Nebraska hosts UTEP in its opener on Saturday.

The Cornhuskers haven't won an opener since 2019 and are four-touchdown favorites against the Miners.

The game marks the debut of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, the highest-ranked recruit ever signed by the Cornhuskers.

UTEP has had just two winning seasons since 2006. The Miners begin the Scotty Walden era. The 34-year-old Walden takes over for Dana Dimel after going 26-14 at Austin Peay. Eleven of his Austin Peay players followed him to El Paso.

A new Husker football season kicks off Saturday at Memorial Stadium and Nebraska State Troopers will be partnering with several agencies to keep fans safe on the roads, in the stadium, on the radio, and with an eye in the sky.

“An exciting Husker football season is here and our troopers want to make sure fans from across Nebraska make it to the game and home safely,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Husker Saturday is all about teamwork, from the team on the field, to the support of the fans, to tremendous partnerships with several police agencies to keep the event safe. Our troopers are proud to be a part of this effort in numerous capacities.”

The Nebraska State Patrol works closely with partner agencies on several aspects of gameday operations. Troopers partner with the Lincoln Police Department, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, UNL Police Department, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation to keep fans safe as they travel to and from the game, as well as in and around Memorial Stadium.

Troopers in the NSP Aviation Support Unit will provide an eye in the sky to relay information to troopers on the ground to assist with traffic flow coming into Lincoln. Fans can also hear live radio traffic reports from Trooper Brett before and after the game on Huskers Radio Network stations throughout the state.

Inside the stadium, troopers, deputies, and officers, team-up to keep the gameday experience safe. Any fan in need of assistance during the game can contact any member of law enforcement or event staff. Fans can also text 402-472-0800 to get assistance inside the stadium.

Anyone who observes a reckless driver or anyone in need of non-emergency roadside assistance can call *55 to reach the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline. NSP’s portion of this effort is made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.

UTEP at Nebraska, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (Fox)

BetMGM College Football Odds: Nebraska by 27 1/2.

Series record: First meeting.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Nebraska, which hasn't won an opener since 2019, expect to make a big jump in Matt Rhule's second season. The game marks the debut of freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola, the highest-ranked recruit ever signed by the Cornhuskers. UTEP, which has had just two winning seasons since 2006, begins the Scotty Walden era. The 34-year-old Walden, who lost three of four games as Southern Mississippi's interim coach in 2020, takes over for Dana Dimel after going 26-14 at Austin Peay. Eleven of his Austin Peay players followed him to El Paso.

KEY MATCHUP

Raiola will make his first career start against a UTEP defense that returns nine starters but will be playing in a new 3-3-5 system. The key for Raiola will be to take care of the ball — turnovers have been the Huskers' biggest problem for two years — and establish rhythm with an upgraded group of receivers. The Miners will try to pressure Raiola with edge rusher Maurice Westmoreland, who was second in Conference USA last season with 7.5 sacks.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UTEP: QB Cade McConnell or Skyler Locklear. Walden said he planned to name his starter by Thursday. McConnell started the final six games last season and led the Miners with 1,437 yards passing and six touchdowns passes. Locklear played in a combined four games in two seasons at Austin Peay.

Nebraska: DL Jimari Butler has added 15 pounds to his 6-foot-5 frame to get up to 260 and is poised for a breakout year after recording a team-best 5.5 sacks a year ago.

FACTS & FIGURES

UTEP is opening against a power-conference opponent for the first time since 2017. ... Miners are 0-3 against the Big Ten, losing 38-7 at Northwestern last year. Nebraska is 8-1 against Conference USA, its only loss coming to Southern Miss in 2004. ... Nebraska hasn't won more than five games in a season since 2016. ... Rhule says RBs Rahmir Johnson, Emmett Johnson, Gabe Ervin Jr. and Dante Dowdell all will play. ... Huskers' kicking situation is uncertain. Tristan Alvano, the starter a year ago, is recovering from offseason groin surgery.