My Friend, Harry Grimminger - Gracious host of the annual Sharkwater Party tailgate
Nebraska finished third, second and third in the coaches poll during the 1982, ’83 and 1984 seasons. The Huskers went 34-4 overall and 20-1 in the Big Eight Conference during that span.
Grimminger started 25 consecutive games at left guard in 1983 and ’84. His blocking helped Nebraska lead the nation in rushing (401.7 yards per game) and scoring (52 points an outing) in 1983. Nebraska averaged 546.7 yards in total offense behind the triplets of Gill, Heisman Trophy winner Mike Rozier and Fryar.
Yet, the 1983 dream campaign ended one point short of coach Tom Osborne’s first national championship. Miami edged Nebraska, which was ranked No. 1 all season, 31-30 in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 2, 1984.
“As you look back as an athlete, certainly playing for Tom Osborne, you did not make excuses,” Grimminger said.
“We had obstacles to overcome. As we took the field, the hatred Miami fans had for us, there was a real negative energy in that stadium.”
Nebraska rallied from a 31-17 fourth-quarter deficit behind backup I-back Jeff Smith’s two touchdown runs. But Gill’s two-point conversion pass with 48 seconds left was tipped away by Miami safety Kenny Calhoun.
