Seven Reasons for Husker Football Fans to be Optimistic This Fall

Husker fans need not look too far to find sources of optimism in Year 3 of the Matt Rhule era at Nebraska. Let's look at why they are excited.

DR Superstar?

Each offensive play in football begins with the center snapping the ball to the quarterback. Thankfully, NU has one of the best QBs in the country. Last season, Dylan Raiola started all 13 games with Nebraska finishing at 7-6. It was the Huskers' first winning season since 2016.

Raiola also led all freshman D-I QBs in passing yards (2,819) and completion rate (67.1%). This year, he'll have a much improved O-line and a better overall supporting cast to work with. Raiola will be one of the big reasons the Huskers should have a breakout season.

Talent

For the first time in his NU career, head coach Matt Rhule can sleep comfortably each night knowing his team has a lot of talent. Besides Raiola, there are other offensive weapons, including receivers like Jacory Barney Jr., Dane Key and Janiran Bonner, running backs like Emmett Johnson, Mekhi Nelson, and tight ends like Carter Nelson and Luke Lindenmeyer. The O-line is also loaded with talent.

On defense there are players like Riley Van Poppel, Elijah Jeudy, Cam Lenhardt, Vincent Shavers Jr., Willis McGahee IV, Ceyair Wright and Andrew Marshall. And don't forget the Huskers' latest addition on special teams, punter Archie Wilson. Sophomore Jacory Barney Jr. could also be an exciting returner for the Huskers this fall.

Experience

Over the last three seasons, Rhule has developed a roster that consists of a blend of transfers and homegrown talent. The Husker O-line is the best example of that blend.

Depth

Speaking of the O-line, that is probably one of the deepest and most experienced rooms this fall. Returning starters include Turner Corcoran (SR) Teddy Prochazka (SR), Henry Lutovsky (SR), Justin Evans (JR), and Gunnar Gottula (SO). In the offseason, the Huskers also signed two portal players in Rocco Spindler (senior from Notre Dame) and Elijah Pritchett (junior from Alabama).

Schedule

Counting the Cincinnati game at Arrowhead Stadium to open the season, the Huskers will have eight home games. Wait, Danny Boy. The game is in Kansas City, not Lincoln. True, but with Husker fans buying 65,000 tickets, it will feel like a home game.

Bonus: Although NU has to travel to Happy Valley in late November, Nebraska gets Michigan, Southern California and Iowa at home.

Coaching

In the offseason, Rhule wisely revamped his coaching staff. He elevated Dana Holgorsen to OC, John Butler to DC and hired Mike Ekeler from Tennessee to be his special teams coordinator. Rhule also hired his longtime friend and former assistant Phil Snow as associate head coach.

From the Kansas City Chiefs, Rhule hired Terry Bradden as his D-line coach. From UCF came Addison Williams (DBs) and from Kentucky came Daikiel Shorts (WR).

Y3 Mojo

At Rhule's two prior college coaching stints at Temple and Baylor, Year 3 proved to be breakout seasons. He took Temple from 6-6 to 10-4. At Baylor, his team leaped from 7-6 to 11-1. So Husker fans are expecting similar results this fall.

When Rhule arrived on campus after the '22 Husker season, he said it would be a three- or four-year rebuild of the Husker football program. So far, Rhule and the Huskers seem to be on schedule. Will the Huskers improve by four wins this year? Long-suffering Husker fans are already celebrating.

You may email me at HuskerDan@cox.net

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