Congratulations Husker fans. Your team won and your team lost.

That is, unless you were pulling for the White team then you won 25-21. If you were pulling for team Red then you are a loser.

Sorry, but these are the facts.

Anyways, on a day that was hard to get excited and put too much emphasis on a scrimmage I wanted to throw out a list of three standouts, two questions I had going into the summer and a prediction.

Regarding the three standouts, as you will see they are all newcomers and are all on offense. Part of this is because the new shiny toys are always more exciting and when it comes to these types of scrimmages is that it is hard to really get excited to watch a defensive battle.

Overall, the roster looks more explosive and physically bigger. On the other hand Nebraska could have lost two potential starters to injuries in wide receiver Demitrius Bell and defensive back Blye Hill.

We all want to make some declarations when it comes to the Quarterback room but one thing I would say is that the room looks much better and part of that is attributable to the two freshmen (Dylan Raiola and Daniel Kaelin) but I also think a big part of that is because of Heinrich Haarberg as well.

A lot can happen from today until the first game in the fall. Some players will leave. I assume Nebraska might look to add a player or two if they can make a difference.

So with that said, here is the 3-2-1.

Three Husker Standouts

Isaiah Neyor

Admittedly, I had not memorized the roster numbers at this point and the names were not on the backs of the jerseys so there was a play early in the first spring game where a #18 caught the ball and ran down the sideline. There were several flag thrown and the play came back but I couldn’t help but ask, “who the heck is that?”

Well through the magic of the internet and the announcers on the television, I learned that it was Isaiah Neyor. He is one of those athletes that looks like he isn’t even trying but he just runs by people.

I am absolutely not saying he is Randy Moss but that is the best example I can think of right now. He looks like he isn’t even trying but he just runs by people like they have cement in their shoes.

That is what I thought of when I saw Neyor run with the ball. I think that’s a good sign.

Jacory Barney Jr.

Probably the best light hearted moment was on the kick-off return where Jacory Barney would have taken it to the house if he did not confuse Tristan Alvano (the kicker) as somebody who was coming over to celebrate instead of tackle him.

Which is what Tristan Alvano did, and actually didn’t look too bad doing that as well.

But it’s a combination of that return and the 41 yard touchdown pass he received from Haarberg that makes me think he has a great shot to be a weapon for this team as a true freshman.

Being roommates with Dylan Raiola sure doesn’t hurt.

Dante Dowdell

Another thing that stood out to me was the physical running game and who is #23? Well like I said above, I did not memorize the roster, and then I noticed it was the transfer from Oregon in Dante Dowdell.

Dowdell had 76 rushing yards on 7 carries with a big touchdown run that Matt Rhule was asked about after the scrimmage.

“Today, I saw a burst in him. I haven’t seen that long run from him in the other scrimmages. Maybe it was blocked better, maybe Tony (White) didn’t blitz as much today. I didn’t tell Tony what he could or couldn’t do. It was great to see that from Dante. He’s had a good spring, but you saw a burst. When I stand down there, you could see a level of acceleration into contact in that long run down the left sideline.”

Two Questions

Is the quarterback battle settled?

I think most people are assuming after watching the game and after reports this past week that it looks like Dylan Raiola is the leader in the quarterback room. We love to ooze over the new quarterback who is a five star.

Remember Harrison Beck? He isn’t Harrison Beck but still. Hopefully. Hopefully? Hopefully!

Whoever ends up starting for Nebraska against UTEP on August 31st, I just hope they take care of the ball.

Unless it is clear to the coaching staff that Dylan Raiola is the best of the bunch then I would have admit that I’m pulling for Heinrich Haarberg with his eight games of experience and 5-3 record.

Especially since he is, for the first time, getting a quarterback coach.

Is the coaching staff going to look for a veteran one year quarterback in the transfer portal? Or what position group would they be looking to add?

Before the spring season even happened and Chubba Purdy transferred, I was already thinking that with Dylan Raiola coming that getting a seasoned veteran quarterback for one season would be ideal for Nebraska.

I understand, why a kid would not want to come and take that job (Kyle McCord) especially if you struggle at the beginning and there is a five star quarterback waiting who’s dad happens to have his named etched on the flippin’ stadium.

I think if Matt Rhule would be open to the idea that he would have to have a transfer kind of all in his lap. It might not be worth messing with this room but if you told they had a veteran starter who knows how to win then I think the over-under for season wins going up by two.

As far as what other position group that they would be interested in?

I think you are always looking for defensive lineman - no matter what. However, the group that I think maybe they could take a gander at is the linebacking crew.

One Prediction

I am absolutely, 100% ready, to give my win/loss prediction.

Or not.

I think the easy prediction would be that Dylan Raiola will be the starting quarterback against UTEP.

So, I’ll go with this.

After the scrimmage yesterday, Jacory Barney said he will return a kick for a touchdown against Colorado. I believe him. That’s my prediction.