How bad was it at Nebraska when Bob Devaney took over in 1962? During the previous 21 seasons, only one college team in America racked up more losses than the Cornhuskers. Nebraska’s last winning season had come in 1954. In the five most recent years, a fourth of NU’s games had been shutout losses and only four times had Nebraska scored more than 17 points.

But, oh, what a turnaround! Instantly, point production nearly tripled. Devaney’s first team went 9-2, and Memorial Stadium became the place to be on autumn Saturdays. Soon, the Cornhuskers would contend for – and win – national championships.

This remarkable reversal was no mere flash in the pan. In the 50 seasons since Devaney’s arrival, no team has won more games than the Huskers – and it’s not even close.

The house that Bob built