Dylan Raiola led Nebraska to a thrilling 34-31 victory against Maryland after a nail-biting fourth-quarter comeback. With his three-yard touchdown pass to Dane Key, Raiola secured the win just a minute and eight seconds before the final whistle. The win keeps Nebraska’s momentum going, improving their record to 5-1 and 2-1 in the Big Ten.
The game had its ups and downs. Trailing 31-24 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Huskers rebounded in style. A crucial drive towards the end saw them cover 81 yards in only seven plays, showcasing Raiola’s accuracy as he completed four out of five passes, including a critical 33-yard connection with Nyziah Hunter. Over the game, Raiola threw for 260 yards and matched his career high with four touchdowns.
Emmett Johnson was a powerhouse on the ground, rushing for 175 yards, the highest for any Husker in a Big Ten match since 2020. His performance was vital as he accounted for 75 of the Huskers’ yards on a critical drive that narrowed the gap to 31-27. Nebraska averaged 6.4 yards per carry, a testament to their strong running game.
In a back-and-forth contest with multiple lead changes, Maryland also showed resilience. Their quarterback, Malik Washington, completed 27 of 37 passes for 249 yards and threw one touchdown. Maryland appeared poised to tie the game in the final moments, reaching Nebraska’s 49-yard line, but a broken-up pass on fourth down sealed Nebraska’s win.
Historically, fourth-quarter comebacks have been rare for Nebraska, marking this moment as their first such success since 2022. With their next game against Minnesota, the Huskers will look to build on this momentum.
As fans took to social media, the reactions were electric. Player Emmett Johnson expressed the team’s spirit best: “This team is relentless.” It’s clear that Nebraska’s energy and determination resonated not just on the field, but with supporters as well.
In a broader context, this win reflects a growing trend in college football—teams increasingly relying on strong closing performances. A recent study found that teams that score in the fourth quarter have a 56% chance of winning. Consistency and persistence seem to be key themes, making future matchups exciting to watch.
For more on college football statistics and trends, the NCAA provides various resources that analyze these dynamics comprehensively.
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