2023 Nebraska Season Thread

[FearlessF]

Here in Sooner Nation, I keep reading speculation and rumors that Nebraska would like to return to the Big 12 (so as to make it the Big 11, perhaps).

Most of those stories seem to trace back to Tom Shatel.

Tom knows better, this will never happen.  But it certainly stirs his readers and fans

[CWSooner]

I like round-robin scheduling.  But if you're going to have divisions, 12 is the right number, IMO.

[FearlessF]

Wear red.

Spend green.

The Lincoln Convention and Visitors Bureau, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln athletic department and the Downtown Lincoln Association have organized the City of Red initiative, and they’re encouraging fans to show their Husker spirit, perhaps by making a day of it in Lincoln, buying red items, visiting local neighborhoods and even staying overnight in a hotel. The website cityofred.com will list creative ways people can celebrate game day, and events can be tailored to any locale.

“The financial impact of no Husker football this fall is significant,” Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. “The ‘City of Red’ campaign is an excellent idea and I encourage all of our fans to support our local economies in a safe and responsible way, while keeping our Husker spirit thriving in our communities.”

[FearlessF]

THIS WEEK IN HUSKER HISTORY................

1960: Preseason optimism appears justified as Nebraska stuns No. 4 Texas, 14-13, in Austin.

https://www.huskermax.com/games/1960/01texas60.html

HUSKERS UPSET
NO. 4 LONGHORNS
ON HOT AUSTIN NIGHT
Pat Fischer returned a punt 76 yards for a score and had a hand in all of Nebraska's points as the Cornhuskers opened the 1960 season by upsetting Texas, 14-13.
NU had to repel a desperate Longhorn rally in the final minute to preserve the victory.

Fischer, a senior who switched from halfback to quarterback during the offseason, scored both Nebraska touchdowns and passed for the two-point conversion that proved the difference in the game, which was played in mid-80s evening heat in Austin.

Favored by 15 points and ranked No. 4 in the AP poll, Texas opened the game according to form. The Longhorns drove 80 yards in 18 plays in the first quarter, with fullback Ray Poage pounding out tough yardage on the ground. Quarter­back Mike Cotten scored on a six-yard keeper, and the extra-point kick was true.

[Entropy]

Tom knows better, this will never happen.  But it certainly stirs his readers and fans

Omaha media stirs to keep up viewership

[FearlessF]

Bob Kalsu, OU All-American OL in 1967, the Buffalo Bills' team Rookie of the Year, was the only active professional athlete killed in Vietnam.  He was an artillery officer at Fire Support Base Ripcord, killed in July 1970.  He was in the 101st Airborne Division.

Was your friend in the 101st Airborne in Area of Operations Ripcord in 1970?

[FearlessF]

[FearlessF]

THIS WEEK IN HUSKER HISTORY

The week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, looking back in five-year intervals:

1925: Ed Weir and the Huskers open the season by shutting down Illinois and Red Grange, 14-0.

1935: Lloyd Cardwell outshines Chicago's Jay Berwanger, who would win the 1935 Heisman Trophy, in a season-opening 28-7 win for the Huskers.

[FearlessF]

The Nebraska Athletic Department is offering Husker fans the opportunity to be a part of the Sea of Red Sellout for the 2020 football season. The Sea of Red Sellout, presented by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO), gives fans a chance to fill Memorial Stadium virtually and collect commemorative items related to the 2020 season.

The Sea of Red campaign is one of two primary fan initiatives announced Thursday, as Nebraska will also offer fans a free second screen video stream featuring several game-day elements.

Fans have multiple options to participate in the Sea of Red virtual sellout, providing unique chances to be a part of game days at Memorial Stadium in 2020. Package options range from $25 to $1,000, with the most comprehensive package including two life-size cutouts placed in the Tunnel Walk, four fan cutouts in Memorial Stadium, 40 seats filled and four collector's items.

All proceeds from the season-long campaign will support Husker student-athletes and allow Nebraska Athletics to address the areas of greatest need during this challenging time. Fans who previously donated their 2020 season ticket and/or donation payments will count towards the sellout goal.

Sea of Red Sellout Packages
$25 = One Seat + Choice of One Collector's Item
$100 = Four Seats + Fan Cutout in Memorial Stadium for 2020 Season + Choice of One Collector's Item
$250 = 10 Seats + Two Fan Cutouts for 2020 Season + All Four Collector's Items
$1,000 = 40 Seats + Two Life-Size Tunnel Walk Cutouts + Four Fan Cutouts for 2020 Season +
All Four Collector's Items (Act Fast! Tunnel Walk is limited to 250-life size cutouts)

Fan Collectible Choices Include:
Commemorative 2020 Season Ticket
2020 Husker Season Program
50th Anniversary 1970 Championship Poster
Husker Helmet Cutout Poster

Note: The purchase of virtual tickets does not count as a donation to the Husker Athletic Fund. Each virtual seat purchase will also enter fans into weekly prize drawings including adidas apparel, FNBO gift cards and other Husker items.

All fan cutouts will be placed in the East Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear red in their cutout photos. At the end of the season, fans will have the opportunity to pick up their cutouts at Memorial Stadium or have them shipped for an additional fee 

Nebraska will also connect with fans through a game-day video stream on Huskers.com and Facebook Live. The second screen production is designed to accompany the network television broadcast. It will feature video of pregame warmups, the Tunnel Walk, the Cornhusker Marching Band and Husker Spirit Squad, video shots of fan cutouts, and other HuskerVision game-day features. The stream will include pre-game and halftime studio segments and during the game will include the Husker Radio Network broadcast and give fans updated stats and information.

[Entropy]

I was thinking about goals for the team this year....  I came up with what I'd like to see...

1) Retain talent.   You can't have a revolving door of bringing in recruits and then having them leave.  Either your recruiting needs to change or the staff needs to look at the culture they are creating.   Tough to rebuild when so many players don't make it through their eligibility.  
2) Consistency in QB play.   Last year had some moments where UNL looked fantastic on offense.  But they also had a lot of "worst offense ever" quarters.   We don't need a QB to make the big play every time the ball is snapped.  UNL needs a leader who can get first downs and keep the team on the field. 
3)  WR production... to help with the QB play UNL needs more targets in the passing game.   Still need a #1 WR.   They have to get production out of some newer players.   
4)  Defense... this one is probably more wishful thinking... since UNL won't be going back to the 4-3, I'm hoping to see more one gapping and less 2 gapping by the DL.   I don't believe UNL has the bodies for it and I would rather see a defense that disrupts and occasionally gives up big plays vs a defense that just allows teams to grind out drives.   jmo
5)  I want the kids to have fun again... there is sooo much pressure in Lincoln.   The fans are begging for even a top 25 team.   This cloud of pressure just weighs down the program.  It's mentally exhausting... I believe.   I would like to see the guys smiling and enjoying game.   (That probably means the fans also understand this is a journey, not a sprint ... UNL is not going to rebuild like Miami.)   

[FearlessF]

well, if Chinander can get the defense playing well.  Big if, I'm very doubtful.

If they can find a defense, then you might see bowl games, winning seasons, and a top 25 ranking.

that would be fun for the players and take off some of the pressure

I think #1 - #3 are achievable. 

[Benthere2]

not real close to the Nebraska program 

with the last few years are there any fans questioning the Pelini dismissal?

he had a decent record albeit not that many championships but I believe he was going to bowl games

[FearlessF]

plenty of fans questioned it as soon as Riley was named

many more questioned it as Riley ran the program into the ground

some just hated Pelini for his personality and will never admit questioning it, but those folks are full of hatred

[DevilFroggy]

Shoulda kept Solich