New Quarterback Revives Old-School Style

Nebraska’s football team faced a significant challenge as it approached the 2025 season. Following a disappointing loss to UCLA in 2024, the team’s focus is now on achieving its first winning regular season since 2016. The stakes are high for the upcoming game, particularly with the absence of star quarterback Dylan Raiola, who suffered a season-ending injury.

New Quarterback Revives Old-School Style

As Nebraska prepares for the 2025 matchup, all eyes are on true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef. Despite being less renowned than Raiola, Lateef brings a different dynamic to the field. His mobility offers the Huskers the potential for a revamped offensive strategy.

Quarterback Comparisons

• Dylan Raiola: Season-ending injury, pivotal player in 2024.
• TJ Lateef: True freshman, promising mobility, requires tailored game strategy.
• Nico Iamaleava (UCLA): Transferred from Tennessee, led team to playoffs in 2024 but has struggled with interceptions.

Iamaleava’s stats show he has already thrown more interceptions (7) in eight games this season than he did in his entire previous season (5). This inconsistency could affect his draft potential, yet he remains a formidable challenge for Nebraska’s defense.

Rushing Offense and Defense

Both teams excel at running the ball but have struggled defensively against rushing attacks. UCLA ranks as a top 15 rushing team in terms of Expected Points Added per rush, with Iamaleava being a primary threat on the ground.

• Top Rushers:
  • Emmett Johnson (Nebraska): Best season for a Husker running back since Ameer Abdullah.
  • Nico Iamaleava (UCLA): Leads his team in carries and rushing touchdowns despite some negative yardage plays.
• Defensive Struggles:
  • UCLA allows 196 rushing yards per game, second-most among power conference teams.
  • Nebraska seeks to capitalize on UCLA’s defensive weaknesses.

The changing quarterback may have a larger impact on Nebraska’s rushing strategy. Lateef’s ability to run could allow for a more dynamic offensive game plan. The expectation is that while Johnson will remain key, Lateef’s contributions could be substantial.

Looking Ahead

This upcoming game is set to embody the classic Big Ten football experience. With both teams possessing strong running capabilities combined with weak defenses, fans can anticipate an exciting matchup. Nebraska aims to leverage its top players, especially Emmett Johnson, who is forecasted to have substantial touches in the game.

In conclusion, Nebraska’s game against UCLA will test their resilience and adaptivity in the face of a shifting team dynamic. The outcome may hinge on how well they adjust to their new quarterback and exploit their opponent’s vulnerabilities.