Nebraska football is gearing up for their season opener against UTEP, and the Huskers have identified three key strategies to secure victory against the Miners. As the Big Red prepares to debut their highly anticipated quarterback, Dylan Raiola, the first key to success is to build his confidence. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield's primary focus will be to get Raiola into a rhythm by offering him quick and simple reads, allowing him to gain confidence and showcase his talent against a less formidable opponent.

Although UTEP may not present the same level of talent as future conference foes, they still pose a challenge for Raiola in his collegiate debut. Thus, it becomes crucial for the Huskers to support their rookie quarterback and prevent him from being put in compromising situations early on. Failure to execute plays effectively against UTEP could have a detrimental impact on Raiola's confidence, which may hinder his ability to perform at his best in subsequent games. Building a strong foundation and boosting Raiola's self-assurance is vital for Nebraska's success in the long run.

Key No. 2 focuses on the importance of taking control of the game from its early stages. In such matchups, where one team clearly possesses the advantage in terms of resources and talent, it is essential to establish dominance from the outset. The longer the game remains competitive, the more the underdog starts to believe in their ability to overcome the odds. Nebraska understands this well, having experienced an unexpected upset two years ago against Georgia Southern. To prevent a similar scenario, the Huskers need to assert their superiority early on and maintain their momentum throughout the game.

Adding to the challenge for Nebraska is UTEP's new head coach, Scotty Walden, who arrives with a track record of success. Walden's proven ability to lead Austin Peay to back-to-back winning seasons makes him a formidable coach who will not be intimidated by the challenging task of facing the Huskers. It is imperative that Nebraska demonstrates their superiority over UTEP to avoid giving the Miners any sense of hope or motivation.

The final key to victory is the limitation of unforced errors. With a significant talent gap between the two teams, Nebraska's average recruiting class ranking of 27th, as compared to UTEP's 117th, sets the stage for the Huskers' advantage in most matchups. Self-inflicted mistakes proved to be the downfall of Nebraska last year, as they missed out on a bowl game due to repeated errors. To ensure victory, the Huskers must avoid giving UTEP unnecessary opportunities to stay in the game. Protecting the football and minimizing turnovers will put Nebraska in a favorable position to start the season with a win.

As Nebraska football prepares to kick off the season against UTEP, the keys to success are clear: nurturing the confidence of their rookie quarterback, establishing dominance early on, and limiting unforced errors. By executing these strategies effectively, the Huskers can set the tone for a successful season and lay the foundation for future victories.