QB grade: Dyaln Raiola vs. Colorado

Nebraska won one of the most anticipated games in years at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers destroyed Colorado and did so without much resistance from the Buffaloes.

With a final score of 28-10, the Huskers were never really in danger after the first quarter in a game that was over before halftime. Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola won the most important game of his young college career so far, completing 23 of 30 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown without a single interception.

Here's a closer look at Raiola's performance.

Nebraska started its first drive with incredible field position at the Colorado 49-yard line. The drive started with a nice run by Raiola on 3rd and 10, where he got the first down with his legs. He was hit hard after the run, but didn't let it bother him and stood up defiantly while emphatically signaling for a first down. The drive ended with the first touchdown of the game when Dante Dowdell ran it in from 12 yards out.

The next drive was uneventful and ended without a first down as the Huskers punted the ball back to the Buffaloes while still leading 7-0. The next time Nebraska's offense was on the field, they were up 14-0 after a pick-six by Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Raiola then led the offense 41 yards before Tristan Alvano missed a 32-yard field goal.

The Huskers' next drive was a dream. They covered 86 yards in 4:46 of play and scored a key touchdown that extended their lead to 21-0. The highlight of the drive for Raiola was a 36-yard bomb throw to Jaylen Lloyd. The throw was a beautiful running throw to the one-yard line. Dowdell scored his second rushing touchdown of the day on the next play. Raiola closed the half with a lightning-quick three-play, 70-yard drive that culminated in his only touchdown pass of the day from 18 yards out to Rahmir Johnson.

At halftime, the score was 28-0 and the game was already over. The entire second half consisted of offenses that ended in punts for the Huskers. It was a disappointing way to end the game, but it was clear that the Huskers were just trying to run down the clock and avoid making any big mistakes. It was an encouraging sign for the Huskers and head coach Matt Rhule that a first-year quarterback could play with a lead and execute the game plan to close the sack.

Overall, Raiola looked good against Colorado. The Buffaloes don't have a particularly good defense and the Huskers' offense faltered in the second half, but Raiola did everything he was asked to do. For a freshman quarterback in his second start, that was more than enough.

Grade: B+

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