O-line is forgotten story of Nebraska football win

Dylan Raiola stole the show during the Nebraska football win over UTEP. The Huskers scored 40 points. Raiola threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns and Nebraska fans are already dreaming big.

Those two touchdown passes to end the first half were the chef’s kiss. Nebraska football has maybe never had a quarterback who could do that.

So it’s easy to see why Husker fans and pundits are all talking about Raiola. They should be. He’s the real deal.

But one thing that allowed Raiola to shine on Saturday was near-perfect protection from the offensive line. With Turner Corcoran starting at left tackle, Raiola was sacked just once and Matt Rhule said he probably held the ball too long.

Nebraska football O-line was stellar against UTEP, too

For most of the day, the pocket was damn near perfect. Raiola had time to survey the defense and while there was some pressure, there wasn’t much.

Allowing one sack is a good day at the office.

However, the Huskers did more than pass protect. They imposed their will on UTEP and averaged 4.7 yards per rushing attempt. Nebraska notched three rushing touchdowns and had three different backs go for over 50 yards on their way to 223 total.

There was only one “long” run — a 42-yard scamper by Emmett Johnson in the second quarter. But there were running lanes all day and I was impressed with the way the Huskers ran with confidence on third and short.

Yes, it was just UTEP. But solid line play is solid line play. Maurice Westmoreland is going to be an NFL draft pick and he had one solo tackle, no tackles for loss, and zero sacks.

So as good as Dylan Raiola was on Saturday, let’s give credit where credit is due: the offensive line.

They sure helped make the entire offense, look good, Raiola included.

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