In a strong season opener, Nebraska defeated UTEP 40-7, marking their first win in a season opener in five years. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola made an impressive debut, throwing for 238 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing the skills that earned him a five-star recruit status. The game featured a strong defensive performance from Nebraska, limiting UTEP to minimal yardage aside from a brief scoring drive. Despite some early errors, Nebraska responded quickly, with a safety coming from their defensive line's relentless pressure. The victory sets a positive tone for the Huskers as they prepare for their next game against Colorado. Raiola's performance, which included leading a touchdown drive on his first attempt, has raised expectations among fans and analysts alike.