Fresh Links

Erik Chinander sees signs of progress in his defense that might not be evident to the untrained eye. | Special teams’ struggles | Tight ends’ strides

The Blackshirts are aiming to end the feel-good vibes about AJ Bush’s return to Lincoln soon after kickoff. | Know the foe

Kearney Catholic lineman Eli Richter announces he as accepted a Nebraska walk-on offer.

Here’s a look back at Memorial Stadium’s 1923 debut, when the Huskers wore blue. | Game page

Here are the Veterans Day activities and observances that will take place in and around Memorial Stadium.

Scott Frost says the Illini are “playing for a lot” and will come to Lincoln motivated and expecting to win. He says Saturday’s cold temperatures shouldn’t be a factor, but the wind might be. More from Thursday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion

Adam Carriker* previews the game and sees the Huskers winning by 13. | More predictions | Make your pick

Brandon Cavanaugh says the alternate uniforms that will be worn Saturday should be embraced, even though they’re not. | Mixed reviews

Anatomy of an Era: “In a million years I’d never think I’d be doing what I’m doing now,” says defensive tackle Jason Scott Jenkins, now a model and actor.

It’s a team effort* on Sunday and Monday nights when new plays are concocted by Scott Frost and his staff.

Scouting the Illini: An explosive offense is offset by a leaky defense.

Athlon expects a comfortable Nebraska win over Illinois, while College Football News sees a much tighter result.

The Vikings pick up Ameer Abdullah one day after the former Husker was waived by the Lions.

Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco is one of 53 nominees for the 2018 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coach.

Husker offensive coordinator Troy Walters says Illinois is using “a whole different defense” after the recent resignation of its defensive coordinator. More from Wednesday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion

Anatomy of an Era: Jacques Allen never got a scholarship but was never going to quit. “You are part of a whole. And the thing is, you do affect the whole when you drop off.”

Husker Dan tips his hat to the Huskers’ performance against Ohio State, but he also suspects something isn’t right in Columbus.

Linebacker Mohamed Barry speaks from experience when he encourages young teammates yearning for playing time to buy in and keep pushing.

The Detroit Lions waive former Husker running back Ameer Abdullah, a second-round draftee in 2015.

Illinois quarterback AJ Bush is trying to treat his return to Nebraska as “just another game.”

Is there value in moral victories? Dave Feit and Husker Doc Talk tackle the topic.

Erik Chinander says turnover drills are paying off, but the defense overall is still “not even close” to where it needs to be. More from Tuesday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion

Adrian Martinez makes the Pro Football Focus Big Ten Team of the Week.

Anatomy of an Era: Jacques Allen says the “renegades” and “knuckleheads” in his 1991 freshman class “really stepped it up and helped take it to the next level that Coach Osborne had always dreamed about.”

It’s highly unlikely* that a five-win Nebraska team could go to a bowl like in 2015.

Scott Frost says the offense and defense played well enough to beat Ohio State, but special teams were a different story. More from Monday’s press conference here. | Updates & discussion

The numbers show that the Husker offense is gaining efficiency as the season progresses. | Year Two ceiling

Adrian Martinez earns a share of Big Ten freshman of the week honors, and he’s 247Sports’ national true freshman of the week.

Time and TV for the Michigan State game won’t be set until this weekend.

Anatomy of an Era: Walk-on receiver Jacques Allen was a scout-team warrior with a considerable comedic streak.

The Huskers are making more and more plays on both sides of the ball, Jacob Padilla writes. More day-after commentary and analysis: Christopherson, Washut, McKewon,* Gabriel, Sipple, Heady,* Carriker (1,* 2).

The Illinois game will have an 11 a.m. start and a BTN telecast. | Stats matchup | Huskers favored

This week in Husker history: A narrow escape at Kansas in ’93; winless on TV in the 1950s; just four first downs in a 1938 victory.

Up next is Illinois, 55-31 winners Saturday over Minnesota.

Ohio State 36, Nebraska 31. The Buckeyes use a strong second half to hold off the Huskers after trailing by five points at halftime. Get details on the game page. | Stryker commentary | Highlights | Postgame presser | Big Red Over-Reaction

See who did and didn’t make the roster for the Columbus trip. | Pregame observations

The Huskers are aiming to take down the Buckeyes on Saturday and reverse the overwhelming one-sidedness of the series’ recent history. Here are the pregame reads from Lincoln (1, 2), Omaha (1, 2),* Grand Island (1, 2),* Dayton, Cleveland, Columbus (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)* and Mansfield. Commentary: Vogel, Christopherson, Sipple, Shatel,* Lesmerises,* Oller,* Naveau, Callahan.

FLIP SHEET | PICKS | STATS | BBS

Devine Ozigbo tops an AP list of most-improved Big Ten players.

Huskers over the Buckeyes? Athlon Sports outlines how it could happen.

Anatomy of an Era: Lance Gray marvels that the program was “instilling leadership values in us and we didn’t even know it.”

Nebraska’s big-play* abilities have Ohio State’s attention. | Offensive prowess | Gains on ground* | Leaning on Martinez

Four-star all-purpose back Wandale Robinson, thought to be a future Husker until yesterday, commits instead to Kentucky. | What’s next: 1, 2

Scott Frost says the Huskers will go to Columbus believing they can win, which he said wasn’t the case at Ann Arbor in September. More from Thursday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion

What’s your prediction for Huskers vs. Buckeyes? | Athlon & Carriker* previews | More picks

Anatomy of an Era: Lance Gray was a missile on special teams. “You unscrew your head and take your brain out and just run as fast as you can and hit something. I had no sense back then.”

Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry is seen as a potential problem for the Buckeyes’ offense. | OSU makes changes | Shatel on Meyer drama* | Scouting reports: LJS, OWH*

Mobile Sports Report looks at what makes Memorial Stadium’s Wi-Fi network a success despite some architectural challenges.

Offensive coordinator Troy Walters says a fast start and an effective running game will be crucial against the Buckeyes. More from Wednesday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion

Nebraska’s one-two punch at running back is working even if it didn’t happen by design.

Javin Wright, defensive back from Arizona and son of former Nebraska rover Toby Wright, commits to the Huskers. | Coverage & highlights | Father & son interview | Discuss | 2019 class