Nebraska football enters its Big Ten play with optimism after a strong 3-0 start, highlighted by a decisive 34-3 victory over Northern Iowa. Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola has emerged as a standout, boasting a 73.8% completion rate and impressive offensive stats that signal a significant improvement from last season's struggles. Coach Matt Rhule emphasizes the team's progress, stating that they have addressed previous issues through recruiting and utilizing the transfer portal. Players like Jacory Barney and Carter Nelson have contributed significantly to the offense, generating excitement for upcoming ranked matchups, particularly against Illinois. Analysts like Kirk Herbstreit predict a bright future for Nebraska, suggesting they could start the season 7-0, a feat yet to be achieved in recent years. As the Huskers prepare for their first ranked matchup since 2016, there is a renewed sense of hope among fans and players alike.