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Following Nebraska's bye week, all eyes are on quarterback Dylan Raiola as the Cornhuskers prepare for a critical matchup against USC. Head Coach Matt Rhule addressed Raiola's injury status in a Monday press conference, sharing that the young QB will attempt a return to practice on Tuesday-a crucial test that will determine if he can take the field on Saturday.
"Alright, Dylan will try to practice tomorrow. We'll see where he's at,"Rhule said, opening the conference. "We're getting both him and Heinrich [Haarberg] ready," he added, leaving room for Nebraska's other QBs to step up if Raiola isn't cleared for game day.
The true freshman Raiola has shown promise this season, completing 64.7% of his es with 1,921 yards, 10 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. However, his performance has dipped since October, with only one touchdown and six interceptions over the past four games.
Raiola's backups are ready
Nebraska's struggles have mirrored Raiola's, who has been sidelined by a lingering back injury, as the Cornhuskers have lost three straight, putting their bowl eligibility hopes on shaky ground after a strong 5-1 start.
Haarberg, Nebraska's backup QB, is waiting in the wings, having stepped in during Raiola's last game against UCLA. In six appearances this season, Haarberg has posted modest numbers, going 10-17 for 101 yards and an interception. Behind him is Daniel Kaelin, a true freshman yet to make his debut.
For Nebraska fans, all eyes are on Tuesday's practice, which Rhule believes will reveal Raiola's availability for the weekend clash. "I'll know after Tuesday's practice if he can play or not," Rhule stated, as Nebraska prepares to face a tough USC team in The Coliseum.
If Raiola isn't ready to go, the Cornhuskers will look to Haarberg or Kaelin to guide them in this critical showdown.