The Nebraska Cornhuskers suffered their first loss of the season. The game was ultimately decided with a one-score difference. 27-30 against the Wolverines. But was it actually as close as the final score suggests? Nebraska’s early struggles were considered one of the main reasons for the loss. Despite the loss, Dylan Raiola still came away with individual praise. His 300-yard, three-touchdown showing marked the first time since 2021 that a QB had smothered Michigan defense in that way. For scouts and analysts, Raiola’s numbers only strengthened his Heisman case. However, not everyone was convinced. And this led to his QB play being indirectly called out by the most notorious Wolverine out there: Connor Stalions.

The first half ended with both teams at 17. But Matt Rhule’s squad missed scoring on their first two drive. Raiola, with his quick hands, went all the way into the end zone, but fell short in a 4th down gamble. Minutes later, Michigan was forced to punt on its opening drive, but Nebraska‘s Kyle Cunnan failed to score a field goal from 44 yards. This led Michigan to take possession, scoring a field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter (10-0). The second quarter was highly competitive, with Nebraska punching back with 2 scores and a field goal, ending the first half by leveling the score (17-17). 

However, Nebraska stumbled in the second half, with the offensive line falling apart. This caused Raiola to be beaten by the Wolverine defense by being sacked seven times and losing 49 yards. However, he tried making the most of every chance, finishing the play with 30-41 completions through the air, with 308 yards. But this wasn’t good enough for Stalions.

“We need to set the record straight: A QB’s Completion & Attempt numbers don’t mean a single thing without a ton of context,” Stalions wrote on X. “Pull up the film. Are the majority of his completions from Quick Game? If so, there are dozens of different types of footwork drops a QB has in his toolbox. Quick Game for any given team only includes 1-2 of them, and requires the bare minimum mentally. Mostly one read and sometimes not even a post-snap read.” It appears Stalions does not consider the kind of plays Matt Rhule ran with his QB to be a good indicator of that position’s skills.

“High completion percentage quick game yards are essentially an extension of the run game,” Stallions said. “Going 15 for 20 in quick game with 7.5 yards per pass is the equivalent of a team running the ball 20 times at 9.4 yards per carry… Well, actually, it’s worse.” He then challenged, saying, “Give me the team and the QB who runs for 9.4 yards per carry.” Stallions promised that these numbers have nothing to do with “the Michigan-Nebraska box score”. However, they are closely related to Raiola’s play. He completed 14-of-20 passes in the first half for 210 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. 

“Quick Game is the bare minimum for a QB, that way too many box score stat warriors use in ‘analysis,’” Stallion claims. “A QB who takes care of the ball, is elite navigating the pocket under pressure in the Play Action & Drop Back game, effectively goes through a full post-snap progression while doing so, avoids sacks, and extends plays with his feet is significantly more valuable than a Quick Game Connoisseur.” Stalions is clearly not happy with the praise being handed out to Raiola and wants to defend his Wolverines’ defense. But for all the shade Connor Stalions continues to throw, Dylan Raiola deserves his flowers.

Nebraska’s last game would be remembered for Dylan Raiola

Saturday night at Memorial Stadium was a masterclass in highs and lows for Nebraska, with freshman Dylan Raiola at the center of it all. From the opening drive, he battled a relentless Michigan defense, showing flashes of brilliance. In the first half, Nebraska’s fate seemed uncertain. After two consecutive runs that drained the clock and burned up timeouts, Raiola quickly moved back onto the field with just one second remaining on the clock. He then threw a phenomenal 52-yard Hail Mary to Jacob Barney Jr., tying the score at 17 at the end of the first half.

Naturally, that sent the whole crowd into a frenzy, reigniting his comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. Earlier this year, Raiola mentioned that he discusses the game with the NFL great. “I’m in college, but I’m gonna be a fan of the game always. All that hating stuff can go. I’m good on that. We’re cool. I can reach out. Call and text him whenever.”

But football is cruel. A single player’s brilliance alone isn’t enough; the entire team must perform well. The offensive line struggles were too significant to overlook in Saturday’s game. Despite Raiola’s talent, it was the Wolverines who ultimately triumphed. Nebraska now turns its attention to Michigan State, hoping the mistakes and misfortune from Saturday won’t carry over.