Perhaps it’s time Matt Rhule allowed some flexibility to Nebraska’s style of play. The Huskers have been able to make a strong entry to the season thanks to a new leader in Dylan Raiola. In addition to being Patrick Mahomes’ doppelganger, the 5-star freshman QB has made a name for himself with his strong arm talent. But maybe the No. 7 ranked recruit hasn’t been able to showcase his full potential? Is it anything to do with his HC’s offensive style?

As JD PicKell stated in his new episode on On3 on YouTube on October 2, “This is about what Rhule wants to be. He wants to run the football.” But the CFB insider also observed the subtle changes emanating from the Huskers’ style of play. He added, “They’ve been a little bit more balanced as of late and I think a lot of that is due to Dylan Raiola and just the arm that he has that is just special.” 

Dylan Raiola stood out in the 2024 recruiting cycle as the top-arm talent and quarterback. The 6’3, 220-pounder immediately displayed his freshman power this season completing 100 of 142 passes for 1,225 yards and nine touchdowns through five games (4-1). Even so, as PicKell pointed out, Matt Rhule’s main offensive strategy is to still run the football and stop the run. 

Nebraska is entering their clash with Rutgers allowing 2.5 yards a carry in contrast to the Scarlet Knights’ 6.7 yards per carry. Would the Huskers opt more for a passing or running game in their upcoming game? Dylan Raiola’s hype this season has reached the ears of Rutgers HC who expressed his respect and admiration for the freshman QB ahead of their Big Ten showdown. 

Dylan Raiola gets a shoutout from Rutgers HC

Rutgers HC Greg Schiano isn’t masking his admiration for Dylan Raiola as he gears the Scarlet Knights for an epic conference battle on October 5. He praised the 19-year-old freshman saying, “The command that he has of their offense, I would say, is good for any level but for a freshman is unheard of.” Raiola became an immediate sensation right from Week 1 when he defeated UTEP 40-7. 

Schiano also lauded Raiola’s strengths saying, “He’s a very gifted athlete. He’s big. He’s mobile. He can throw on the move. He can throw from the pocket. There’s not much this guy can’t do but that’s why he was such a highly recruited quarterback. He’s got all the tools.” Dylan Raiola is now 4-1 (1-1 in Big Ten) in his first college football season as he aims to improve the Huskers’ previous 5-7 record.

But Rutgers is no pushover either. Their 21-year-old QB, Athan Kaliakmanis, handed a crushing defeat to the Washington Huskies last week. Now, they’re coming in undefeated with four wins, including one conference victory. Can Dylan Raiola and his team go for their fifth win, or will Kaliakmanis and crew get theirs?