The Nebraska football season has just begun. The Huskers officially began planning for UTEP last weekend and on Monday published the depth chart shows who played where and when.

There is at least one player on the Miners depth chart that makes head coach Matt Rhule think of him more than most. NU knows it needs a plan to stop CUSA’s best pass rusher.

In fact, Nebraska football knows that the Huskers could have a very bad day if they don’t stop Maurice Westmoreland, even in Lincoln. Rhule emphasized that Westmoreland and the rest of his teammates see the game against NU as an opportunity to make some noise and not only through memes.

“These guys are coming to win. It’s a great, great, great first test for us to deal with someone who’s throwing everything at us.” Rhule said during a recent press conference. “A big part of that is Westmoreland and his ability to change the game.”

He’s not wrong in his assessment of the UTEP defender, who came out of nowhere in 2023. After only 17 tackles and not much else in 2022, he exploded onto the scene last season.

Not only did he record 37 tackles, but he also had 10.5 TFL, 7.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and even defended 3 passes. He will be a real challenge for an offensive line that has some new faces up front.

He will also be a good test for Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, who is making his first collegiate appearance. Raiola wore a green jersey in the spring and while he has seen a little more physical contact this fall, he hasn’t been fully involved. It will certainly be interesting to see how the Huskers handle UTEP’s pass rush in Week 1.