Nebraska’s three-week winning streak came to an end this Saturday, when the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Huskers by 30-27. Michigan had a head start with a field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter (10-0). Nebraska countered Michigan’s play, moving the ball into the Wolves’ territory, leveling the score (17-17), with 253 yards by the end of the first half. However, the Huskers’ second half was a complete failure, with only 43 and 55 yards in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Their longer runs no longer worked, as they got sacked 7 times, losing 49 yards. The offensive line failed to create room for the ball carriers to rush deep into the territory.

On the passing side, the Huskers threw for 308 yards. Despite being sacked 7 times and being intercepted once, Dylan Raiola stood out with several throws. However, Michigan completely dominated the line of scrimmage, taking advantage of the Huskers’ offensive struggle. Getting outcoached by a team with a sidelined head coach doesn’t look good for the Cornhuskers. CFB experts suggest that Matt Rhule should fix the troubling Nebraska issues, as Dylan Raiola’s prime is getting wasted.

On the latest edition of See Ball Get Ball with David Pollack, CFB Hall of Famer David Pollack and Analyst Brent Rollins discussed Michigan vs Nebraska. Rollins fact-checked that Nebraska still does not have a ranked win since 2016. “I am not discouraged, if I am a Nebraska fan,” Pollack replied. “They have been in this moment a lot recently, and it’s gone horribly since the Indiana game last year,” where they lost the game 56-7. Pollack believes that “Raiola deserves a lot of credit”, but the offensive line getting beaten was like they stole something from their QB. 

The CFB HOF said that the offensive line’s play didn’t help, as Michigan pinned their ears back with multi-man pass rushes to get Raiola. “He made some plays off script that I really liked,” Pollack praised. “He also got rid of the ball and made some plays.” He said Barney was big in the punt return before the half. After that, it felt like “they could not run the ball, and they need to be better running the football, and Emmet Johnson needs to get some space to help them a little bit.”

However, he was impressed with Raiola’s play, specifically his ability to get the ball out whenever possible. Despite a rough game, the way he bounced back and the statement he made afterward impressed David Pollack. “A lot of people think that this might break us,” Raiola said. “I’m telling you right now, we’re coming together and we’re about to do something scary.” To which Pollack reacted, “Sign me up for that. I want that Raiola. That’s freaking awesome.”

Dylan Raiola’s Prime 2025 Season

After being lethally hit by the Michigan Wolverines, Dylan Raiola has 300 yards and three touchdowns. This is the most by any opposing team’s QB against Michigan since 2021. Georgia’s Stetson Bennett was the last to score against the Wolverines in the Playoffs. If Raiola had the right assist from the offensive line, the game would have turned out totally different.

So far, in this season, Raiola has scored 11 TDs with the passing game in the first four games. He also completed 1137 yards, with an average of 8.4 yards per play. It is important to note that these impressive numbers came despite skipping three quarters in the last two games. Although not being credited, it is undeniable that he is silently building his resume for the Heisman-caliber season.

To avoid Railoa’s prime going in vain, Matt Rhule must urge to fix Nebraska’s issues, for a strong bounce back in the remaining matches. The Cornhuskers have a bye week to fix the problem before their next match against Michigan State on October 4 at the Lincoln Memorial Stadium.