Year Two of the Rhule Era, Nebraska is Ready
It feels like forever ago that Nebraska threw a pick to Iowa that pretty much sealed the Huskers bowl drought would last another year.
Chubba Purdy, who threw that pick is now a backup at Nevada. Jeff Sims is a backup at Arizona State. Henrich Haarberg is the backup in Nebraska. That is three starting quarterbacks that are not expected to be starters with new teams, when they all had that opportunity in Lincoln in 2023.
So, what’s changed since last November?
Dylan Raiola entered the chat. Raiola is arguable the biggest recruiting win for Nebraska since Tommie Frazier over 30 years ago. Yes, that is a long time. You would have to live under a rock as a Husker fan not to know Raiola’s background and relationship with Nebraska prior to committing. After spending over a year committed to Ohio State and then Georgia, the legacy felt the tug of “home” and chose to play in Lincoln.
The commitment also coincides with the expected second year bump of Matt Rhule’s overhaul of the Husker program. Nebraska looked much improved last season from the prior year under Scott Frost and Micky Joseph, but the record didn’t reflect that improvement. Nebraska lost their final four games of the season, almost all in the final minutes of one score games. Husker fans have been taking gut punches for a half dozen years, but last year seemed to be the last straw.
Rhule was working hard to bring it all together, but he needed to put a bow on the present for 2024. After courting Ohio State transfer Kyle McCord, Raiola called up coach Rhule and told him he wanted to play in Lincoln. When that happened, not only did excitement ratchet up, but expectations have as well.
Nebraska went to work in the portal and added three huge pieces on offense. Jahmal Banks, Micah Mazzccua and Isaiah Neyor will all start in the opener against the University of Texas, El Paso. Nebraska also closed on other prized offensive recruits like Carter Nelson and Jacory Barney, Jr. This type of infusion of talent likely doesn’t transpire without the commitment of Raiola.
Adding these pieces, along with bringing back arguably the best defense of the Big Ten era, Nebraska hopes to make the bowl drought a long-lost memory. Rhule has always seen a big jump in year two from his teams in his other stops. Dylan Raiola will need to be the reason that jump happens for Rhule in Lincoln. That last interception against Iowa seems so far away.
ON WITH THE REWIND…
Last game prediction was Nebraska 17, Iowa 14. The actual score was Iowa 13, Nebraska 10. Everything about that game was ugly. Nebraska’s defense played well, but when they needed a stop at the end, they couldn’t get it. Nebraska’s offense often looked like they could make plays but always came up just short. It was like the last four losses all rolled into one. Nebraska lost three games by this score last season. I’ll bet Nebraska scores more than 10 in every game this season.
Quick Notes:
Dylan Raiola…It’s reality. Raiola has earned the starting job, and he needs to play well for Nebraska to have a shot at the season they want. The kid has all the tools, and I mean all of them, to be successful. Nebraska needs help Raiola out with protection. If he takes minimal hits during the season, his arm will put Nebraska in multiple scoring positions and bring Nebraska bowling.
Jahmal Banks…An All-ACC receiver, Banks has come to Lincoln on a mission. He was given the number 4, as a single digit and was the only offensive player to earn one. By all accounts, Banks has delivered as a leader on the team and has helped drive the wide receiver room to be at their best. I think Isaiah Neyor may have the better statistical season, but Banks is the leader of the skill players.
Nash Hutmacher…Hutmacher developed so well last year that he is considered a lock, along with Ty Robinson and Jimari Butler, to be an All-Conference type of player. Hutmacher really changed the Blackshirts last year with his relentless play and consistent leadership. If the growth curve continues with Hutmacher, after redefining his body by wrestling for the Huskers, he will be getting ready for the NFL season next year.
Tommi Hill…With all the Blackshirts coming back from last season, to me Tommi Hill is the most important. Hill showed that he can be the best player on the field toward the end of last season. When you have a cornerback that can take away the number one option on a team, it really changes the dynamics of how the team can play defense, allowing it to be much more aggressive. I’ve made the call that Tommi Hill will be a first-round draft pick next year. That means he needs to play like an All American.
Season Prediction:
Nebraska has the athletes to win 6 games in their sleep. The problem is, they haven’t done it for seven seasons, so there is a bit of a mental hurdle that they need to get over. I think Nebraska will go bowling this year, my floor for this team is 7 wins. My ceiling is 11 wins. That ceiling means that Dylan Raiola is as good as the hype, the Blackshirts are more dominant that last season and Nebraska avoids any major injuries. Since the chances of that happening are slim, I’m going with an 8-4 season, along with a bowl win. It’s not the breakout season that Husker fans probably are hoping for but winning 8 or 9 games after seven straight losing seasons will feel really good.
This is such an old school prediction, something that I haven’t had the guts to make in years. If Nebraska truly has improved as much as we all think they can on offense, they will certainly put up a lot of points tomorrow. UTEP likely won’t score 17, but I think Nebraska will be on their fourth string defense by the end of the game on Saturday and will give up a touchdown late. Nebraska is due for a perfect opening day, and I think they get it. Let’s get this thing started!! GBR!!!
