Matt Rhule reveals how he prepares Dylan Raiola for the storyline of battling Bryce Underwood

In one of the biggest games in recent Nebraska football history, the Cornhuskers host No. 21 Michigan in Lincoln this weekend. Nebraska is 0-28 in its last 28 games against top-25 opponents, but could completely flip that script with a massive win over the Wolverines.

The matchup will pit two of the most promising, young quarterbacks in college football against each other. Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood will face off against Nebraska sophomore quarterback Dylan Raiola. It will mark the second game of Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore‘s two-game suspension.

Through three games, Underwood boasts 628 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and one interception. He’s also rushed for 108 yards and two more scores. Meanwhile, Raiola has been absolutely perfect for Matt Rhule‘s Huskers. He’s thrown for 829 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions.

During the latest edition of the “House Rhules” podcast, Rhule discussed the storyline of Raiola battling Underwood this weekend. In short, he said that his quarterback just needs to control what he can control.

Rhule details Raiola’s gameplan for success against Michigan

“I think (Raiola) knows how good the Michigan defense is,” Rhule said. “They have a top-25 run defense. This is Wink Martindale. They get off the bus and they’re pressuring you. This is an elite defense with an elite defensive coordinator. Dylan understands that it’s him making the right check, him executing the right plays and him throwing the ball to the right guys. It’s just that.”

“Content needs those storylines to get people interested, but the football part of it is just ‘hey, how well can I play each play?’ I trust Dylan and I think the good thing is that he’s played in a bunch of big games already here. He played a bunch of big games in high school and he grew up in a football family. He knows that the key to being a great quarterback is controlling what you can control and blocking out all the noise.”

Michigan has won four consecutive matchups over Nebraska dating back to the 2018 season. They last met in 2023 (Rhule’s first season in Lincoln), where the Wolverines rolled 45-7 en route to their perfect 15-0 season and College Football Playoff National Championship victory. Kick-off between the two programs this weekend is set for 3:30 PM ET. The game can be seen on CBS.