December 2020 fresh links
DECEMBER 31, 2020
Nebraska defensive back signee Marques Buford says he’s ready to start competing in Lincoln next month after honing his game with a season in prep school. | Lutovsky’s athleticism
Something new from 50 years ago: A play-by-play log and fresh graphics from the 1971 Orange Bowl, courtesy of Brian Niemann.
Former Husker quarterback Patrick O’Brien announces he’ll spend his final year of eligibility at Washington.
The Huskers made strides in 2020 with defending against the run. | Unsavory stats
Penalties, turnovers and special teams: Those are areas that need to improve, Bill Moos says. | The bowl issue
Here’s a look at six Huskers who boosted their stock in 2020.
Nebraska’s two-decade drought without landing a high school player from Hawaii might end this weekend.
1970 Day by Day: A brief Thursday afternoon drill in the Orange Bowl caps Nebraska’s practices for Friday night’s clash with LSU.
DECEMBER 30, 2020
Defensive lineman Keem Green has entered the transfer portal after seeing limited playing time in two seasons as a Husker.
1970 Day by Day: Roughly 48 hours before the big game, the Huskers practice under the Orange Bowl lights.
DECEMBER 29, 2020
Husker signees Gabe Ervin and Malik Williams end their high school careers with a state championship in Georgia.
There’ll be no sixth season for cornerback Dicaprio Bootle, who announces he’s entering the NFL draft. | Delancy to Toledo
Hail Varsity has some numbers showing the Huskers’ heavy field-position disadvantage in 2020.
1970 Day by Day: The Huskers are upbeat after their first practice on the Orange Bowl’s artificial turf.
DECEMBER 28, 2020
Senior tight end Jack Stoll opts not to return for a sixth year and hopes to land on an NFL roster in 2021. | Fleming to Maryland
Husker football games drew relatively strong TV ratings in 2020.
1970 Day by Day: A light practice for Nebraska on Monday, but heavy hitting for LSU.
DECEMBER 27, 2020
Tad Stryker looks ahead to a new year in which Scott Frost may need to change things up. More commentary and analysis: McKewon and Sipple on special-teams troubles | Peterson on passing-down woes | Carriker on the offense
The Huskers’ top assistant coach in 2020? Erik Chinander gets Steven M. Sipple’s vote.
Here are several Huskers who appear poised for bigger roles in 2021.
Football helped native Liberian and Husker signee Randolph Kpai adjust to the life in the U.S.
This week in Husker history: Thirty years apart, Nebraska plays in its first bowl and wins its first national championship.
1970 Day by Day: Husker coaches express worries about the team’s game-readiness, saying it didn’t help to have finished the regular season two weeks earlier than LSU.
DECEMBER 26, 2020
Recruiting, attrition, conditioning and more will be worth tracking in the weeks and months leading to spring drills.
1970 Day by Day: The Huskers scrimmage for the second day in a row in Miami, a departure from coach Bob Devaney’s usual routine.
DECEMBER 25, 2020
Incoming receiver Latrell Neville has a famous fan in grandfather Aaron Neville, the R&B legend. | The new WRs
1970 Day by Day: One week before the New Year’s showdown with LSU, it’s scrimmage time for the Huskers.
DECEMBER 24, 2020
Offensive lineman Boe Wilson has entered the NCAA portal as a graduate transfer.
Tom Shatel’s Christmas sports wish list has little to do with sports.
Adam Carriker says there’s reason to believe Nebraska can use the season finale as a springboard into 2021.
Here’s the story of why former Husker Prince Amukamara made hundreds of deliveries working for DoorDash.
1970 Day by Day: The Cornhuskers fly from frigid Lincoln to balmy Miami on the day before Christmas and hold their first Florida practice for the 1971 Orange Bowl.
DECEMBER 23, 2020
Bill Moos sees the Huskers’ 2020 season as a building block toward being “in the conversation for the Big Ten West” in 2021. | The A.D. at 70
When former Husker Andy Janovich opened up and shared his story, it helped pull the Cleveland Browns together.
Derek Peterson has a three-item Christmas list for the Huskers.
Sam McKewon lists highlights and lowlights from the Big Ten’s football season.
Johnny Rodgers reflects on Nebraska’s season and direction of the program in a chat with Adam Carriker.
1970 Day by Day: The big-head Nebraska mascot will be traveling to Miami for the Orange Bowl after all.
DECEMBER 22, 2020
Monday Morning Quarterback: What’s your grade for the Huskers’ progress this season?
There’s still room in the 2021 recruiting class, and three potential defensive additions might be ideal.
Husker placekicker Connor Culp reels in Associated Press first-team All-Big Ten honors, while defensive tackle Ben Stille and linebacker JoJo Domann earn first-team recognition from Pro Football Focus.
Adam Carriker dives into the statistics that show what went right and what went wrong for the 2020 Huskers.
Wan’Dale Robinson is MVP in Athlon Sports’ team awards for Nebraska.
1970 Day by Day: LSU is no stranger to being a bowl underdog.
DECEMBER 21, 2020
Brenden Jaimes has accepted a Senior Bowl invitation.
Former Husker head coach Bo Pelini is out after one season as defensive coordinator at LSU, as is safeties coach Bill Busch.
Nebraska’s shortest offseason in years could become one of its busiest. | Decision time for seniors
See how former Huskers fared in Week 15 of NFL play.
The Big Ten’s media revenue is softening the financial blow of the pandemic for Nebraska.
1970 Day by Day: Not much hype for Orange Bowl from Sports Illustrated.
DECEMBER 20, 2020
Rob Zatechka discusses the Huskers’ no-bowl decision and what’s next for Nebraska. More commentary and analysis: McKewon, Sipple, Gabriel, Peterson, Washut.
Former Husker player and assistant John Parrella has been hired as head coach at a Cleveland-area high school.
Jeremy Pernell recaps what went right and what didn’t for the Huskers in the early signing period.
After the “long grind” of 2020, the Huskers have decided not to play in a bowl game. | Postseason schedule | Discuss
This offseason will be an important time of self-evaluation for Scott Frost and his program, Tom Shatel writes.
Hail Varsity analyzes the good and the bad from Adrian Martinez against Rutgers.
From the OWH, a look at how the three sons of former Husker Clester Johnson ended up playing elsewhere.
The Huskers’ early enrollees explain what they’ll be gaining and what they’ll be missing.
This week in Husker history: Roger Craig becomes the first NFL player to gain 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season.
1970 Day by Day: With both times on a brief holiday break, it was time to size up the competition in the local newspapers.
DECEMBER 19, 2020
New starter Turner Corcoran was part of a promising outing Friday night by a youthful Husker offensive line.
Thomas Fidone on why he stayed true to his Nebraska commitment: “I’m just ready to go there and turn things around.”
Should the Huskers go to a bowl if invited? Adam Carriker weighs in. | Fuel in the tank?
Illinois hires Bret Bielema, former Wisconsin and Arkansas coach, to replace Lovie Smith.
1970 Day by Day: You can tell the players without a program, thanks to names on bowl jerseys.
DECEMBER 18, 2020
Nebraska 28, Rutgers 21. The Huskers overcome their own miscues and pile up 620 yards of offense, including 365 on the ground, to wear down the Scarlet Knights. Go to the game page for coverage. | Stryker commentary | Highlights | Postgame presser | Carriker gut reaction
Former Husker quarterback Patrick O’Brien has entered the transfer portal after three years at Colorado State.
Here’s a look at which 2021 early enrollees might get playing time first.
Twenty-two Husker athletes, including eight current or former football players, will receive their degrees Saturday.
1970 Day by Day: Two weeks before their Orange Bowl date, Nebraska and LSU wrap up their on-campus practices and begin a short break.
DECEMBER 17, 2020
It could boil down to motivation when Nebraska and Rutgers tangle Friday night in a cold, empty stadium. Here are pregame reads from Lincoln, Omaha, Newark* and Asbury Park. Commentary: Sipple, Shatel, Callahan, Christopherson.
The Huskers have made big strides in third-down defense in the latter part of the season.
College Football News and Athlon preview the game and predict a Rutgers win, while Adam Carriker has the Huskers by a whisker. | More picks
Memorial Stadium fan cutouts generated more than $600,000 in revenue, the Athletic Department announces.
Connor Culp is named the Big Ten’s kicker of the year and earns first-team all-conference honors.
Newcomer Gabe Ervin will jump into a wide-open competition at running back this spring.
The snow doesn’t concern Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, but the cold does. | Scouting the Knights: 1, 2, 3
1970 Day by Day: Tackling or no tackling in practice? Bob Devaney says it’s hard to decide.
DECEMBER 16, 2020
Scott Frost met with the media to discuss the recruiting class as well as Friday’s game at Rutgers. Go here for video and coverage.
Cam Taylor-Britt earns a second-team spot on the All-Big Ten defensive squad, and six other Huskers receive honorable mention. Connor Culp is the kicker on Jeremy Pernell’s all-conference team.
Every known Husker commit has now signed. Get the bios, videos, tweets and more via our recruiting page. | Dickerson holds off: 1, 2 | Superlatives | Discuss
Charlie McBride weighs in on the Huskers’ defense in a talk with Adam Carriker.
1970 Day by Day: Offensive tackle Bob Newton misses practice with the flu, and a pulled leg muscle keeps split end Guy Ingles on the sideline.
DECEMBER 15, 2020
An Omaha-area talent renaissance and a home-grown QB are two components of the Midwestern feel of the Huskers’ 2021 recruiting class, which will firm up with Wednesday’s letters of intent.
Bill Moos discusses the Huskers’ offense, the pandemic’s impact on Athletic Department finances, the hopes for a football spring game and more. | Audio
It’s not clear whether former Husker Noah Vedral, injured last week against Maryland, will be ready to play against Nebraska.
How about some snaps for Logan Smothers? Husker Dan would like to see it happen Friday.
Linebacker and co-captain Collin Miller says he’s “probably hanging up my cleats for good” on doctors’ advice. Go here for video and coverage from Tuesday’s press conference. | Updates & discussion
All-Big Ten honors on offense are unveiled, and Wan’Dale Robinson, Matt Farniok and Brenden Jaimes make honorable mention.
With the Indiana-Purdue cancellation, Friday’s Nebraska-Rutgers game has been moved to the 6:30 p.m. CST slot.
1970 Day by Day: Another outdoor practice gives the Huskers’ passing game needed work.
DECEMBER 14, 2020
The Huskers’ three incoming tight ends are bringing size, athleticism and regional pride.
Monday Morning Quarterback: Have the Huskers been losing too much young talent to the transfer portal?
Teitum Tuioti, son of the Huskers’ defensive line coach, receives a Nebraska offer for 2023.
Left tackle Brenden Jaimes, a starter on the offensive line for 3½ seasons, is skipping the finale at Rutgers to focus on preparations for the NFL draft.
Scott Frost and players fielded reporters’ questions after Monday’s practice. Go here for the video and coverage. | Updates & discussion
In a sense, Thomas Fidone has always been a Husker. It simply becomes official Wednesday.
1970 Day by Day: Warmer weather allows bowl preparations in Lincoln to move outdoors, and Johnny Rodgers injures a finger.
DECEMBER 13, 2020
Rob Zatechka says the Huskers’ offensive game plan against Minnesota made “zero sense.” More day-after commentary and analysis: Gabriel, McKewon, Sipple, Washut, Peterson, Husker Mike
Nebraska gets walk-on commitments from Derek Branch of Lincoln Southeast and Sam Hoskinson of Elkhorn South. | Signing-day primer
Nebraska will travel to Rutgers for a Friday game at 3 p.m. Central on BTN. | Discuss | Stats matchup
McKenzie Milton, Scott Frost’s quarterback at Central Florida, announces Florida State will be his transfer destination.
Big decisions loom for the Huskers’ seniors.
Lovie Smith is out after five seasons as head coach at Illinois.
Before Saturday, the Huskers last played a December home game in 1908. Here’s what transpired when Carlisle and Jim Thorpe came to town: 1, 2
Nebraska is adding more beef to its roster with a trio incoming O-line recruits.
This week in Husker history: Nebraska’s Vic Halligan was named to Walter Camp’s third-team All-America squad for 1915. There was just one problem with that.
1970 Day by Day: An Oklahoma columnist takes a peek ahead at the 1971 Big Eight race.
DECEMBER 12, 2020
Minnesota 24, Nebraska 17. The Huskers misfire repeatedly on offense as the Gophers take home the win. Go to the game page for coverage. | Stryker commentary | Highlights | Postgame presser | Carriker gut reaction
1970 Day by Day: An Orange Bowl travel roster is released as the Huskers practice indoors for a third consecutive day.
DECEMBER 11, 2020
The Huskers are looking for some sustained success as they take on well-rested but short-handed Minnesota on Saturday. Here are the pregame reads from Lincoln (1, 2), Omaha (1, 2), Minneapolis (1,* 2,* 3, 4*) and St. Paul. Commentary: Shatel, Sipple, Callahan, Greder, Scoggins.*
Christian Gaylord writes of family, tragedy, faith and perspective ahead of Senior Day.
Offensive lineman Beau Schaller from Waukee, Iowa, has joined the Huskers’ 2021 walk-on class.
Adam Carriker and Gopher Illustrated preview the game and pick the Huskers over Minnesota. | More predictions
1970 Day by Day: The Huskers aren’t the only team with an outside chance of a national championship come January.
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Husker Doc Talk sees vindication for Nebraska in the Big Ten’s crazy COVID week.
Defensive line coach Tony Tuioti says Damion Daniels’ role has grown as he has improved his game in multiple ways, and Jordon Riley is likely to see more snaps. | Audio
Nebraska fans can be thankful this is not a Husker team limping to the finish line, Steven M. Sipple writes.
The Huskers’ inexperienced wide receiver group has made strides as the season has progressed.
Four members of the 1970 national championship team and staff are among the six Huskers in the 2020 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class.
Scott Frost says the Huskers’ preparation this week has been “way better” than it was following the win over Penn State. Go here for coverage and video from Thursday’s post-practice press conference. | Updates & discussion
Bill Moos shares details of the $155 million football complex and says it will be impressive but not gaudy. | Confident in Frost
Sixty-two Huskers earn Academic All-Big Ten recognition, including five seniors who are now four-time honorees.
Scouting the Gophers: The LJS, OWH and Husker247 preview Minnesota. | Predictions: Athlon | McKewon | More
1970 Day by Day: Full practices resume 22 days before the Orange Bowl. Bob Newton and Jerry Murtaugh are named first-team AP All-America.
DECEMBER 9, 2020
Nebraska is in the final three for Tiaoalii Savea, four-star defensive lineman from Las Vegas.
Wyatt Liewer’s touchdown is just one example of walk-ons making an impact this season.
Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt talks with Adam Carriker about the ups and downs of the season, the Huskers’ improvement on defense, the targeting rule and more. | Rising star
Campus sites will reportedly be used for the Big Ten’s Dec. 18-19 games other than the championship in Indianapolis. | Rule change boosts Buckeyes
Here’s a rundown of former Huskers’ performances in Week 13 of NFL play.
1970 Day by Day: One day before the Huskers resume full practices, senior linebacker Jerry Murtaugh is named AP Big Eight defensive player of the year.
DECEMBER 8, 2020
It’s mailbag time for Husker Dan.
The Michigan-Ohio State game has been canceled, which could affect Big Ten scheduling as the conference tries to keep the Buckeyes in the top four for the College Football Playoff. | Shatel: Told you so
Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander says the Huskers’ improvement against the run has been “just a matter of everybody executing and everybody feeling more comfortable.” Go here for more from Tuesday’s press conference. | Updates & discussion
The LJS and OWH look at the possibilities for the Huskers in the Dec. 19th crossover weekend and bowl season.
Adam Carriker explains why Adrian Martinez has earned his respect.
1970 Day by Day: Texas, Ohio State and Nebraska are 1-2-3 in the polls released Tuesday. It’s the final coaches’ poll, giving the Longhorns at least a partial national championship.
DECEMBER 7, 2020
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck says the Gophers will be shorthanded but are on track to play Saturday against Nebraska.
Five Husker seniors and coach Scott Frost fielded reporters’ questions after Monday’s practice. Go here for video and coverage. | Updates & discussion
1970 Day by Day: LSU’s thrashing of Ole Miss brings smiles in Lincoln and Miami.
DECEMBER 6, 2020
Sam McKewon has praise for Adrian Martinez’s resilience in his rebound from benching. More day-after commentary and analysis: Gabriel, Sipple, Peterson, Washut, Husker Mike.
The Huskers open as 10-point favorites against Minnesota. | Stats matchup | Another 11 a.m. start
This week in Husker history: Coach Jumbo Stiehm resigns to take the Indiana job and a salary boost of $750 per year.
1970 Day by Day: With the bowl games yet to be played, a national championship trophy goes to Texas and Ohio State.
DECEMBER 5, 2020
Ru’Quan Buckley, three-star defensive end from Michigan, announces his commitment to the Huskers. | Highlights & coverage | 2021 class | Discuss
Nebraska 37, Purdue 27. The Huskers hold on to win after a comfortable lead is nearly squandered. Go to the game page for coverage. | Stryker commentary | Highlights | Postgame presser | Carriker gut reaction
Linebacker Patrick Payton from Florida announces he’s decommitting from the Huskers.
1970 Day by Day: Twenty days after accepting an Orange Bowl invitation, the Huskers finally have an opponent.
DECEMBER 4, 2020
The Huskers will try to shake their mistake-prone ways Saturday as they face a Purdue team that’s stocked with offensive talent. Here are some pregame reads from Lincoln (1, 2), Omaha (1, 2) and Lafayette. Commentary: Shatel, Callahan, Chatelain.
The regents have approved the splitting of the training facility project into two phases.
Adam Carriker previews the game and predicts a three-point Nebraska win. | More picks
1970 Day by Day: Light workouts continue on the day before two games that could influence Nebraska’s slim hopes for a national championship.
Without revealing names, coach Jeff Brohm says “a handful” of Purdue players have opted out of the remainder of the season.
DECEMBER 3, 2020
Linebacker Collin Miller describes his frightening injury and his continued leadership role off the field.
Assistant coach Mario Verduzco discusses his quarterbacks, Nebraska’s losses, snap issues and more. | Audio
Former Huskers Matt Hoskinson and Rob Zatechka analyze the snapping problems of Cam Jurgens.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck says the Gophers intend to play Nebraska as scheduled. | Cases trending down
Nebraska is No. 94 in a Pro Football Focus ranking of FBS offensive lines.
Scott Frost says there’s hope that running back Dedrick Mills can return to action against Purdue. Go here for more from Thursday’s press conference. | Updates & discussion
McKenzie Milton, Scott Frost’s quarterback at Central Florida, is entering the transfer portal as he continues his comeback from a devastating injury.
Bill Moos on Scott Frost: “He’s here with me as long as I’m here. He’s just what I want and what Nebraska’s needed.”
1970 Day by Day: Early invitations and late games create an untidy bowl situation.
DECEMBER 2, 2020
Scouting the Boilermakers: A dynamic receiving duo and a defense that seems to be regressing as the season goes on.
Could Nebraska face a second game against Ohio State? It’s a possible scenario as COVID-related developments unfold.
Purdue’s placekicker is eager to atone for his costly miss against Minnesota.
It’s a Bob Diaco reunion game this weekend, with subplots on more than one level.
Jason Peter talks with Adam Carriker about what might be missing from the Huskers, how fear can sometimes be a good thing, and the 3-4 defense vs. the 4-3.
1970 Day by Day: As five Huskers earn AP All-Big Eight honors, the coaches hit the recruiting trail for future talent. | Switzer vs. Nebraska
DECEMBER 1, 2020
After consulting a former Nebraska center, Husker Dan says “Clapgate” doesn’t hold water.
The Tennessee Titans have signed former Nebraska linebacker Will Compton to the team’s 53-man roster.
Bellevue West freshman receiver Daevonn Hall receives a Nebraska offer for 2024.
Matt Lubick says he expects both quarterbacks to play against Purdue, but he isn’t revealing specifics. Go here for more from Tuesday’s press conference. | Updates & discussion
1970 Day by Day: As the three-week wait for an Orange Bowl opponent continues, Nebraska is No. 3 in Tuesday’s AP and UPI polls.