Matt Rhule’s undefeated streak for the season came to an end after losing 30-27 against Michigan. The Wolverines’ relentless rushing attack and aggressive pass rush made things tough for the Huskers. The worst part is despite showing flashes of excellence that included a first half Hail Mary pass, Dylan Raiola couldn’t carry his team to victory. But he isn’t losing hope as he aims to come out strong against MI State and show what he and his team are truly capable of.

Nebraska went through a rollercoaster night against Michigan. One issue that’s been glaring through the first three games of the season was their inability to finish drives, and that came up in this game too. On their first drive, they were close to the goal line but then failed on 4th and 2. And the result? Michigan got the ball at its 5-yard line. Then again, on the next drive, the Huskers started at Michigan’s 37-yard line and tried a 44-yard field goal by Kyle Cunanan, but he missed it. Matt Rhule’s team got in the red zone two times and came back with zero points on them.

Raiola’s 2024 season’s problems started showing up as Michigan was able to sack him seven times. They even hurried him on two different instances. When the media asked Raiola how he’s going to use this bye week to improve his game, he was clear: “It actually sucks. You have to taste this loss for two weeks.” It makes sense. Ideally the offensive line should protect their QB, but even the QB should understand when to get rid of the ball.

Even Rhule admits the problem in pass blocking, as he said, “There was too much pressure on the quarterback… It’s always a function of everything, but at the end of the day they overwhelmed us some. They pressured us. They brought blitzes.” But despite all of it, Raiola had some game-changing moments. He threw a successful Hail Mary pass to WR Jacory Barney Jr. for 52 yards as time ran out in the second half. Raiola completed 14 of 20 passes for 210 yards with three TDs and a pick.

The Huskers’ run defense is a glaring weakness. In their season opener game against Cincinnati, they gave up 200 rushing yards. The better output against Akron and Houston Christian are due to them being cupcake games. But against Michigan, Bryce Underwood and RB Justice Haynes ran for a combined 210 yards and 2 touchdowns. And the night ended with Sherrone Moore’s team rushing for 286 yards in total.

Dylan Raiola gets real on Huskers’ comeback

Nebraska’s non-conference schedule did wonders for them from Week 1 to Week 3.. And then arrived their real test, the Big Ten matchups. Against Michigan, it didn’t go as planned. But now, in games against USC, Iowa, and Penn State, Dylan Raiola and his team need to show up. Nebraska is not favored against Penn State and the USC Trojans. But apart from them, the Huskers’ schedule looks manageable.

And that is what’s giving Dylan Raiola hope that his team might bounce back. The bye week will just add up to it. “A lot of people think this might break us. I’m just telling you right now, we’re going to come together and do something scary,” Raiola said. The games against Maryland, Minnesota, MI State, Northwestern, and UCLA can turn Raiola’s promise into reality.

But let’s not forget that the games against Maryland, Minnesota, UCLA, and Penn State are all on the road, so those games might be challenging for them. Now, it will be interesting to see how the Huskers work to gain their momentum back.