Luke Mullin
After head coach Matt Rhule's impassioned halftime speech produced an immediate response from the Nebraska football team, the timing seemed right for NU's backups to enter the fray -- but offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen had other plans.
After a series each for Nebraska's first-string offense and defense, where the Huskers forced a three-and-out and then drove down for a touchdown, Holgorsen levied Rhule to keep NU's starting offense on the field.
Rhule complied, letting quarterback Dylan Raiola remain in the game. Holgorsen then dialed up four consecutive passing plays, all completions, as Raiola led the 72-yard touchdown drive in 1:30 of in-game action.
"(I) felt like Dylan needed one more because we were in rhythm and we were still trying to work some things out," Holgorsen said Tuesday. "His last drive, he was feeling pretty good."
People are also reading... Husband, father of 2 young girls killed while running was nurse in Omaha SouthPointe store closes. Owner cites problems with Lincoln. Amie Just: From blowout win to 'she said yes'! -- A Husker night to remember Sun setting on longtime Lincoln meteorologist's TV career From gas station to steakhouse -- Ashland's heart beats with new business hub Husker notes: Rhule names starting left tackle, Barney limited in practice, Mozee's role Historical fiction, bestselling novel named 2025 One Book One Lincoln winner Grades: Nebraska 68, Akron 0 Being a dad was 'biggest honor': Tributes pour in for nurse killed running in Lincoln Nebraska volleyball position battles heat up as No. 1 Huskers prepare for home weekend Enraged Swifties attack Husker Athletics after viral Taylor-Herbie post Anti-Trump graffiti artist strikes again in Lincoln Week 2 Nebraska high school football rankings rocked by upsets Amid trade war, Nebraska farmers on 'verge of crisis' 9 flights under $100 from Lincoln, Omaha airports
Raiola, who led six consecutive scoring drives before exiting the win over Akron, was pleased with how the Husker offense responded to the one drive they'd like to have back: a first-quarter series that ended at the 1-yard line.
"That's two weeks straight that we haven't punched the ball in the end zone, and that's unacceptable," Raiola said. "We'll make sure to get that fixed. Other than that, I thought we played a clean game."
As the Huskers move forward from their 68-point performance, Raiola said last week's showing "set the bar" for what the Nebraska offense is capable of.
As for what's next?
After Raiola's first 300-yard passing performance of his collegiate career, Holgorsen has another milestone in mind.
"I think for every quarterback it's important to hit that number and work towards hitting 400," Holgorsen said.
Photos: Akron vs. Nebraska football at Memorial Stadium, Sept. 6, 2025 0 Comments Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Subscribe for the best Husker news & commentary The Showdown: Nebraska volleyball thrills and football starts its homestand The Showdown: How will No. 1 Nebraska volleyball improve over the 2025 season? * Texts from columnists * The most breaking Husker news * Cutting-edge commentary * Husker history photo galleries Get started Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Luke Mullin
Husker football/baseball reporter
Author twitter Author email Follow Luke Mullin Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification.
{{description}}
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.
Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today