It doesn’t hurt to have a dose of recognized star power when you’re gunning for poll votes, and third-ranked Nebraska got that Thursday when linebacker Jerry Murtaugh and offensive tackle Bob Newton were named first-team All-America by the Associated Press.
Middle guard Ed Periard earned third-team honors, and nine Huskers were honorable mention. Separately, AP named defensive back Joe Blahak the Big Eight sophomore of the year on defense.
The honors came on the same day the Huskers resumed full practices for the Orange Bowl match with LSU. Freezing rain forced the team indoors, but coach Bob Devaney didn’t see that as a problem: “I’m as worried about getting the team ready too soon as not getting ready soon enough.”
He said the practices in Lincoln would run through Dec. 18 and would involve little contact work. After a few days off, the team was scheduled to reassemble on Dec. 24 and fly to Miami. Sixty-eight players were on the travel squad.
