The Nebraska football team is 0-8 under Matt Rhule and looking for their sixth win of the season. Oddly enough, the Huskers just keep finding new ways to lose. This time, the referees gave them a massive helping hand.
There was a lot of bad in the 28-20 defeat that sent the Huskers to 5-5 on the season. But there were also some things to be excited about. So just what stood out for the Nebraska football team as head coach Matt Rhule looks for a way to get his second team to a bowl game.
Hit: Ceyair Wright did what he could for Nebraska Football
It felt like it had been a long time since the Huskers had started a game with a solid lead. When Ceyair Write picked off Jayden Maiava on the Trojans’ first drive and returned it for a touchdown, there were some who thought that perhaps NU was about to turn a corner.
It wasn’t for a lack of trying on Wright’s part. Later in the game he blocked a USC field goal that would have ended up putting the game out of reach. After the game, Wright said it was an emotional day, considering last year at this time he was playing on the other sideline.
Hit: Emmett Johnson showed he can be a dangerous weapon
The running back rotation for the Huskers this season has been a bit confounding, but with Rahmir Johnson out and Dana Holgorsen calling the plays, it looks like the sophomore could break out.
Johnson carried the ball 10 times for 55 yards, including a 13-yard run. He added a team-high 7 catches for 36 yards and a touchdown. That adds up to 91 total yards on 17 touches. Team that up with Dante Dowdell and it feels like the offense could eventually become something other teams fear.
Miss: Dylan Raiola is still not seeing the field the way you’d like
There was a very, very big miss and it was an open receiver on a drive that the Nebraska football team ended up kicking a field goal to make it 21-20 USC. Raiola had Jahmal Banks wide, wide open for an easy touchdown. It even seemed like he was staring at him. And then he didn’t throw it to him.
It’s the kind of throw the Huskers need him to start making. It’s the kind of throw he would have taken earlier in the season. Something continues to feel a little off for the freshman quarterback.