Nebraska made a statement right from when they entered the stadium ahead of Rutgers kickoff. NFL DT Ndamukong Suh, who’s not only a Super Bowl champion but also a former Huskers alum, led Dylan Raiola and his team out of the tunnel. While it’s an honor for every Huskers player and fan, it’s something more special for the freshman QB. 

As is shared on X on October 6, Ndamukong Suh is a former teammate of Dylan Raiola’s father Dominic Raiola who was a second-round pick for the Detroit Lions. After the game, Raiola said of the experience, “That’s one of the cool moments that I’ll probably never forget, sharing the Tunnel Walk with one of the greatest players ever to play this game.”

The stellar entry only gave more confidence to Nebraska as they defeated the Scarlet Knights in unexpected plays. They led with two touchdowns by halftime despite a poor performance by the offense and special teams. Dylan Raiola struggled in the game and completed only 13 of 27 passes for 134 yards. He didn’t score any touchdowns in their 14-7 victory over Rutgers. 

But it was a late play from special teams that upped their game in the fourth quarter. The standout performer of the game goes to senior punter Brian Buschini. Although he fumbled early on beginning with blocked punts, he refused to leave the game. This was where he executed his big play which would lead the Huskers to their ultimate victory. 

Brian Buschini outshone Dylan Raiola in Rutgers victory 

As Nebraska’s offense struggled to find their grip in the fourth quarter, Brian Buschini faked a punt from their 33 on a fourth-and-8 by throwing a 30-yard pass to Isaiah Neyor. He stepped the game up with his last 69-yard punt sealing a victory tainted with struggles for the Huskers. Buschini’s bravado in the game earned the respect of his HC Matt Rhule who described him as having the “heart of a lion.”

What we saw in Saturday’s game shows that Nebraska’s offense needs to buckle up, despite some improvements from their last loss against Illinois. At least they were able to gain 86 of 97 yards before halftime. But their dominant defense saved them from another disheartening defeat. The Huskers defense blocked five plays inside the 2-yard line stalling the Scarlet Knights’ offense. But with their bye week up, they better fix their holes before they meet No. 23 Indiana on October 19.