despite the setback, journalist Mitch Sherman shared news confirmed by the Nebraska OC that would bring a sigh of relief to the Nebraska faithful. “Injured QB Dylan Raiola was taking notes in meetings on Tuesday morning at Nebraska, according to OC Dana Holgorsen. Later, Raiola was at practice, talking between plays to TJ Lateef.” This speaks to Dylan Raiola’s commitment to the team.

Further updating about the surgery, Sherman tweeted, “He’s off to New York this week to have surgery on his right leg.” Fans poured out their support for Raiola on social media, hoping for a speedy recovery. Even his sister, Taylor Raiola, posted a recovery message on Instagram, which read, “You made waking up with a smile on your face these last two days look so easy. So proud of you buddy. Let’s freaking do this! In your corner always.”

This development is a positive sign for Matt Rhule, who will be eagerly awaiting Dylan Raiola’s recovery and return after surgery. In the meantime, true freshman TJ Lateef will take charge under center for the Cornhuskers. Any advice Raiola shared with him during practice could prove valuable as Lateef prepares to face UCLA on Saturday.

Before the injury, Dylan Raiola was putting up Heisman-contender numbers. In nine games, he completed 72.4% of his passes for 2,000 yards, threw 18 touchdowns, and had six interceptions. With only three games left, Matt Rhule will be looking to end the regular season on a high note. However, UCLA, PSU, and Iowa State stand in his way.

Can Matt Rhule end the season with a positive record without Dylan Raiola?

Sitting 12th in the B1G conference with a 6-3 record, Nebraska finds itself in a tight spot. Their last three games are against B1G opponents, and without Dylan Raiola, it seems like the Nebraska offense can struggle like it did against USC in the third and fourth quarters. While TJ Lateef shows promise, it is enough right now to guarantee a win for Nebraska against these sides.

The first matchup is against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. HC Tim Skipper knows the threat TJ Lateef possesses, even going on record to say that he knows “there are things (Lateef)  does well that they’re going to want to do that (Nebraska) haven’t really shown.” So, that means Nebraska will face a UCLA that will not underestimate despite the QB change, making it a tough battle for Matt Rhule’s side.

If Nebraska wins against UCLA and continues its winning ways against PSU and Iowa State, then it could achieve a good season finish without its ace Dylan Raiola.