Nebraska
The Nebraska Football Train is Heading in the Right Direction – Now Deion Sanders and Colorado Stands in the Way
Yesterday was fun right?
It was fun to watch a quarterback who is probably the most hyped recruit in a generation actually live up to the hype. For example, Dylan Raiola checked a play in and out of a run and back to a run three times as the UTEP defense made adjustments – which then resulted in a 42 yard run by Emmett Johnson.
That would be impressive for a seasoned veteran, but in this case it was the first game for a true freshman. Add the fact that Isaiah Neyor looks like a future NFL draft pick at wide receiver. You could probably say the same about Jahmal Banks as well.
The four running backs in the stable all played well as the offensive line continued to show development under Donovan Raiola’s tutelage.
I mean the Huskers scored 23 points in the second quarter which was the most points scored in a quarter by a Nebraska football team since 2018, which was against Bethune-Cookman.
On the other side of the ball the defense showed why Nebraska has a chance to make some noise this season. If you take away a beautifully thrown 38 yard touchdown pass by UTEP’s Skyler Locklear, the defense pitched a shutout and would have held UTEP to 167 yards of total offense.
Somebody on the outside would probably like to note that playing well against UTEP is not the same as playing well against — lets say — Colorado. However, most people on the inside (Nebraska football fans) would rightfully respond that Nebraska hasn’t been to a bowl game in seven years and games like these against the UTEPs of college football have been routinely competitive.
Now all of these feel good vibes are great and all but it really will not matter if Colorado shows up this Saturday night and beats Nebraska. At this juncture it appears that Nebraska is on the rise. Colorado is on the…well I’m not entirely sure.
I’m not sure they are on the rise. I’m not sure they are heading downhill either. Regardless, I know one thing about this upcoming game against Colorado on Saturday night.
They coming.
This Saturday is a gigantic opportunity for Nebraska football. While Colorado might not be a juggernaut, the country loves to watch this Deion Sanders led team. Last Thursday night in their matchup against North Dakota State the broadcast averaged 4.8 million views which was ESPN’s best Thursday night opener since 2017.
On the football field, the Colorado offense will be one of the best this Nebraska defense will see all year. They can score a ton of points and they can do it in a hurry. Shedeur Sanders is one of the best quarterbacks in the country and we should expect Travis Hunter to play almost every snap of the game. You can also add Jimmy Horn Jr. who might be one of the fastest players in the country at wide receiver.
Plus, Shedeur Sanders has his own Nike Billboard in Times Square in New York City. That has to mean something right?
It is going to be a 6:30 p.m. kick-off which should allow Husker fans to prepare to contribute to what I hope is one of the best atmospheres at Memorial Stadium in recent memory.
If Nebraska fans bring it and the football team does their part then we can keep this train rolling.
Colorado stands in the way.
For those of us who revere Husker tradition, Raiola’s refusal to throw ugly, half-hearted passes into heavy coverage is irritating. Disrespectful, actually.
— Dirk Chatelain (@dirkchatelain) August 31, 2024
Dylan Raiola said he shared a “special moment” after the game with Jalyn Gramstad, the No. 4 QB who got in late on Saturday. Gramstad is the transfer from Northwestern (Iowa) College who came to Nebraska this summer.
“Both our dreams came true,” Raiola said.
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) August 31, 2024
Nebraska
Nebraska QB commit Trae Taylor wins Elite 11 MVP
Nebraska quarterback commit Trae Taylor has won the Elite 11 MVP after strong performances at the Elite 11 Finals last month and The Opening Finals this week in Beaverton, Oregon.
Taylor was named one of the Elite 11 following the Elite 11 Finals last month, earning an invitation to return for The Opening Finals this week to continue competing for the Elite 11 MVP.
Following two days of competition, Taylor has been named Elite 11 MVP joining a prestigious group. Over the last decade, the likes of Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, CJ Stroud, Caleb Williams, Cade Klubnik, Julian Sayin, Keelon Russell and Dia Bell are among the quarterbacks that have earned Elite 11 MVP honors.
Now officially the Elite 11 MVP, Taylor is well-positioned to climb in the next 2027 Rivals300 rankings update. He’s had a strong offseason overall, building off a junior season in which he threw for 3,571 yards and 38 touchdowns to just three interceptions, completing a stunning 81.7% of his pass attempts. He added another 633 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground, leading Mundelein (Ill.) Carmel Catholic to an 8-3 record. He’s transferred down to Omaha (Neb.) Millard South for his senior season and is already impressing with the Patriots. Earlier this month, Taylor led Millard South to the NebPreps 7v7 State Championship over Omaha (Neb.) Westside.
Here’s what Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings, wrote about Taylor coming out of the Elite 11 Finals
Trae Taylor had an excellent performance at the Elite 11 Finals from start to finish, stringing together three very strong showings throughout the weekend. The Nebraska commit was the Rivals MVP of day one, flashing a big-time arm, showing the ability to drive the football to all levels of the field during drill work. He continued to show that plus arm talent during his pro day and was aggressive downfield, targeting high-level throws. He capped off the weekend with a seven-touchdown performance in the 7-on-7 period, making a litany of high-difficulty throws. He attacked the seam, was super aggressive hunting huge downfield completions. The ability to attack all levels with his arm strength, combined with a big-play mentality. Taylor was quick through his progressions and looked very comfortable in the 7-n-7 setting, which isn’t a huge surprise given his experience. The confidence and command was impressive. We also thought Taylor looked comfortable working under center. This is an exclamation on a strong offseason for Taylor, which has seen him make encouraging improvements to his overall game. We’re eager to see what he does as a senior this season at Millard South in Nebraska.
Nebraska
Today in History – June 26: University of Nebraska holds first commencement
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) – On this day 154 years ago, the University of Nebraska held its first commencement ceremony — without any graduates.
The university was founded three years before the ceremony.
In place of diplomas, the university presented an honorary doctorate to the Rev. Bishop Clarkson of Omaha.
It wasn’t until the following year that the first students graduated from the university.
By the end of the 1870s, graduation had become a week of celebrations.
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On July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate its 250th birthday. Every day leading up to it, First Alert 6 will take a look at the people and events that shaped our area.
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Nebraska
HealthierU opens wellness coaching program to employees
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers wellness coaching as a free service to employees.
The program provides confidential, personalized support to help participants improve their health and well-being. Through one-on-one sessions, employees work with trained wellness professionals to identify goals, develop action plans and build sustainable habits aligned with their values and lifestyles.
Unlike traditional health education programs, wellness coaching focuses on helping individuals define what well-being means to them. Coaches act as partners in the behavior change process, helping participants identify motivators, overcome barriers and develop realistic strategies for success. Employees may focus on a variety of topics, including physical activity, nutrition, stress management, work-life balance, sleep and overall wellness.
The coaching process begins with a one-hour initial consultation, during which participants work with a coach to explore goals and create a personalized wellness plan. After the initial session, employees and coaches determine a follow-up schedule based on individual needs, with options for weekly, biweekly or monthly meetings. Written check-ins also may be included to provide additional support and accountability.
HealthierU’s mission is to support University of Nebraska–Lincoln employees in pursuing their own well-being through accessible programs, resources and services that address all dimensions of wellness. Wellness coaching is one of the program’s most individualized offerings, providing employees with tools, support and encouragement to make lasting lifestyle changes.
Employees interested in learning more about wellness coaching are encouraged to visit the program’s updated resource page for additional information, including expectations and availability.
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