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Nebraska Turns to Freshman TJ Lateef for First Start at UCLA After Raiola’s Season-Ending Injury

Nebraska is retooling to a run-first plan that elevates Emmett Johnson, with Dylan Raiola staying involved during recovery.

Overview

  • Freshman TJ Lateef will start at UCLA on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Rose Bowl, with kickoff at 8 p.m. CT on Fox.
  • Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen says Nebraska will lean on the ground game and Lateef’s mobility as it adjusts the plan.
  • Running back Emmett Johnson enters the week with 1,002 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, positioning him as the focal point.
  • Dylan Raiola sustained a broken fibula, is out for the season, and is traveling to New York for surgery after staying engaged in meetings and practice.
  • UCLA interim coach Tim Skipper expects unscouted looks from Lateef and is studying both his college snaps and high school film, as Husker veterans such as WR Dane Key pledge on-field help to speed the freshman’s transition.