Nebraska's Matt Rhule reveals true feelings on Dylan Raiola's play

Jeff Hauser

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Nebraska's Matt Rhule reveals true feelings on Dylan Raiola's play image

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule hasn’t hidden his appreciation for freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, but his recent comments revealed a depth of trust that goes beyond raw numbers.

After two games, Raiola sits fifth nationally in completion percentage at 78.1 percent, has thrown six touchdowns without an interception and spread the ball to 15 different receivers. Yet Rhule’s emphasis remains on the qualities that define winning football

"He's so underappreciated nationally. ... [Dylan Raiola] is doing everything you're going to do on Sundays. I think he's one of the best players in the country."

Nebraska quarterbacks finished last season with a brutal turnover margin, a habit Rhule insists the program must shed if it wants to reclaim national relevance. Raiola’s early ability to protect the football, even while throwing more passes than nearly anyone in the top 30 nationally.

Rhule also highlighted Raiola’s willingness to play within the offense rather than force moments. The distribution of passes across the roster, he said, reflects a quarterback executing progressions, not chasing highlights. 

“Whoever’s open gets the football,” Rhule explained. 

The approach was on display during Raiola’s red zone touchdown strike to Dane Key, an improvisational roll right capped with a precision throw. The design was meant for Jacory Barney, but Raiola read the coverage, found Key, and threaded a ball only his receiver could catch. “That’s a wow play,” Rhule said.

For Rhule, Raiola’s command in high-leverage situations is a trait of NFL quarterbacks. We'll see if that continues to be the case as the season rolls on in Lincoln. 

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Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.