« Reply #392 on: August 01, 2025, 09:14:04 AM »
current governor of Nebraska - Jim Pillen.Pillen, who also served 10 years on the NU Board of Regents, is originally from Monroe, Neb. He attended school in nearby Columbus. Jim followed his brother Clete to Lincoln to play for the Huskers. Clete was a standout linebacker, earning All-Big Eight honors as a senior in 1976, Jim's sophomore season. The younger Pillen would earn All-Big Eight honors as a defensive back in 1977 and 1978.
Jim Pillen had his most memorable moment in the 1978 game against #1 ranked Oklahoma. With the Huskers clinging to a three-point lead late in the game, the Sooners were driving. At the NU 20 with 3:45 to play, the Sooners ran a play from their classic wishbone formation. A fake to the fullback. Quarterback Thomas Lott looked like he was going to keep it before flipping it to Billy Sims streaking around the right end.
Sims - who would win the Heisman Trophy in 1978 - was at full speed and headed for the end zone. At the seven, Jeff Hansen hit Sims, knocking the ball free. Jim Pillen dived on the ball at the three. It was his second fumble recovery of the day. The Huskers ran out the clock on a victory that changed the trajectory of Osborne's career.*
Logged
"Courage; Generosity; Fairness; Honor; In these are the true awards of manly sport."
