Rhule roundup, Week 1: Not easing Raiola in or overlooking UTEP

Week 1 of the college football season is officially here, meaning the countdown to kickoff for the new Nebraska Cornhuskers season is just five days away.

Huskers head coach Matt Rhule talked to the media about a variety of things Monday heading into this weekend's game against UTEP.

Here are some key takeaways from Rhule's Week 1 press conference.

Not easing Dylan Raiola in

Raiola was officially announced as the starting quarterback last week, as expected, making him just the second true freshman to start at quarterback in Week 1 for Nebraska. Despite that, Rhule says they won't ease him in.

"We're going to play," Rhule said on Monday, shooting down any notion of easing the youngster in.

"He's gonna play the plays. ... Just how we want him to when he's a junior, we're gonna start from Day 1 that way," the coach added. "We're not easing him in to anything."

Rhule didn't expand on why when asked a couple of follow-ups, just saying, "This is just where I'm at. This is just how I feel," but noting that's a good thing.

Not overlooking UTEP

Rhule made clear that the Huskers aren't overlooking the Miners, noting several times how much he respects UTEP's coaching staff, players and explosive ability.

The coach said they'll particularly challenge Nebraska's defense with their tempo and big-play ability, which will force Nebraska to tackle well and play sound football. However, they also have some good pass-rushers off the edges that could test the Huskers' offensive tackles and Raiola.

He added that the Miners present a different challenge than what the Huskers will face in the Big Ten, so it'll be a good test for the team.

As for what fans should expect out of the Big Red, Rhule didn't want to say too much, saying, "I think they're gonna have to come and see it." However, Rhule said he wants to see complementary football, physical play and the team win the turnover battle after last year's struggles.

Huskers to feature several running backs

Nebraska's depth chart is pretty well settled at most spots but running back is one exception, meaning several guys will see the field.

The Huskers listed Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Gabe Ervin and Dante Dowdell all as co-starters on Monday's depth chart, and Rhule said they're all going to play.

The coach said he wishes things were a bit more settled at the position but added that they've all competed and deserve a chance to show what they can do.

The other spot that isn't yet settled is the kicker position. Rhule said coaches will determine the starter there later this week but Tristan Alvano and John Hohl are co-starters for now.

Home crowd effect?

Will playing in front of a sold-out crowd at Memorial Stadium change anything in how the Huskers play?

"Nothing should be different," Rhule said on Monday.

The coach said players should do anything differently when people are watching or they're doing something wrong. Of course, they'll have to prove that.

Rhule talked multiple times about how important it'll be for the Huskers to handle the ups and downs of each game and be able to respond after taking a punch. However, he doesn't want the crowd to impact their play at all.

"The crowd should do nothing but energize us," Rhule said.

The Huskers and Miners are scheduled to kick off the new season at 2:30 p.m. Saturday.