Shedeur Sanders Ripped by Nebraska LB: ‘Can’t Compare’ Dylan Raiola to Colorado Star

Adam WellsSeptember 4, 2024

Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It’s safe to say Nebraska is feeling confident going into Saturday’s showdown with Colorado after Dylan Raiola’s outstanding debut for the Cornhuskers in a 40-7 win over UTEP.

Speaking to reporters this week, Nebraska linebacker Mikai Gbayor dismissed a question about Raiola and Shedeur Sanders by saying you “can’t compare” the two quarterbacks.

We Coming 🦬 @SkoBuffsGoBuffs”You can’t compare Dylan and Shedeur Sanders, Don’t do that..Dylan is a different man”

Reporter : “How is Dylan different ?”

“Just Dylan is a Dog, Just know that..You’ll see on Saturday”

😂😂😂😂 #SkoBuffs pic.twitter.com/EfzgrvlGmy

Gbayor and the Nebraska defense got an in-person look at what Sanders is capable of doing last season. Colorado cruised to a 36-14 victory in a matchup between the old Big 12 rivals at Folsom Field in September 2023.

Sanders finished 31-of-42 for 393 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He also had a six-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter.

The biggest problem for Nebraska in that game—and throughout the 2023 season—was inept quarterback play. Jeff Sims, Heinrich Haarberg and Chubba Purdy all played against the Buffaloes. They combined to go 11-of-22 for 119 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Sanders kicked off his 2024 season with 445 yards and four touchdowns in a 31-26 win against North Dakota State.

Nebraska’s offense finished the 2023 campaign ranked 123rd out of 133 FBS teams in points per game (18.0).

Raiola gave verbal commitments to Ohio State and Georgia before ultimately signing with Nebraska in December. His father, Dominic Raiola, played center for the Cornhuskers from 1998 to 2000 and had his No. 54 jersey retired by the program in 2002.

Dylan was the No. 3 quarterback prospect in the 2024 recruiting class. Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports noted Raiola was the first 5-star player who committed to Nebraska during the 247Sports era, which dates back to 2010.

The early returns suggest Raiola might already be the best passing quarterback in Nebraska history. It’s a low bar to clear because this program has been defined by option stars like Eric Crouch, Tommie Frazier and Scott Frost. He finished 19-of-27 for 238 yards and two touchdowns against UTEP.

Raiola will get the chance to prove Gbayor’s declaration correct against a Colorado defense that allowed 449 yards to North Dakota State on Aug. 29.