It turns out that Dylan Raiola is in even better company as a true freshman starter at quarterback in Huskers football history.

Last week we told the story of Ted Kenfieldthe starter in Nebraska’s 1943 opening game against Minnesota and in four other games that season.

Gulp! We missed something: In two of the three games in which Kenfield was not in the starting line-up, two other absolute newcomers were given the nod: Walt Wilkins (against Kansas) and Morris Galter (vs. Missouri). The only non-rookie starter in 1943 was actually about a decade older than the other three: Clark Beaver, a 27-year-old with a leg injury that left him 4F military reject.

In the following 1944 season, at least two true Husker rookies each started at least one game (but not the opening game of the season) as QB: Bill Betz And Ed Gradoville.

That makes at least nine Nebraska quarterbacks who started as true freshmen, more than twice as many as we were led to believe. Are there more? Feel free to do your own research and report back.

Regardless of the increasing numbers, one thing is certain: When Raiola steps onto the field against UTEP on Saturday, he will be only the second true freshman in the period after the Second World War to start at quarterback in a season opener for the Huskers. It will be interesting to see if the TV commentators get it right.

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