Dennis Steuwe’s 42-yard run and 20-yard reception set up his 11-yard touchdown jaunt that opened scoring in the second quarter. | U-M Library Digital Collections
Upset victory raises hopes of NU resurgence
Coach Bob Devaney gained Coach of the Week honors and fullback Bill Thornton was named Back of the Week after the Cornhuskers shocked Michigan, 25-13, before 70,287 Band Day fans — the largest crowd to see Nebraska play in a regular-season game.
Thornton scored two TDs and blocked ferociously — his first contact since a preseason shoulder dislocation — while Dennis Claridge hit 6 of 12 passes for 89 yards. Halfback Dennis Stuewe led all rushers with 60 yards.
Entering the fourth quarter, Nebraska led 19-7 before Michigan cut the deficit to 19-13. But Nebraska answered back. On a fourth-and-eight play inside the Michigan 30, Claridge passed to Dick Callahan for a first down. On the next play, Thornton rumbled 16 yards for a touchdown.
H’Max notes
- Sports Illustrated reported: “Most credit for the upset belonged to a huge Cornhusker line that allowed Michigan halfback Dave Raimey only 59 yards rushing.”
- Nebraska’s scoring drives covered 63, 81, 38 and 75 yards.
- An ankle injury sidelined Stuewe for the entire second half.
- A crowd of 3,500 welcomed the team Saturday night at the Lincoln airport.
- The win earned the Huskers a No. 16 ranking in the UPI coaches’ poll.
- NU’s point total in its first two games was the highest since 1922.