Husker fans, we have almost made it. The summer purgatory is about to reach its conclusion with the start of fall camp this week. We will begin to learn our fate. Do the pearly gates of a winning season await us (the first in seven seasons), or do we yet again descend into the deepest pits of hell? Time will tell, but for now, let's look at five major questions we have going into the Nebraska Football's 2024 fall camp period.

1. How good is Dylan Raiola?

Throughout the offseason, Matt Rhule has played down who will take the first snap at QB. But, c’mon man! Not even Brain Ferentz could mess this call up - Raiola will be under center August 31st when the Huskers kick off the 2024 football season against UTEP. But can the true freshman handle the spotlight? Let’s say the defense only plays as well as it did last year, how good can this team be with just the addition of a competent passing game? The bar set by last year's offense is very low (10 TDs vs. 16 INTs in 2023). The past seven seasons should tell us to tamper our expectations... under promise so that he can over deliver.

Well damnit, SCREW THAT! After what Raiola showcased during this year's Red-White Spring Game back in April, I feel it in my plums - this kid is going to take us where we need to go! I fully expect Coach Rhule to continue to play the QB depth chart close to his smock, but very curious what reports come out as camp ramps up.

2. Can the defense replicate what it did last year?

Based on the latest reports, all signs seem to indicate the floor for this year's defensive squad is in line with what we saw from the defense last season, with the hope that they will take further strides to build upon last year's success during the upcoming season.

With that said, The Blackshirts did lose some key starters, specifically in the linebacking corps. and defensive backfield. One of the most important questions heading into the 2024 season is who will step up to replace linebackers Luke Reimer and Nick Henrich in the middle of the defense? The other major question that will need to be answered during fall camp is who will secure the corner spot opposite Tommi Hill, especially with the news that Blye Hill is most likely out to start camp?

If the first season under Tony White is any indication, then I fully expect the defense will be able to incorporate the new guys in and pick up right where they left off. Seeing the defense create more turnovers and get off the field on third downs are both areas that can be improved on from last year. I will be monitoring reports from fall camp closely to see if those things are points of emphasis.

3. How will the Co-Offensive Coordinators work out?

Based on Coach Rhule’s recent presser, it appears that Marcus Satterfield will be the primary playcaller and the coach responsible for communicating plays into the QB through the newly allowed electronic communication devices in helmets that will debut in college football this year season (looking at you Connor Stallions). Will we see a revamped passing attack? By now we have all seen how Raiola can sling the rock almost effortlessly, but will Satty immediately show trust in Raiola with his play calls from the very beginning? Also, will having Glenn Thomas on the sideline as a dedicated QB coach pay immediate dividends?

Part of me believes that ole Satty Daddy was a bit hamstrung last season with what he had to work with at the QB position. However, with Raiola taking over the reins, there are no more excuses this season. Satterfield will have his own eyes in the sky, a seasoned pro in Coach Thomas to bounce ideas off, and a QB that can make all the throws. Cut it loose, baby!

4. Who will emerge as the lead running back?

There was a lot of hype surrounding the pickup of Oregon transfer Dante Dowdell in the offseason. Many, myself included, thought he would come in and be the guy. However, we didn’t hear too much about him throughout the spring, aside from his strong showing during the Red-White Spring Game, and we all know fall is a different animal.

As for the running backs returning from last season, there are still questions to be answered for each of them. Can Gabe Ervin recover from the hip injury and evade the injury bug that has continually bitten him during his time at Nebraska? Can Rahmir Johnson be the guy this year and ride off into the sunset? Emmet Johnson showed us all some cojones last year. Hand up - I didn’t think the guy would last in the B1G, but he seemingly proved me wrong across his 90 carries last season... can he sustain that in a larger role across an entire season though?

I think in a perfect world, Rhule and Co. would like a RB by committee, but it will be interesting to see who trots out for the first snap of the year… although an empty set with a true freshman QB for play one…that would send a message.

5. Does Haarberg become Huskers' Taysom Hill?

It’s a question we have to take seriously. I think every Husker fan appreciates what Heinrich Haarberg did for the team last year. The guy fought his damn tail off every game and posted a 5-3 record as a starter. However, I also have eyes and a somewhat functioning brain. The young man probably isn’t a QB at this level (at least in the Huskers' offensive scheme), but he is one hell of a fucking athlete. I don’t think that Rhule can stand to see him sit on the sideline, so maybe we will see some dedicated packages featuring him, a-la the New Orleans Saints' Taysom Hill. Or maybe we see him lined up at a totally different position. Either way, it will come down to how comfortable the coaches are with the depth at QB. I would love to see the guy out there, but preferably not under center.