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With the Nebraska Cornhuskers just under 70 days away from kickoff, head coach Matt Rhule isn’t shy about his renewed optimism, especially when it comes to quarterback Dylan Raiola. In a recent interview, Rhule heaped praise on his young signal-caller, highlighting a maturity and commitment that bodes well for the upcoming season.
“He’s always been a tremendous worker,” Rhule told ESPN’s Greg McElroy on “Always College Football,” reflecting on Raiola’s growth. The coach admitted that like many young players, Raiola could be “emotional,” but emphasized a significant shift.
“To me, it’s not about his highs being any higher,” said the coach, “It’s about his lows not being so low. It’s the same for our whole team. What I’ve loved about Dylan is the consistency he’s shown and bought into. He’s the same guy every day.”
Rhule even pulled back the curtain on a recent cafeteria conversation with Raiola, where they rewatched the challenging UCLA game from last season.
Dylan’s turning point in the season
“Man, it was 13-7 at the half,”Raiola reportedly recalled, a moment that quickly turned with a pick-six after halftime. That game, according to Rhule, became a crucial turning point for both the quarterback and the team.
The coach also revealed Raiola’s incredible dedication, noting that the young QB “turned down numerous transfer opportunities-many likely offering less pressure and more immediate success.”
Speaking with radio host Jim Rome a few days ago, Rhule lauded this unwavering commitment, stating, “He’s got the weight and pressure of an entire fanbase… and that’s rare loyalty today.”
The year will be good for Raiola and the ‘Huskers
With Raiola’s physical condition in “tremendous shape” and his deep understanding of the playbook, Rhule sees a bright future. “Where I see him growing is in the phases of leadership and the phases of mental toughness. Handling adversity,” Rhule explained to Rome. “And I think he’s going to have a great year.”
After a rocky second half last season, Rhule’s squad rallied to secure their first bowl game victory since 2016 this past December. Now, with expectations soaring, the Cornhuskers are geared up to prove that last year’s turnaround was no fluke and that their trajectory is firmly upward.
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