Sun Oct 12 17:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Raiola’s Late Touchdown Pass Lifts Nebraska Over Maryland in Thrilling Finish**
COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola connected with Dane Key for a 3-yard touchdown with just over a minute remaining, securing a narrow 34-31 victory for the Nebraska Cornhuskers over a resilient Maryland Terrapins team on Saturday.
Raiola, despite throwing for 260 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions, led the Huskers on a game-winning 81-yard drive in the final minutes, capping off a back-and-forth contest that saw momentum swing repeatedly. The victory marks Nebraska’s second consecutive close win, a welcome change for a program that struggled in one-score games in recent years.
“Our guys are very, very comfortable in the fourth quarter,” said Nebraska coach Matt Rhule. “We’re going to inoculate them by doing it all the time, teach it at a high level.’ I thought we did it pretty well there.”
Nebraska (5-1, 2-1) initially built a 10-point lead, but Maryland (4-2, 1-2) battled back, taking a 31-24 lead in the fourth quarter. Emmett Johnson’s 50-yard run set up a Nebraska scoring opportunity, but a delay of game penalty forced them to settle for a field goal. Johnson finished with 176 rushing yards.
Maryland’s final drive stalled near midfield after a controversial intentional grounding penalty against freshman quarterback Malik Washington, effectively ending their comeback hopes. Maryland coach Michael Locksley voiced his frustration, stating, “Nobody’s going to give us anything. Anything we get we’re going to take or earn.”
The game featured several momentum shifts, including a 67-yard interception return for a touchdown by Maryland’s Dontay Joyner and a 64-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Nebraska’s Nyziah Hunter.
The victory signifies a turning point for Nebraska, who had struggled in close contests in the past. Nebraska looks to continue their winning ways on Friday night at Minnesota, while Maryland will travel to UCLA on Saturday.
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