Fresh Links

Poll question: Will you be watching Thursday night’s games?

Husker running back commit Ronald Thompkins II suffers a knee injury in his season-opening game in Georgia.

The Huskers’ 2018 season is likely to rise or fall with Erik Chinander’s defense,* Sam McKewon writes.

The depth chart has been released, and Adrian Martinez will make history as the Huskers’ first true-freshman starter at quarterback in a season opener. Chart, coverage and analyis here. | Carriker gut reaction | Discuss

Jeremy Pernell gives the Husker receiving corps an A-minus grade.

Sean Callahan writes about Scott Frost’s unique connection to small-town Nebraska.

From Hail Varsity, a conversation with quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco.

Anatomy of an Era: Tom Osborne on in-game adjustments, players’ ownership of the program, and how his coaching philosophy evolved.

This week in Husker history: A pair of Kickoff Classic victories (1983 & ’88) and Bo Pelini debuts (2003 & ’08).

With the arrival of game week, here are six storylines* to watch.

The OWH* and LJS roll out their season preview sections. | Shatel: 8-4 season* | Sipple on QB decision

Saturday night’s practice was open to students. Look for “Boneyard Bash” updates here.

Jeremy Pernell previews the Huskers’ promising stable of running backs.

Sophomore left tackle Brenden Jaimes is taking his big role on the O-line in stride.

Sam McKewon says it’s been eight years since Nebraska football has been this fun.*

Anatomy of an Era — Tom Osborne: “If a player felt that I at least tried to understand him, understood where he was coming from, it made a difference. It seemed to fire them up to play to the best of their ability.”

Good news for Comcast cable subscribers: BTN will stay in the channel lineup.

Running back Tre Bryant is retiring from football because of his chronic knee issues, Scott Frost announces after Friday’s practice. Word on the quarterback job may come this weekend. | Video & coverage | Updates & discussion

Jeremy Pernell previews the Husker quarterbacks.

UCF transfer Tre Neal is already a leader in the Husker secondary.

Greg Austin sees promise in Brenden Jaimes and the offensive line.

Rivals has Adrian Martinez on its list of 10 true freshmen likely to make the biggest impact this season.

Tim Riley had a mouse problem at his Omaha screen-printing shop in the mid-1980s. Here’s the story of how that led to the birth of the Blackshirts logo.

Offensive coordinator Troy Walters has high expectations for Mike Williams* at wide receiver. | McQuitty’s restart

Hail Varsity takes a crack at putting together a depth chart for the season opener.

Bill Moos says the Nebraska brand just needed a little dusting — and now, “it’s dusted”: 1, 2,* 3

Here are photos (1, 2) from Thursday’s practice, which had no media access. | Practice schedule

The Huskers’ options at the Duck-R position are still being sorted out.

Defensive lineman Peyton Newell is finding balance on and off the practice field.

Get up to speed on the 2018 rule changes affecting kickoffs, blocks below the waist and more.

Kirk Herbstreit names Scott Frost the “Biggest Impact Head Coaching Hire” of the 2018 cycle during the “Herbie Awards.” | Video

Anatomy of an Era: Sportswriter Mike Babcock caught heat for unknowingly breaking protocol before the 1978 opener against Alabama.

Here’s a look at why “fast blinkers” are in demand* in Scott Frost’s system.

Ohio State suspends coach Urban Meyer for the Buckeyes’ first three games of 2018. | Discuss

Running back Thomas Grayson announces his decommitment from the Huskers. | Coverage & highlights | 2019 class | Discuss

Linebacker Avery Roberts, a highly rated 2017 signee who was unable to rise on the depth chart this year, will transfer.* | Discuss

There’s been no decision on who will start at QB, but a situational scrimmage Thursday may help settle the matter. Also, offensive lineman Jalin Barnett has retired from football. More from Wednesday’s practice here. | Updates & discussion | Practice schedule

Tom Fornelli says Nebraska won’t win its division in 2018 but will be the team to watch in the Big Ten.

Mike Devaney sees similarities between his father and Scott Frost, as well as the initial circumstances they faced when becoming Nebraska’s head coach.

A suspect in the burglary of Scott Frost’s home is arrested again.

Here’s an X’s-and-O’s look at Scott Frost’s use of overloaded formations.

Anatomy of an Era: Sportswriter Mike Babcock says there’s always somebody out there “who knows more about what you’re writing about than you do. … So there’s a certain humility you have to have.”

Safety Marquel Dismuke is starting to live up to his reputation as a big hitter. | Bootle’s confidence* | Tone-setting seniors

Nobody will be immune from being selected for special-teams duty.

There’s more trouble for Richie Incognito as the former Husker is accused of disorderly conduct and making threats at an Arizona funeral home.

Two high-profile recruits will be among the official visitors for the Akron game.

Taking full advantage of the relaxed redshirt rules won’t be a simple task.

Cornerback Will Jackson, a juco transfer who arrived in June, has left the team.*

Here’s the story of one family’s connections to the “Band Song,” which has endured despite being hastily composed during the train trip to the 1941 Rose Bowl.

Anatomy of an Era: Mike Babcock landed a sportswriting job in Lincoln in 1978 and now “just can’t imagine” leaving the state.