Four Questions for Nebraska Football Headed Into Maryland Week

by T.J. Birkel

The Nebraska football team is now 1-1 vs. the state of Michigan, after bouncing back from a 3 point loss to the Wolverines from Ann Arbor to take care of business against the Spartans from East Lansing. It was an important win for several reasons, as the Huskers trailed late in the 3rd quarter vs. MSU before getting off the mat, scoring 24 unanswered points, and ultimately winning by 11.

The Big Red is now 4-1, heading into its first true road game of the season at Maryland on Saturday. With a renewed sense of momentum in Lincoln, we look at four questions for the Nebraska football team headed into Maryland week.

Was Michigan State the Blackshirt Breakout We’ve Been Waiting For?

In Matt Rhule’s first two seasons at Nebraska, his defenses were so good that Husker fans could be forgiven for starting to take them for granted. But after an offseason of losing veteran stalwarts like Ty Robinson, Nash Hutmacher, John Bullock, and Jimari Butler–not to mention losing defensive coordinator Tony White and defensive line coach Terrance Knighton–you had to wonder if the Blackshirts would take a step back.

A fair assessment would suggest Nebraska’s defense has still been pretty good this season, but maybe not as dominant as they were in 2023 and 2024, especially when it comes to stopping the run. That said, I would argue Saturday’s game against Michigan State was their most complete performance to date. The Huskers held the Spartans to 86 yards rushing and 156 yards passing (almost half of which was during garbage time when Nebraska held an 18 point lead at the end of the game). The defense had two interceptions, and kept the team in the game when the offense went into a shell for most of the 2nd and 3rd quarters. As I wrote in my post-game article, “I love the emerging identity of the Blackshirts–athletic difference makers getting after the quarterback, stopping the run, shutting down the pass, and forcing turnovers.”

Can John Butler’s boys keep it up? If so, Matt Rhule’s squad will have a chance to win every game left on the schedule. 

What Can the Offense Do to Keep Dylan Raiola Upright? 

Dylan Raiola has been sacked 15 times this season. Yes, the offensive line has been underwhelming, especially for a veteran unit that was expected to be the strength of the team. But Raiola also…

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