Dylan Raiola Steps up to Help Oregon Beat Nebraska

Dylan Raiola could not have scripted a more dramatic ending against his former team.

The former Nebraska quarterback came off the bench in the fourth quarter Saturday night and led Oregon to a stunning 17-14 comeback victory over the Cornhuskers at Autzen Stadium.

Trailing 14-6 entering the final quarter, Oregon turned to Raiola after struggling offensively for much of the night.

The decision paid off.

Raiola completed 11 of 18 passes for 59 yards and the game-winning touchdown, connecting with Jamari Johnson on a 4-yard pass with just 28 seconds remaining. The touchdown capped an impressive 20-play, 82-yard drive that gave Oregon its first lead after a successful two-point conversion.

The moment carried additional significance for Raiola, who spent the first two seasons of his college career at Nebraska before transferring to Oregon.

His opportunity Saturday also came after a difficult performance against UCLA the previous week, when he completed just six of 19 passes and was eventually replaced by Brock Thomas.

Thomas earned the start against Nebraska with Dante Moore still sidelined by a concussion, but the Ducks struggled to move the football. Oregon managed just 91 total yards through three quarters, allowing Nebraska to control much of the game.

Raiola entered to begin the fourth quarter and immediately helped stabilize the offense.

His first possession produced a 17-play, 69-yard drive that ended with a field goal, cutting Nebraska's lead to 14-9.

After Oregon's defense forced a punt, Raiola took over again with an opportunity to complete the comeback. The Ducks converted multiple third- and fourth-down opportunities during their final touchdown drive before Raiola connected with Johnson in the end zone.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised the quarterback for making the most of another opportunity after being benched the previous week.

"A lot of people don't necessarily get second chances," Lanning said. "Dylan got a second chance to go out there tonight and execute for us when he was ready, and I'm proud that he was able to do that."

The victory improved Oregon to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big Ten play, while Nebraska dropped to 5-2 after suffering its second consecutive defeat.

For Raiola, Saturday was more than an opportunity to contribute to a conference victory.

After losing his starting role just one week earlier, he delivered when Oregon needed him most, against the very program where his college career began.