Nebraska true freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola continued to look like a struggling young player in the Huskers’ loss to UCLA on Saturday.

He finished 14/27 through the air for 177 yards and one touchdown with one interception. It was a tough game for Raiola as Nebraska lost its third straight game. In the first quarter, no offensive results were achieved and the score remained 3-0 behind.

Raiola’s longest completion of the day came on a 40-yard deep throw to Jacory Barney Jr.. It was the kind of shot that reminded everyone of the immense talent Raiola possessed and his ability to make any type of shot on the football field. That drive culminated in Dante Dowdell scoring a rushing touchdown that gave the Huskers a 10-7 deficit to manage.

The Huskers’ offense couldn’t get anything going the rest of the first half and then started the second half disastrously. Raiola was taken off the game on the first play of the third quarter and scored a touchdown to make the score 20-7. This was the biggest mistake of the game and one of Raiola’s worst shots of the season. This was also a turning point in the game and helped UCLA pull away.

But Raiola then came back with two great shots. He connected with Barney again for 27 yards and two plays later found Isaiah Neyor for his only touchdown pass of the day on a nice fade route. This score reduced the deficit to 27-14.

Raiola’s best shot of the day came with a pass to Neyor from the sideline. It was one of the most impressive throws by any quarterback in college football this season, but it came to nothing as Raiola was sacked on fourth-and-goal.

Raiola’s day ended after he took a hard hit to the back at second and scored while trying to get into the end zone. He didn’t play another snap, and the Huskers couldn’t complete the comeback without him.

It was a debilitating loss for the Huskers, who needed a win to finally clinch bowl eligibility after starting the season 5-1. Raiola was a mixed bag, with flashes of brilliance and a few frustrating plays. It’s tough for Nebraska to win games as Raiola tries to improve in the middle of the game. But that’s the price of playing a true freshman, and Raiola’s talent remains undeniable.

Raiola nearly dug the Huskers out of a hole, but it was a hole he helped dig in the first place.

Grade: C+

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