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Dylan Raiola and the Nebraska Cornhuskers triumphed over Wisconsin with a stunning 44-25 victory last Saturday. For Nebraska's football program, this is more than just a win, as it symbolizes a meaningful shift in their journey towards regaining past glory.
With the Huskers finally bowl-eligible after fulfilling his promise, Raiola's family could not be prouder, especially his mother, whose emotions overflowed after the game.
"Yeah, there's a lot of emotion," he said after the game.
"Like I saw my mom she started crying, and I just wanted to give her a big hug. I didn't really know why she was crying. I was like, you know, just come here, Mom, and give you a hug. But yeah, special for our family, for this program."
Adding to this familial connection, Raiola's uncle, Donovan Raiola, is the offensive line coach for the Huskers, which further cements the Raiola family's investment in the team's success and their aspirations for a bowl appearance.
Currently sporting a 5-5 record, the Huskers' recent win against Wisconsin seems like a late-season miracle. While Nebraska may not be eyeing playoff contention this year, Raiola had set his sights on ensuring the team remains bowl-eligible.
With this latest victory, head coach Matt Rhule now has the opportunity to reflect on the season while looking towards the future. A 6-5 record is certainly more respectable than 3-6, signaling progress for the team.
Compared to Mahomes
Now that the Nebraska Cornhuskers clinched bowl eligibility, the team has shown promise towards redeeming their season.
However, this improvement could prompt discussions of Raiola's future with the program. Recent reports revealed speculation that if the Huskers reach a bowl, Raiola might choose to depart.
Transitioning from early-season comparisons to NFL star Patrick Mahomes to now facing skepticism about his performances illustrates the ups and downs in Raiola's young career.
Following a setback against USC where the team struggled to maintain offensive momentum, questions about the team's cohesion have emerged.