11/13/18 | Paul Koch
Excerpted from Chapter 71, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Jared Tomich, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Did your folks get to see many games? Jared Tomich: They did, yes. They would always make it out to quite a few. And it was cool because we’d play Michigan State, which…
Head coach Scott Frost and several players commented on Nebraska's preparations for Saturday's game against Michigan State, the final game at Memorial Stadium for the Husker seniors. Frost said creating big plays will be a challenge against MSU's stout defense. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Monday transcripts • Depth chart • Game notes • Game page •…
This team is going to compete every week. I have no doubt of that. It's the first time I've felt confident enough to make that statement about Husker football since Eric Crouch was forced to play catch-up against Colorado for 60 minutes in 2001. This team is going to compete. But with the rocky start to the season (which in…
Excerpted from Chapter 71, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Jared Tomich, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Did the Nebraska people strike you as any different from the area you grew up? Jared Tomich: You know what? Not a whole lot different. Because, fortunately, Chicago has really good fans as…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Spartans match up statistically entering their Nov. 17th game in Lincoln. NEBRASKA 3-7 (2-5) MICH. STATE 6-4 (4-3) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense226.522118.4116 Passing offense256.142233.368 Pass efficiency141.7151110.56118 Total offense482.613351.7110 Scoring offense32.34021.7117 Rushing defense194.09076.51 Pass defense255.4101250.897 Pass eff. defense124.5645118.8437 Total defense449.4107327.321 Scoring defense33.810319.717 Net punting36.698036.5084 Punt returns10.92436.12102 Kickoff returns15.9612423.4727 Turnover margin-0.10740.1058 Tackles for loss5.388 6.6 42…
Excerpted from Chapter 71, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch “Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.” -Seneca, Moral Essays. On Providence We’ve notably seen the Nebraska-effect as well as the Chicago-, Texas-, California- and New Jersey-effect that some of the players brought to the amalgamation that was…
Scott Frost is making the transition from frustrated father to a proud papa. No, I have no clue how his 1-year-old son is doing. I’m talking about who he deals with inside Memorial Stadium during Year One — the players he inherited and the players he recruited. In the relaxed atmosphere of his postgame press conference, just for a moment,…
Nebraska coach Scott Frost discusses his freshman quarterback's recruitment and improvement throughout his debut season for the Huskers.
In the Northern Great Plains, inclement weather inevitably collides with football Saturday, although not as often as we might think. Before Nebraska hosted Illinois on a windy, wintry day, I departed from my usual pregame surveyor 100 Husker fans, and went out in search of their bad-weather game stories. Most years, Lincoln experiences temperatures in the 20s or 30s in…
On Saturday, Nebraska will wear special "Memorial Tribute"* uniforms, which draw strong design influence from the uniforms the 1923 Huskers wore. Why 1923? That was the first season NU played at Memorial Stadium. *Let's take a second to address Adidas's ridiculous name for this uniform. At best, "memorial tribute" sounds similarly synonymous and slightly redundant. At worst, it describes an…
Excerpted from Chapter 70, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Jason Scott Jenkins, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Do you recall any first impressions of the tunnel walk and the home crowd? Jason Scott Jenkins: I’ll never forget those memories, they will last a lifetime. I would have the cold…
Head coach Scott Frost said the Illini are "playing for a lot" and will come to Lincoln motivated and expecting to win. He said the cold temperatures expected Saturday shouldn't be a factor, but the wind might be. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | ILL | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB | ILL…
Excerpted from Chapter 70, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch “Be everywhere, do everything, and never fail to astonish the customer.” -Macy’s motto College football? Check. Undefeated, 2-time National Champion? Check. Pro football? Pro boxing? Model? Bodyguard to the rich & famous? Hollywood actor? Hollywood producer? Check, check, check, check, check,…
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said Illinois is using "a whole different defense" after the recent resignation of defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson. He also said freshman running back Miles Jones had shoulder surgery and will miss the rest of the season. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | ILL | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB…
Excerpted from Chapter 68, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Jacques Allen, Part 3 Continued…. Q: I’m not sure if I’ll be interviewing Tyrone Williams, as he’s been hard to get ahold of, but would there be anything unique you’d say about going up against Tyrone in practices? JA:…
After the Huskers' embarrassing 56-10 loss earlier this season at Michigan, Nebraska head football coach Scott Frost declared, "This is our darkest moment. And remember, it's always darkest before the dawn." (I'm paraphrasing.) And most of us were fine with the positive nature of Frost's words, but many thought the bottom would not be reached until the Huskers faced Ohio…
Let's talk for a minute about "moral victories". Scott Frost doesn't want to acknowledge moral victories, and I don't blame him. Most competitors would rather punch their mother than celebrate a moral victory. You either win or you lose...and unfortunately this Nebraska team will end the season with more losses than wins. Nobody wants to be a part of team that…
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said the defense is improving, particularly in forcing turnovers, but is still "not even close" to where it needs to be. He said Illinois has a "dynamic" running back in Reggie Corbin, who had 213 yards on just 13 carries Saturday against Minnesota. Head coach Scott Frost also spoke after Tuesday's practice on the Big Ten…
Excerpted from Chapter 68, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Jacques Allen, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Any other comedy bits that you were known by in those days? Any other one-liners worth sharing? Jacques Allen: I used to do impressions. I used to do skits before meetings, stand up…
“We’ve had some great moral victories this year, and those don’t count for anything,” head coach Scott Frost said of the close loss at Ohio State. Frost and several players commented on the game and Nebraska's preparations for Illinois and former Husker backup quarterback AJ Bush. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Monday transcripts • Depth charts: NEB…
We've done seven Cobcasts and seven Facebook Live chats after losses this season. And we've done a hell of a lot more if you include the past few seasons. Since starting this podcast in 2014, we've witnessed 30 losses. That's the exact same number of wins we've seen in that amount of time. Yet, somehow, this loss felt differently. We've…
Excerpted from Chapter 68, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch We show up to Missouri that year (in 1997) and they tell us that we can’t practice on their field… And Osborne’s not real happy about the whole deal -because obviously he likes to do the walk-through on the field that we’re…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Fighting Illini match up statistically entering their Nov. 10th game in Lincoln. NEBRASKA 2-7 (1-5) ILLINOIS 4-5 (2-4) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense216.632249.411 Passing offense252.346166.6113 Pass efficiency138.9755115.16112 Total offense468.919416.059 Scoring offense29.96129.066 Rushing defense173.081240.3122 Pass defense269.8113284.4121 Pass eff. defense128.6658150.72110 Total defense442.8105524.8127 Scoring defense33.710136.9116 Net punting35.789638.4949 Punt returns9.80565.46110 Kickoff returns16.8812017.71113 Turnover margin-0.44940.3341 Tackles for loss5.385 5.2 93…
Ironically, on the day Nebraska lost its chance to qualify for a 2018 bowl game, it proved it is clearly a football program on the rise. The foundation is being built under a battling team that refuses to quit. The Huskers couldn’t quite beat Ohio State in the Horseshoe, but they likely knocked the Buckeyes out of the College Football…
Excerpted from Chapter 67, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Lance Gray, Part 3 Continued…. Q: So bring us into present day. What have you taken from being in the Nebraska Football system? What are the greatest benefits from that experience? Lance Gray: The most important thing I got…
Coach Scott Frost said the Huskers will go to Columbus believing they can win, which he said wasn't the case with some players in the game at Michigan. He said defensive lineman DaiShon Neal will miss the rest of the season because of injury, and Noah Vedral is now the No. 2 quarterback. Refresh this page for the latest updates.…
Excerpted from Chapter 67, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Lance Gray, Part 2 Continued…. Q: What about Charlie McBride? Lance Gray: Oh geez, he was the greatest guy in the world. Marvelous motivator and one of those things where he would give a pep talk before the game,…
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said after Wednesday's practice that the Huskers must be able to run the ball Saturday in Columbus. “You can’t drop back 50, 60 times and expect to beat the Buckeyes,” he said. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | OSU | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB | OSU • OSU…
Excerpted from Chapter 67, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch …he came West a young boy…and took a job as a driver for a freighting company that carried supplies across the plains from Nebraska City to Cherry Creek, as Denver was then called. The freighters, after embarking in that sea of grass…
Last Saturday, the Huskers hosted the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman in what was a makeup game for the September 1st Husker home opener with the Akron Zips that was canceled due to strong storms. But Saturday, dozens of non-starters got to play in front of nearly 90,000 Husker fans on an absolutely gorgeous fall afternoon. For many of those players, Saturday's…
Coaches and players on defense commented on the Nebraska football team's preparations for Saturday's game against No. 8 Ohio State and the Buckeyes' potent offense. Head coach Scott Frost also spoke after Tuesday's practice in the Big Ten coaches teleconference. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | OSU | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB…
ho·mer /ˈhōmər/ (noun): a person, man or woman, who believes that under the tutelage of Scott Frost, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are capable of anything and everything. I, Ryan Tweedy of the Lincoln Tweedys, am a proud homer and with that in mind I declare that the Nebraska Cornhuskers will defeat the Urban Meyer lead Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, The…
Excerpted from Chapter 66, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Eric Stokes, Part 3 Continued…. Q: What stands out after that ’94 Florida State/Orange Bowl game where you say things changed? What stands out to you the most? Eric Stokes: Just the focus that the team had that next…
Head coach Scott Frost and several players commented on the Nebraska football team's preparations for Saturday's game against No. 8 Ohio State. Frost said of the Buckeyes: "I don't have any doubt we're going to get their best shot after a loss two weeks ago and two weeks of practice and grinding." Refresh this page for the latest updates. •…
Wasn't this supposed to be the uneventful weekend? First, it was supposed to be a bye weekend. Then it was turned into an almost-bye weekend with Bethune-Cookman. And the pressure of nabbing Scott Frost's first win was already removed. But here we are celebrating what turned out to be quite the eventful weekend. Yeah, sure, Nebraska won and made it…
Excerpted from Chapter 66, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Eric Stokes, Part 2 Continued…. Q: What about any of the other defensive coaches? Anyone else in particular stand out to you as far as the staff dynamic from those days? Eric Stokes: Of course, Charlie McBride stands out.…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Buckeyes match up statistically entering their Nov. 3rd game in Columbus. NEBRASKA 2-6 (1-4) OHIO STATE 7-1 (4-1) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense220.629171.868 Passing offense250.646383.82 Pass efficiency138.2957174.105 Total offense471.318555.53 Scoring offense29.86243.08 Rushing defense166.071149.657 Pass defense272.0110241.185 Pass eff. defense127.7959126.5953 Total defense438.0102390.868 Scoring defense33.410122.942 Net punting37.417442.394 Punt returns11.11416.3995 Kickoff returns17.2711520.8661 Turnover margin-0.751060.7517 Tackles for loss5.678 7.8 20…
Excerpted from Chapter 66, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch In the workplace, diversity as equal opportunities is perceived to have many economic advantages in terms of maximizing the human resource potential: good recruitment and retention, improved working relationships in an atmosphere of inclusion, free from fear and allowing for personal development…
Nebraska players and coaches have kept their heads up after finding some brutally unexpected ways to lose games over the season’s first half. So after a baptism by fire, a little R&R and comfort food may not be a bad idea. That’s just what Nebraska’s football team and fan base got on a beautiful October afternoon. A picnic-atmosphere 45-9 win…
Nebraska put the game away early and then substituted freely in the second half in a 45-9 win over Bethune-Cookman. The Wildcats were kept out of the end zone until the game's final play. Devine Ozigbo rushed for 110 yards on 11 carries, and Stanley Morgan had seven receptions for 82 yards and a pair of touchdowns. JD Spielman added…
Nebraska fans recognize that in freshman Adrian Martinez, they have a budding all-conference-caliber quarterback growing up before their eyes. But they also hope to see a local athlete make good as his backup. Noah Vedral, who played his high school football at Bishop Neumann in Wahoo, has a lot of fans anxious to see him get some playing time. He…
Excerpted from Chapter 65, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Michael Booker, Part 3 Continued…. Q: The Blackshirts were mean and nasty? Michael Booker: Grant Wistrom, Jared Tomich, the Peter brothers, they were ruthless. But these guys off the field were just a bunch of teddy bears. We all…
Scott Frost said it was the best Thursday practice yet, with good attention to detail, as the Huskers wrapped up preparations for Bethune-Cookman. "We need to make sure we're better than last week and we're moving in the right direction," Frost said. "Doesn't matter if we're playing Ohio State or Bethune-Cookman." Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth…
Excerpted from Chapter 65, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Michael Booker, Part 2 Continued…. Q: And Coach Osborne, what stands out about him? Michael Booker: Well, one thing about me and Lawrence Phillips, we got into a lot of confrontations. Me and Lawrence got into it about three…
Nebraska football season ticket holders received a new ticket for Saturday’s game with Bethune-Cookman. The original ticket from the Akron game will not be valid for admission. Season ticket holders should have received tickets for Saturday’s game either via e-mail (print-at-home tickets) or by first class mail. Husker fans who purchase season parking permits through Nebraska Athletics should also have…
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters and other assistant coaches and players commented on the Nebraska football team's preparations for Saturday's game against Bethune-Cookman. Defensive tackle Mick Stoltenberg, who has been out with a knee injury, has been practicing this week and hopes to play this weekend. Ben Stille also explained his decision not to accept his Blackshirt. Refresh this page for…
Excerpted from Chapter 65, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch “I am a part of all that I have met.” -Alfred, Lord Tennyson Making Ohio, California, Nebraska, Georgia, Tennessee, Texas and North Carolina his home during various stages in life, Michael Booker is a well-traveled man. I had a hard time…
Winner, winner, Chicken dinner! I'm not sure what the coaches and players ate after Nebraska's 53-28 thrashing of the Minnesota Golden Rodents Saturday night in Lincoln, but I think we can be sure it wasn't the turkey the team had been stuffing itself with the past 10 games. No, this was a celebratory win-a relief win, a feel good win-a…
Man, I never thought I could feel this good about being 1-6. It's almost embarrassing. Plus, if we're being honest Im not sure I'd feel the same if it was ANYBODY but Scott Frost. I feel like Husker fans have a secret that we've known about since December and everyone else is just starting to figure it out. What makes…
Assistant coaches and players on defense commented on the Nebraska football team's preparations for Saturday's game against Bethune-Cookman. Additional Blackshirts have been issued to Tre Neal, Lamar Jackson, Khalil Davis and Carlos Davis. Ben Stille was offered one but turned it down because he didn't think he had practiced well enough. Head coach Scott Frost also spoke after practice in…
Excerpted from Chapter 64, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Bill Humphrey, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Speaking of that game versus Miami, are there any specific matchups or plays against those guys that you remember most? Bill Humphrey: The one thing I remember most was that Sapp had a…
Head coach Scott Frost and several players commented on Nebraska's preparations for Saturday's game against Bethune-Cookman and the win over Minnesota. The Huskers skipped their usual Monday practice, getting a "bye day" during what originally was a bye week on the 2018 schedule. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Monday transcripts • Depth charts: NEB | B-C |…
It's time for a new streak. One of a different stripe. 10-game losing streaks are fun and all (I'm lying), but six-game winning streaks to go to a bowl game? That's where the party's at. Maybe I'm putting the cart ahead of the horse. You'll have to forgive me. It's been a while. I'm bathing in the glory of a…
Excerpted from Chapter 64, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Bill Humphrey, Part 2 Continued…. Q: So then you go to the other side of the ball with Milt Tenopir and Dan Young on offense. How did that switch go physically, mentally, emotionally? Bill Humphrey: Well, I think it…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Wildcats match up statistically entering their Oct. 27th game in Lincoln. NEBRASKA 1-6 (1-4) BETHUNE-COOKMAN 4-4 (2-2) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense219.924153.967 Passing offense251.946211.570 Pass efficiency139.5657134.6447 Total offense471.721365.475 Scoring offense27.67632.431 Rushing defense169.681183.874 Pass defense280.3119202.038 Pass eff. defense132.0171119.0529 Total defense449.9111385.852 Scoring defense36.911531.073 Net punting35.659534.2376 Punt returns2.8812410.7139 Kickoff returns17.2711426.688 Turnover margin-1.00117-0.3882 Tackles for loss5.484 5.9 76 Sacks2.29…
Excerpted from Chapter 64, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch “We want big kids who like to hit people.” -Bob Devaney Big kids, fast kids, smart kids. Scholarship kids, walk-on kids. Nebraska kids, out-of-state kids. Spunky kids, tough kids. Myriad kids. Kids, kids, kids. No, this isn’t my attempt at one-upping…
As dusk settled over Memorial Stadium at the end of a gorgeous October day, the remains of a long nightmarish winter melted away, leaving the sensation of spring as it settled over the Sea of Red while the clock counted down the final minutes to Nebraska’s 53-28 victory over Minnesota Saturday. Long losing streaks aren’t supposed to happen at the…
Devine Ozigbo has impressed Nebraska fans with excellent starts to back-to-back seasons, according to my surveys at the midpoints of the 2017 and 2018 seasons. On Saturday morning before the Minnesota game, I reprised my midseason survey of the previous year, with a slight twist. My question last season was, “Who was Nebraska’s most valuable player during the first half…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Trumane Bell, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Is there anything you wish you had the chance to do over? Trumane Bell: I thought I worked pretty hard at school. I thought I worked hard on the field. Sometimes I think,…
Head coach Scott Frost said defensive tackle Mick Stoltenberg is getting closer to returning to game action, and so is linebacker Tyrin Ferguson. He said Nebraska has had a great week of practices in preparation for Saturday's game against Minnesota. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | MIN | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Trumane Bell, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Do you recall the very first game you played in? Trumane Bell: Oh yeah, it was the very first game after my redshirt year. I can remember, it was me, Kareem Moss and…
Noah Vedral is taking second-team reps with Andrew Bunch, quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco said after Wednesday's practice. Offensive line coach Greg Austin said his group has improved in technique and communication since the start of the season. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | MIN | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB | MIN •…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch How precious a thing is the human family. Is it not worth some sacrifice in time, energy, safety, discomfort, work? Does anything come forth without work? …Unity and diversity. Form and freedom. Togetherness and individuality. A family. -Edith Schaeffer, What is a…
Everyday, it's a gettin' closer, Goin' faster than a roller coaster. -"Everyday" by Buddy Holly and the Crickets "If I hit you and knock you down, that's on ME. If I come back the next day and you're still lying on the ground, that's on YOU." -Coach Ron Brown, current Director of Player Personnel for the University of Nebraska…
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander discussed penalties and recruiting and broke down what went wrong for the defense late in the Northwestern game. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | MIN | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB | MIN • Monday presser • Pregame page • Practice schedule Coverage • Husker247 | Quick Hits:…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Phil Ellis, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Any practice event that sticks out in your mind? Phil Ellis: Oh, there was one night. I remember, it was dark, you couldn’t see anything. And coaches were all fired up and we…
The University of Nebraska and Adidas on Monday unveiled the new Primeknit A1 ‘Memorial Tribute’ alternate uniforms, which will make their on-field debut for the Cornhuskers’ game against Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 10. POLL: YEA OR NAY? MORE COVERAGE GET THE JERSEY 2018 marks 100 years since the culmination of World War I. The alternate uniforms pay tribute to the…
Head coach Scott Frost and several players commented on the overtime loss at Northwestern and Nebraska's preparations for Saturday's game against Minnesota. Frost said Monday's practice was the best yet and he's happy with the program's culture. "I don't want the guys to get used to losing and be OK with it. I know the vast majority of our team…
Ten in a row. Loss after loss after loss after loss after loss after loss after loss after loss after loss after loss. That's what Husker football looks like right now. That's not a Scott Frost thing. That's not a Mike Riley thing. That's a Nebraska thing. This has unfortunately become our culture. There are times it feels like it's…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Phil Ellis, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Phil, I’m of the mindset that many people just expected -for lack of a better term- expected you guys to run out there on Saturdays and dominate and win, yet don’t have an…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Golden Gophers match up statistically entering their Oct. 20th game in Lincoln. NEBRASKA 0-6 (0-4) MINNESOTA 3-3 (0-3) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense192.744150.591 Passing offense247.854200.0101 Pass efficiency131.5075115.54112 Total offense440.542350.5109 Scoring offense23.310725.592 Rushing defense177.087121.528 Pass defense268.8109232.777 Pass eff. defense130.6864129.0461 Total defense445.8109354.245 Scoring defense38.311724.554 Net punting35.299541.2917 Punt returns2.8812428.671 Kickoff returns17.4011120.6471 Turnover margin-1.17121-1.00119 Tackles for loss6.064 6.2 58…
Excerpted from Chapter 62, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch One winter his cattle had perished in a blizzard. The next summer one of his plow horses broke its leg in a prairie-dog hole and had to be shot. Another summer he lost his hogs from cholera, and a valuable stallion died…
As Nebraska’s football family battles its way through unprecedented self-inflicted pain and suffering, there are no shortage of opinions on the best way to end it. And not all Nebraska fans are handling it well. You already know that if you listened to the postgame radio call-in shows. Nebraska’s dirty laundry is being broadcast throughout the nation. Some people look…
Excerpted from Chapter 60, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Aaron Davis, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Aaron, do you have a favorite game or game-time moment? Aaron Davis: You know, I sometimes joke about it, but Saturday was a day of rest for me. (laughs) I always say I…
Head coach Scott Frost said Nebraska has had its best week of practice heading into Saturday's game at Northwestern. He provided several injury updates and commented on what he believes is an unfair advantage to schools whose classes are on a quarters system. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | NW | Flip sheet •…
Excerpted from Chapter 60, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch “The thing about football –the important thing about football- is that it is not just about football.” -Terry Pratchet, Unseen Academicals Competing with Sir Mix-A-Lot’s Baby Got Back in 1992, the top song of the year was Boyz II Men’s End…
The Huskers practiced outside on the grass Wednesday to prepare for Northwestern's notoriously slow field, but running backs coach Ryan Held said he doesn't expect the surface in Evanston to be much of a factor. Offensive coordinator Troy Walters said of true freshman Maurice Washington, "We're going to find ways to get him the ball" on both running and passing…
Excerpted from Chapter 59, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Ben Rutz, Part 2 Continued…. Q: So then you become a Kansas Jayhawk after your JUCO year. Your first day on campus there, was there anything that stood out to you? Any difference between the Kansas program and Nebraska?…
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said after Tuesday's practice that "we have a long ways to go football-wise, we have a long ways to go strength and conditioning-wise if we're going to catch up and be able to beat teams like Wisconsin and Michigan." He also said the defense needs to get better at creating turnovers. Refresh this page for the…
When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud. -Denzel Washington Late last fall, most Husker fans were hoping (praying?) that Scott Frost would accept the head coaching job at Nebraska after Mike Riley was fired in November. And luckily, everyone got his wish. Frost was deemed to be the savior of a Husker football program that had…
Excerpted from Chapter 59, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 2 by Paul Koch The conductor of a great symphony orchestra was once asked which was the most difficult instrument to play. ”Second violin,” he answered. ”We can get plenty of first violinists. But to get someone who will play second violin with enthusiasm – that…
Nobody wants to hear about moral victories and turning points. The only victories and momentum shifts will come from actual wins is the common maxim. But let me tell you: Saturday felt like a victory for self-esteem and a changing of a emotional tide. The true test of how much of one it was will come Saturday in Evanston, Ill.…
Head coach Scott Frost and several players commented on Nebraska's loss to Wisconsin and its preparations for Saturday's game against Northwestern. Freshman quarterback Adrian Martinez said he has all kinds of room for improvement, and Frost said the team is "turning a corner" in terms of attitude. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Transcripts: Frost, Davis, Farniok, Lee,…
Excerpted from Exhibits, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch “For one who reads, there is no limit to the number of lives that may be lived, for fiction, biography, and history offer an inexhaustible number of lives in many parts of the world, in all periods of time.” - Louis L'Amour…
Here's how the Cornhuskers and Wildcats match up statistically entering their Oct. 13th game in Evanston. NEBRASKA 0-5 (0-3) N’WESTERN 2-3 (2-1) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense185.05877.4127 Passing offense247.258293.822 Pass efficiency131.8875118.59107 Total offense432.247371.295 Scoring offense21.811423.6106 Rushing defense206.0109133.046 Pass defense231.677255.2102 Pass eff. defense130.5863134.0777 Total defense437.6105388.272 Scoring defense39.212025.260 Net punting34.0410837.2974 Punt returns0.571265.7997 Kickoff returns18.1910322.1152 Turnover margin-1.20122-0.4093 Tackles for loss6.064 5.8 75 Sacks2.60…
Two steps forward, one step back. That’s progress, right? Except when you’re playing in Madison, where there’s precious little room for missteps. Wisconsin played its usual brand of wear-’em-down football, and Jonathan Taylor scorched Nebraska for another 200-yard, multiple-touchdown game. So the beat goes on for the 4-1 Badgers, who rushed for 370 yards and have positioned themselves well for…
Excerpted from Chapter 58, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: John Reece, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Watching the Florida State game the other night, I never felt so bad as I did when Toby (Wright) bumps into that receiver when they make that pass to the endzone, where the…
Head coach Scott Frost said after Thursday's practice that Nebraska will have to be efficient on offense Saturday, given the Badgers' clock-consuming offense. He said he saw progress this week from the Huskers' wide receivers and running backs. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | WIS | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB | WIS…
Excerpted from Chapter 58, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: John Reece, Part 2 Continued…. Q: So after the Florida State game you got drafted by the Rams? JR: I actually got drafted by the Arizona Cardinals. (laughs) I kid with people all the time that I left heaven…
Offensive coordinator Troy Walters discussed the departure of receiver Tyjon Lindsey after Wednesday's practice: “He was getting better and better. He was frustrated with the reps he was getting, so he wanted to move on, and we have to focus on the guys who are here.” Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | WIS |…
Excerpted from Chapter 58, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch “I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.” -Jack Tatum Born to a prostitute mother and pimp father in Austin, Texas in 1928, Dick “Night Train” Lane was ditched into a back alley dumpster a few short…
Defensive coaches and players commented on Nebraska's preparations for Saturday's game against Wisconsin. Erik Chinander said more tough love is in order for his Husker defense. Head coach Scott Frost also spoke after Tuesday's practice in the Big Ten coaches' teleconference. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | WIS | Flip sheet • Game notes:…
Excerpted from Chapter 57, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Bruce Moore, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Do you recall significant organizational changes from your freshman to your senior year? BM: I think winning the national championship was always there in our mind, because the Big 8 championship was always…
It's fitting and proper that the biggest star to grace Memorial Stadium Saturday during the Purdue-Husker game, was legendary actor and funny man Bill Murray. Murray, of course, is known for movies such as "Ghostbusters," "Scrooged" and the cult classic "Caddyshack." So what's the deja vu connection? Murray also made a movie called "Groundhog Day." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vmmTnDJnH0) In case you haven't…
Husker players and head coach Scott Frost commented on the 0-4 Nebraska football team's resolve to right the ship and its preparations for Saturday's game against Wisconsin. There was bad news on the injury front as it was announced that linebacker Will Honas will miss the rest of the season. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Monday transcripts…
This is going to be quick. Why? Because I'm the guy who wasn't a part of this week's podcast. Because I'm in Nebraska trying to hang out with family before flying back to California. Because we lost to friggin' Purdue again. In spite of all that, I had fun at this weekend's game (first time sitting next to my dad…
Excerpted from Chapter 57, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch You'll find the road is long and rough, with soft spots far apart, Where only those can make the grade who have the Uphill Heart. And when they stop you with a thud or halt you with a crack, Let Courage call the…
How do the Cornhuskers and Badgers match up statistically entering their Oct. 6th game in Madison? Here are the numbers. NEBRASKA 0-4 (0-2) WISCONSIN 3-1 (1-0) Avg. Rank Avg. Rank Rushing offense203.541266.38 Passing offense207.387200.895 Pass efficiency124.7095156.9726 Total offense410.868467.035 Scoring offense21.311532.057 Rushing defense165.080135.050 Pass defense248.894172.825 Pass eff. defense131.5174124.5454 Total defense413.897307.817 Scoring defense38.811814.510 Net punting34.2710837.6965 Punt returns0.171255.33102 Kickoff returns18.299620.3075 Turnover margin-1.501271.0015 Tackles for…
Warriors and wild men look similar much of the time, but when a pressure situation hits, they respond differently. Scott Frost got an unpredictable mix of both when he came to Lincoln, and so far the results have been interesting — flashes of brilliance mixed with totally irrational behavior — but ultimately frustrating. Nebraska ended its 2017 season with a…
Here are several clips from BTN's "Big Ten Elite" program on the 1997 Huskers. The show airs Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. CDT. December 1⃣1⃣th, 1997 marked the end of an important era for @HuskerFBNation.Coach Tom Osborne announced his intention to retire following the 1997 season.Big Ten Elite x Physicians Mutual Debuts TOMORROW at 7 ET on BTN. pic.twitter.com/DCTW4rpUWy— Nebraska…
The sun came up Saturday morning, although you couldn’t tell it for sure in Lincoln, where overcast skies and rain predominated. Yet despite the Cornhuskers’ current dismal seven-game losing streak, Nebraska fans continued their pilgrimage to Memorial Stadium to cheer for the Big Red as they have for decades. That’s the point in this week’s Pregame Perspective. I decided to…
.@coach_frost gave a big postgame speech long before he was @HuskerFBNation's coach.@Johnubacon looks back at it, plus Frost's path to becoming @Huskers QB, in this week's Instant Legend, presented by @TIAA. pic.twitter.com/GzUF2z6BGM — Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 29, 2018 • Omaha World-Herald* | Tom Osborne on BTN: Scott Frost's…
Excerpted from Chapter 56, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Aaron Taylor, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Did you have a favorite site you liked playing? AT: I’ve got a couple. I liked playing in Missouri because the fans were so damn passionate and that was always a good game.…
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost said Thursday's practice “was a lot better than last week. We’re practicing well. Sooner or later it’s going to lead to results." He said running back Maurice Washington could play Saturday despite being sick this week. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | PUR | Flip sheet • Game notes:…
Excerpted from Chapter 56, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Aaron Taylor, Part 2 Continued…. Q: Tell me a little about Coach Milt Tenopir. His techniques, his demeanor, his methods? Aaron Taylor: Oh, simplicity. Simplicity. We had a pretty technical offense even though it all kind of looked the…
Offensive coaches and players provided updates Nebraska's preparations for its game Saturday against Purdue. Running back Maurice Washington is battling an illness, and Wyatt Mazour has earned more reps. The staff is looking for more production from the backup wide receivers. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Depth charts: NEB | PUR | Flip sheet • Game notes:…
Excerpted from Chapter 56, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Each of us has an inner voice that speaks of the gold in our shadow. It is the voice of our secret, hidden self- our most authentic self in many ways… -John R. O’Neil, The Paradox of Success As Nebraska was hitting…
The Big Ten Network previews the Sept. 29th game between Purdue and Nebraska.
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander spoke Tuesday about the need for carrying a week of practice all the way through and for having "105 guys who love to play football, period." With senior co-captain Mick Stoltenberg on crutches, Carlos Davis is getting more work at nose tackle. Coach Jovan Dewitt said personnel changes are coming on special teams. Refresh this page for…
Excerpted from Chapter 55, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Vershan Jackson, Part 2 Continued…. Q: What do you think got everybody focused in that same direction? Vershan Jackson: Not only the coaches, who were of one mind as far as being physical and all that, but as players…
BUYER'S REMORSE? In the aftermath of Saturday's "Meltdown at Michigan," some Husker fans may have wondered if Scott Frost had any second thoughts about his decision to leave the UCF football program that he and his current Husker assistants had restored to national prominence in Orlando. (He took over a program that was 0-12 the year before he got there…
There was talk about Blackshirts (they haven't been taken away), the team's mind-set and more Monday as head coach Scott Frost and several players spoke about the lopsided loss to Michigan and the upcoming game against Purdue. Refresh this page for the latest updates. • Monday transcripts • Depth charts: NEB | PUR | Flip sheet • Game notes: NEB…
It's time for all of you to buy in. Buy in to the Scott Frost Era. Buy in to the long-term plan. Buy in to knowing this year is probably going to be a slog. Sure, all of that. But most importantly, buy in to watching these videos every Monday. They've become therapy for us after the games. Maybe they…
Excerpted from Chapter 55, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch “Football is easy if you’re crazy as hell.” -Vincent ‘Bo’ Jackson Taxonomically speaking, football players are positioned among a unique species of the genus known as humankind. The naked eye’s understanding of them is often belied by a kinetic inertia, whereas…
How do the Cornhuskers and Boilermakers match up statistically entering their Sept. 29th game in Lincoln? Here are the numbers. • Advantage Purdue in 26 of 35 categories • Average FBS rank: Purdue 68, Nebraska 87 NebraskaPurdue AvgRankAvgRank+ Scoring Margin-18.67122+2.2578Pur Total Offense353.67106483.5031Pur Total Defense379.6774413.5095Neb Turnover Margin-1.67126-0.5095Pur Time of Possession29:038930:2968Pur Yds Per Play4.701196.9719Pur Opp. Yds Per Play5.24605.4975Neb Pass Yds Per Att6.321058.3238Pur…
If the football gods smiled on Nebraska when Scott Frost returned, the start of the 2018 season shows they’ve also ordained he will be tested by fire to begin his career in Lincoln. The first two losses of the season could be considered a fluke. Not so Nebraska’s 56-10 loss at Michigan Saturday, which was a thorough beatdown in every…
Excerpted from Chapter 5, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Corey Dixon, Part 2 Continued…. Q: I have to be honest.. I have watched that ’94 Florida State national championship game in its entirety more times than a sane person should admit, and I think that was one of…
Scott Frost said after Thursday's practice that quarterback Adrian Martinez will make the trip to Michigan, but no decision has been made on whether he will play. "It isn't just 'is he ready to go?'" Frost said. "It's 'is he ready to go physically and mentally to a point where he can protect himself physically during a game?' He's really…
Excerpted from Chapter 54, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. -H. Ross Perot History is engorged with fatal lapses: Lapses of judgement, of character, of vision, of clarity of foresight; of action, inaction, even overreaction. Any reasonable and objective individual…
Big Ten Network analysts discussed the importance of buying in -- and what it actually means -- after Nebraska offensive lineman Tanner Farmer's remarks on the topic at Monday's press conference went viral. There's been a lot of buy-in talk since @TRFarmer73 took the podium this week.Our former players on Inside the Game (@HowardGriffith, @JLeman47, @Jacksonville8 and Dave Wannstedt) added…
How do the Cornhuskers and Wolverines match up statistically entering their Sept. 22 game in Ann Arbor? Here are the numbers. • Advantage Michigan in 27 of 35 categories • Average FBS rank: Michigan 49, Nebraska 73 NebraskaMichigan AvgRankAvgRank+ Scoring Margin-5.0098+21.3332Mich Total Offense464.5043397.3385Neb Total Defense324.0037276.3312Mich Turnover Margin-2.001270.0064Mich Time of Possession31:204530:1071Neb Yds Per Play5.83716.7731Mich Opp. Yds Per Play4.62344.039Mich Pass Yds Per…
Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco said Adrian Martinez participated fully in Wednesday's practice. As for Martinez's availability against Michigan, offensive coordinator Troy Walters said, "We want to make sure he's close to 100 percent. We're going against a good defense -- they fly around, they're physical -- so we're not going to put him in any harm or any danger. He's…
Excerpted from Chapter 53, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Chris Dishman, Part 3 Continued… Q: Any memorable practice stories? CD: I remember (laughs) the most memorable was late in the season and I think Aaron Graham made All-American. And Christian (Peter) was just getting in his grill about…
Senior defensive back Aaron Williams has joined the Blackshirt ranks, Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander said after Tuesday's practice. Seven other players earned their black practice jerseys after the Colorado game. Chinander said Michigan's pro-style offense will be a challenge that's different from the spread offenses the Huskers faced in their first two games. "The DBs got to have their…
Excerpted from Chapter 53, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Chris Dishman, Part 2 Continued… Chris Dishman: We would run a practice and that was 120-some plays. Basically two games. I think we would have 30 plays at each station, so it was like almost 150-ish plays each practice.…
I've had two conflicting pieces of wisdom kicking around in my brain since the weekend. Back in the mid 90s, after I grounded out to lose a baseball championship game in junior high, my dad told me that I'd learn more from that defeat than I would have if I had hit a game-winning double. Years later, I broadcasted games…
Husker head football coach Scott Frost said in his postgame press conference Saturday just after the Huskers lost to Troy that it's always darkest before the dawn. And before the season even began, he said teams had better get us (the Huskers) early because we are going to be tough to beat later. And at least through the first two…
Accountability, buy-in and attention to detail were recurring themes as several Nebraska football players and head coach Scott Frost met with reporters Monday after the team began preparations for its game Saturday at Michigan. Quarterback Adrian Martinez practiced, but his status for Saturday has yet to be determined. "Nobody's going to panic. We're just going to work," Frost said of…
Well, the Scott Frost era isn't off to the start we thought it would be. Adrian Martinez is hurt. Andrew Bunch is like Matt Turman but without Lawrence Phillips, Aaron Graham and Rob Zatechka. And we've lost to friggin' Colorado and Troy. But Colorado and Iowa (and other non-championship team) fans should relish this while they can because this is…
Excerpted from Chapter 53, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an environment where excellence is expected. -Steve Jobs In his ’99 travel tome The Distance to the Moon, James Morgan writes, “The Nebraska plains pack a cumulative power… and I knew that…
When Scott Frost played football at Nebraska, losing home games was unthinkable. When Frost graduated, NU had a 42-game home winning streak. A generation later, when Frost returned to the Cornhusker family, he and his coaching staff confronted a discouraging array of negative thought patterns, which today are playing havoc with Nebraska’s on-field performance. Frost inherited a four-game overall losing…
A last-minute season-opening loss to Colorado was not the result of choice in Husker Nation, to be sure, but it showed a lot of promise. This week’s Pregame Perspective question attempts to discover what Cornhusker fans took away from the first game of the season, after the scheduled season opener against Akron was wiped out by a lightning storm. Early…
Excerpted from Chapter 52, No Place Like Nebraska: Anatomy of an Era, Vol. 1 by Paul Koch Anatomy of an Era: Mary Lyn Wininger, Part 3 Continued…. Q: Were you ever (Coach Osborne’s) fail-safe so he didn’t forget wedding anniversaries, birthdays, things like that? MLW: I kept a calendar. (laughs) We’ll put it that way: we had a calendar. Say…
