Dylan Raiola expresses frustration with Huskers’ protection up front

LINCOLN, Neb. — It’s not hard to notice that the Huskers have a glaring weakness on offense through two Big Ten games, and it’s starting to take a toll on their star quarterback.

Michigan and Michigan State provided a litmus test for Nebraska’s offensive line, and exposed several areas among the group that lacked proper technique, hand placement,  mental toughness and physicality. Allowing 12 sacks over the past two contests, including five in the 38-27 win over Spartans, means the Huskers got a lot of work to do before they make their first road trip in conference play. And no one understands that more than Dylan Raiola.

There’s no denying that the gunslinger can light up defenses when he has enough time in the pocket, but Raiola is often under pressure when he drops back to attempt a pass. It’s almost like Raiola has to have eyes in the back of his helmet to avoid the pass rush, and despite his accurate arm, he lacks the mobility to escape the pocket to throw the ball away.

The signal-caller has picked himself up off the ground too many times. Which is why fans are demanding some accountability from Raiola, the offensive line and the coaching staff. Some fans feel Raiola holds onto the ball too long in the pocket, which results in a sack, or a tackle for loss. Others blame the big boys up front for not providing Raiola with the proper protection.

Offensive Line Coach Donovan Raiola, who happens to be Dylan’s uncle, is also taking some criticism. The play-calling of Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen is somewhat of a concern too. Not to mention an inconsistent rushing attack isn’t doing Raiola any favors. Regardless of the matter, the lack of efficient blocking at the point of attack is frustrating Raiola, and he finds it confusing because the unit usually executes at a high level in practice.

“There were some plays that we gone over all week where we missed some there, and missed some there, then you go back and look at it, and there are guys running wide open,” Raiola said. “It’s the worst feeling when you’re either on your back, or you’re scrambling for no reason, and there are guys running wide open, and you’re trying to get the ball off.”

It’s mind-boggling that there were five different Michigan State defenders that generated a sack on Raiola. Handing the ball off to running back Emmett Johnson takes some of the pressure off Raiola’s shoulders, but on passing downs he still has to improvise, and make something out of nothing.

At times, the Spartans were able get home when they only rushed four defenders, and that can’t be tolerated. Raiola wants to see the offensive line maul defenders with a good push up front, to allow him to go through his progressions and locate open targets. Although the number of sacks are alarming for Nebraska’s offense, Raiola finds it encouraging that a couple of his blockers continue to display tenacity and toughness, like left tackle Elijah Pritchett.

“I’m proud of the way the o-line fought, they kept fighting, and they kept punching,” he said. “I thought Pritch (Pritchett) did a great job locking down that side.”

As the Huskers navigate through the Big Ten gauntlet, they’re going to face some talented defensive linemen. Thriving in the trenches leads to success in the conference, and Raiola needs the offensive line to step up, and not be a liability for the team. There’s still a lot of football to play, and Nebraska (4-1) will have a slim margin for error if protection issues persists.

So Holgorsen installing a consistent RPO, screens, and slant routes to his playbook should go a long way with getting the ball out of Raiola’s hands faster, and limit the number of sacks.

At the end of the day, he’s grateful for securing the first Big Ten win of the season, and against a solid team. Now Raiola intends on carrying that motivation into week seven.

“There were things not going our way, and I’m super proud of the way we stuck together because we knew we were going to keep punching, and they were going to punch, and eventually someone is going to have to be knocked out.”