Former Ohio State 5-star QB commit Dylan Raiola calls Buckeye fans 'disrespectful'
In the wake of losing a nail-biting 21-17 matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola made his feelings known about the fan base he was once committed to representing. The former Buckeyes commit who flipped to Georgia, and then the Cornhuskers took his chance to blast the fans for throwing bottles onto […]
In the wake of losing a nail-biting 21-17 matchup with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola made his feelings known about the fan base he was once committed to representing. The former Buckeyes commit who flipped to Georgia, and then the Cornhuskers took his chance to blast the fans for throwing bottles onto the field in the fourth quarter.
“The bottles being thrown is just, I don’t know, it kind of feels like it disrespects football and the nature of it,” the freshman said after the game. “It happened, and we had to get away from it, but nah, it was loud. It was a cool environment. But we knew that coming in.”
Nebraska nearly won, holding a three-point lead until about six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Raiola had the chance to lead the offense into scoring position after an awful targeting penalty not only awarded Nebraska with a 15-yard penalty but erased a forced fumble that also gave them the yardage that was gained on the initial catch.
It was a break that moved Nebraska from their 12 to their 46-yard line.
The replay of the hit showed Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese bracing for the hit on receiver Jahmal Banks and then initiating contact with his elbow. While contact was made with the Bank's facemask area, there was no obvious intent, and the spirit of the penalty was not clearly satisfied.
This led to fans revolting against the call, as Reese was also ejected. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was so upset he nearly drew another 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Then, the debris rained down.
Raiola played terribly through much of the game, missing open throws that would've all but sealed a Cornhuskers win. He completed 21-of-32 passes but managed only 152 yards. Nebraska couldn't trust him with more than screens by the fourth quarter.
Only a true freshman, it's not surprising The Shoe was a lot for Raiola to play well in. Despite being a 5-star recruit, Raiola would likely not even start if not for his pedigree and connection to Nebraska. He's been that rough despite his odd obsession with replicating Patrick Mahomes' look and mannerisms.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes responds to obvious imitation from college football freshman phenom quarterback
Mahomes had plenty to say.
The good news is Raiola took the loss in stride and has more runway to continue improving with on-field reps, which is a positive of his situation at Nebraska.
“Yeah it’s definitely a learning point, but we’ll be excited to go watch the tape and get better,” Raiola said.
With 1,592 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions on the year, Raiola ranks 53rd with a 63.7 QBR. It's his third straight game without a touchdown pass and an interception.
