NEWS ARCHIVE
November 2015
30 MON
• After NCAA action Monday, the Huskers are assured of a bowl invitation because of the program's Acadamic Progress Rate. | Discuss
• Poll question: Will Maliek Collins leave school early for the NFL?
• Former Husker QB Zac Taylor becomes the Miami Dolphins' primary play-caller after the firing of offensive coordinator Bill Lazor.
• Sam McKewon says Danny Langsdorf's contradictory impulses* led to some strange play-calling against Iowa. | Optimism for defense*
29 SUN
• Assistant coaches* get the ax at three Big Ten schools.
• Former Husker Adam Carriker weighs in on the loss to Iowa.
• Rutgers cleans house by firing football coach Kyle Flood and athletic director Julie Hermann, a former Husker volleyball player. Also, Omaha native Mark Richt is out at Georgia.
• This week in Husker history: 75 years ago, celebrations erupt as NU's first bowl berth – vs. Stanford in the Rose Bowl – becomes official.
28 SAT
• Danny Langsdorf says the offseason* will be huge for Tommy Armstrong. | Sipple: Onus on coaches*| Yays and nays* | Shatel on Riley*
• Punter Caleb Lightbourn and safety Brandon Drayton announce their commitments* to the Huskers. | Highlights: Drayton, Lightbourn
27 FRI
• Iowa 28, Nebraska 20. Turnovers and penalties doom the Huskers as Iowa remains unbeaten and saddles Nebraska with its seventh loss. Get all the coverage on the game page. | Stryker commentary | McKewon analysis | Postgame presser | Big Red Over-Reaction
• Saturday's Legends Radio guests: Scott Strasburger & Rob Stuckey.
• The Hawkeyes might be without their star cornerback and returner, Desmond King, for the first quarter. | It's official
• Several recruits* will be on hand for today's game.
• The stakes are high as an Iowa team with national title hopes on the line faces a Nebraska squad that's trying to punch its ticket to a bowl game. Get the pregame lowdown from
Lincoln (1, 2, 3, 4, 5),*
Omaha (1, 2),*
Grand Island (1, 2),*
Des Moines (1, 2)
and the Quad Cities (1, 2).
Commentary: Shatel,* Sipple,* Hlas, Brown, Callahan, York.
26 THU
• Times and the game itself have changed* since the first time Iowa and Nebraska squared off, in 1891.
• Andy Janovich is eager for his last go at Memorial Stadium. | Big game for Hovey | Previews: LJS, OWH | Cedar Rapids Gazette
• Players are glad the tumult of the coaching change* are behind them.
• Tom Osborne defends the process* he used to investigate and discipline players but says he would welcome the current system.
25 WED
• The Hawkeyes are playing smart and efficient football, something that has eluded the Huskers for years, Brandon Vogel writes.
• The improved injury situation for Friday is encouraging to Mike Riley. More from Wednesday's practice: Video | Notes: 1,* 2*
• The LJS crew previews the game in this pair of videos.
• About 60 percent of the predictions thus far favor the Hawkeyes.
• Offensive tackle Alex Lewis has turned things around after some rough stretches early in the season.
• Lavonte David is named NFC defensive player of the week.
• Jeff and Joel Makovicka discuss Husker teams past and present at this week's football breakfast.
• Memories of a rivalry: Why Nebraska-Oklahoma was different.
• Lincoln authorities say there will be no charges* in the report of a sexual assault* at the home of Husker players, but the university's investigation* of the matter continues. | Video
• Andy Janovich wishes he had redshirted so he'd have one more year.
24 TUE
• The Hawkeyes defense has turned leaky lately and is aiming to regain its edge. | Iowas culture change* | Efficient on offense*
• Roger Craig is again a Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist.
• Terrell Newby and Brandon Reilly were practicing again Tuesday, but their status for Friday is to be determined. More: Video | Notes: 1,* 2*
• Running back Aaron Green says he's glad he had his Nebraska experience despite his transfer to TCU.
• The Hawkeyes' success in close games could give them a boost Friday.
• The NCAA holds off on crafting a plan to place sub-.500 teams in bowls.
• Stepped-up security measures will be in force for Friday's game, and fans are advised to arrive early.*
• It's a role reversal for the teams in this budding rivalry.
• BTN will air a half-hour Iowa-Nebraska preview show at various times this week, starting tonight. View a short excerpt here.
• A press conference* will take place Wednesday to discuss updates in the investigation of the sexual assault that allegedly occurred at the home of two Husker players.
• Defensive end Greg McMullen talks about the up-and-down season, the coaching transition and more in a Q&A with BTN.com
• The Big Ten adds Return Specialist of the Year to its postseason awards, and it's named after Nebraska's Johnny Rodgers and Iowa's Tim Dwight.
• Nebraska has a chance to lead the league in passing yardage, and HuskerOnline wonders whether that's a good thing.
• Iowa's offense poses a test for the linebackers, who are hitting their stride* after an injury-plagued start.
• Take a stroll through gameday history* via this LJS photo gallery.
• Friday will be a sendoff for the seniors,* who helped keep a cohesive team* during the coaching change.
23 MON
• The Huskers say playing Iowa is motivation enough regardless of what else is at stake. | Hoveys switch* | Notes: 1,* 2* | York commentary
• Nebraska vs. Oklahoma is prominent in a Sports Illustrated ranking of rivalries by decade.
• Maliek Collins* says he's focused on the Hawkeyes, not on a potential jump to the NFL. | Walk-on story: Christian Bailey* | Janovich Q&A*
• Meet Hilary OBryan, who helps things run smoothly as assistant director of football operations.
• Mark Banker says it's crucial not to let Iowa QB C.J. Beathard beat the Huskers with his feet. More from Monday's practice: Video | Notes: 1, 2*
• Our PDF two-deeps and rosters are ready for printing.
• Husker Dan previews the game at gives it a new nickname.
• The news is mostly good on the injury front, and there's nothing new* on the legal front.* More from Monday's press conference: Video | Notes
• This year's Heroes Game honorees: Nebraskan Kassee Jones and Iowans Tracy Bohlen and Jane McCurdy.
• Sam McKewon expects Nebraska fans to be on a mission to make the Hawkeyes earn it.* | Sipple: Too close to call*
22 SUN
• Lee Barfknecht suspects that fatigue* is taking a toll on Iowa's defense. | QB's knack | Iowa notes
• The NCAA will decide Monday how to fill expected bowl vacancies.
• Adam Carriker uses the bye week to take stock of the Mike Riley era.
• Nebraska commit JD Spielman wins Minnesota's Mr. Football award.
• Who will win Friday? Rob Zatechka & Travis Justice take opposite sides.
• This week in Husker history: The first game, 1890; Nebraskas 119-point day; Thanksgiving weekends with the Sooners and Buffs.
21 SAT
• Tad Stryker likes the Huskers' spoiler role, but it's not something he'd like to get used to. | Shatel: A real rivalry?* | Sipple: Redemption factor*
• The 1999 Kansas State team* came to Lincoln in November with a perfect record and found out how loud Memorial Stadium can get.
• New university procedures take coaches out of the picture* when determining player punishment for sex-related offenses.
• Season ticket holders receive first crack at potential bowl tickets.
• The Huskers delivered an impactful pass rush* at Rutgers after some choice words from Mark Banker at practice.
• Receiver Derrion Grim from California signs his financial-aid paperwork with the Huskers. | Senior highlights | 2016 class
20 FRI
• Tale of the Tape examines Nebraska's defensive success at Rutgers.
• Nebraska has several juco players* in its sights for help on defense.
• Kevin Williams aims to make the most of his extra season.*
• Former Husker Quincy Enunwa returns to the Jets after his four-game suspension and intends to stay on the straight and narrow.
19 THU
• I.M. Hipp recounts his remarkable walk-on story from four decades ago.
• Quarterback Patrick O'Brien has signed his financial aid agreement and says he's excited to be officially a Cornhusker. | Senior highlights
• Tight end Cethan Carter's rushing touchdown last week likely placed him in a one-member club. | Key plays
• The coaches are traveling near and far on the recruiting trail. See who's where. | Discuss & decipher | Anchrum to Clemson
• Drew Browns kicks and confidence are booming after his rough start.
18 WED
• Former Husker Rob Zatechka discusses bye weeks, distractions and more in the latest Husker Doc Talk.
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Bo Ruud and Zach Potter.
• Jay Foreman breaks down the defense's improvement and says the bye week shouldn't be all about resting guys.
• Nebraska's potential spoiler role against Iowa holds varying degrees of interest among Husker players.
• Big, physical and well-coached: That's defensive coordinator Mark Banker's assessment of Big Ten offenses after nearly a full season.
• I-back Imani Cross is enjoying a strong finish to his Husker career.
17 TUE
• Coach Mike Riley addresses both legal* and football matters after Tuesday's practice.* | Notes: Video | 1, 2,* 3*
• Lincoln police are investigating* a report of a sexual assault at the residence of Tommy Armstrong and Jordan Westerkamp.
• Time-consuming drives by the Husker offense, aided by a resurgent running game,* are helping to keep the defense fresh.
• The performances of several Husker underclassmen provide optimism* for 2016 and beyond.
16 MON
• Sam McKewon runs down the bowl scenarios* for the Huskers.
• Huskers.com's extended Rutgers game highlights are viewable here.
• BTN will air a segment Wednesday night on Tommy Armstrong and Brett Favre. Here's a preview.
• The defense's improved injury situation led to better play at Rutgers.
• It's not a bye week for our polls: New questions here.
15 SUN
• Adam Carriker was glad to see the Huskers avoid a letdown at Rutgers. More commentary: McKewon* | Sipple* | Christopherson* | Barfknecht*
• This year's game with Iowa could help turn a manufactured rivalry into a real one. | Stats matchup.
• Former Husker Ameer Abdullah ties an NFL record with a non-scoring 104-yard kickoff return.
• This week in Husker history: The Rose Bowl that wasn't; Glassford's resignation; Jennings' second upset of the Sooners.
• Rutgers center Derrick Nelson is out of the hospital and says he's doing well after his injury near the end of Saturday's game.
14 SAT
• Up next is Iowa, which improved to 10-0 by holding off Minnesota, 40-35.
• Nebraska 31, Rutgers 14 Tight end Cethan Carter has a breakout game as the Huskers overcome three interceptions and cruise past the Scarlet Knights. Coverage and multimedia can be found on the game page. | Stryker commentary | Postgame presser | McKewon analysis | Big Red Over-Reaction
• Bo Pelini is back in the spotlight after drawing two costly penalties in the final minute of Youngstown State's game.
• Juco linebacker William Johnson* flips his commitment to UAB, where immediate playing time appears much more likely. | 2016 class
• Nebraska fans rate as the most knowledgeable in a poll of college football coaches by ESPN's Brett McMurphy. | Discuss
• The Huskers aim to build from last week's big win and keep their bowl hopes alive as they face a struggling Rutgers squad on the road. Here are the game-day stories from Lincoln (1, 2, 3, 4, 5),* Omaha (1, 2),* Grand Island (1, 2),* Newark (1, 2), Trenton (1, 2) and Bergen County. Commentary: Shatel,* Sipple,* Sullivan, Harvey, Callahan.
13 FRI
• Darin Erstad is named one of four finalists for the Dodgers' managerial job but then withdraws* from consideration.
• Missouri's Gary Pinkel will step down at season's end for health reasons.
• Mike Rozier urges Omaha students* to avoid the mistakes he made.
• It comes as no surprise as running back Aphonso Thomas* switches his commitment from Nebraska to SMU.
• Saturday's Legends Radio guests: Adam Carriker & Stewart Bradley.
• A New Jersey columnist says Nebraska fans appear to be losing their marbles because of the Huskers' rocky season.
• Poll question: Should Imani Cross be the featured running back?
• Dirk Chatelain says Nebraska has been overlooking NFL-caliber talent* in its own backyard for too long.
• Rutgers has pass defense issues of its own, and the middle of the field is particularly vulnerable. | Game preview
• It's a fine line* between success and failure for Tommy Armstrong, Steve Sipple writes. | Future Husker: Tre Bryant
• Rutgers receiver Leonte Carroo poses another big test* for Chris Jones and the other Husker corners.
12 THU
• They might be banged up,* but the Nebraska wide receivers* are proving to be a handful for opposing defenses.
• Defensive tackle Kevin Williams has been granted a sixth year of eligibility. More from Thursday's practice: Video | Notes: 1,* 2,* 3
• Rutgers coach Kyle Flood lists the status of star receiver Leonte Carroo as probable for the Nebraska game. | Breakout potential*
• The Husker equipment truck is an eye-catching billboard on wheels.
• SB Nation publishes 29 pages of fan e-mails sent to Harvey Perlman after the Purdue loss and released under an open-records request.
• Shaky pass protection has contributed to Rugters QB Chris Laviano's three-game rough stretch. | Lopsided losses: 1, 2* | Previews: 1,* 2*
• Jay Foreman says the issue now for the Huskers is handling success.
• Tight end Cethan Carter's blocking* is contributing to big plays.
• Tale of the Tape examines how Nebraska got it done in the late going against Michigan State.
11 WED
• Kevin Maurice is healed up and providing depth at defensive tackle.
• Husker Dan says the refs got it right Saturday night.
• Check out this 360-degree version of Saturday's postgame celebration.
• Rob Zatechka says Saturday's win provides a measure of hope and trust.
• Ameer Abdullah's diminished workload doesn't mean he's in the doghouse, says Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell.
• It's a one-sided batch of game predictions so far, although some are expecting a close contest.
• This new video pays tribute to the Memorial Stadium experience.
• Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun says he let the Huskers' dirty play affect his game. | Discuss
• Minnesota removes the interim tag from coach Tracy Claeys and signs him to a three-year contract.
• The offensive line is aiming to keep improving* after its strong performace against the Spartans. | Notes*
• Senior transfer Linebacker Kaiwan Lewis says Rutgers' schedule was why he chose the Scarlet Knights over Nebraska earlier this year.
• It will be Nebraska's first conference game in New Jersey,* but the Huskers' connection there is long and substantial.
• Literally and figuratively, it's a long way* from junior college in Mississippi for defensive back Byerson Cockrell.*
10 TUE
• From Saturday night's win: A story of two fathers.
• NU commit JD Spielman is named the Twin Cities' player of the year.
• Our handy PDF rosters and 2-deeps for Saturday are ready for printing.
• Rutgers players say they're expecting Nebraska to bring its A game to New Jersey. Video here.
• Check out this slow-motion view of the contact on Brandon Reilly's touchdown route against Michigan State. | Discuss
• NU President Hank Bounds* says the regents' ongoing policy discussions are unrelated to the recent Shawn Eichorst contract issue.
• Tom Shatel says the Huskers can't afford to pass up a bowl invitation, no matter their win-loss record. | Three-game season* | Keeping focused*
• Tommy Armstrong has saved his best for the fourth quarter.*
• Zach Sterup's move to right guard contributed to a strong game from the Huskers' offensive line.*
09 MON
• Jordan Westerkamp is within striking distance of a record-setting season depite absorbing some hard knocks.* More player features: Kevin Maurice* | Chris Long*
• Hank Hughes explains the Huskers' strategy in seeking defensive-line help from the junior college ranks. | Notes: 1,* 2*
• The prosecutor in Lawrence Phillips' case may seek the death penalty.
• The Akinmoladun cousins were among the Huskers sharing lessons at the Sportsmanship 4 Life Pep Rally.
• Mark Banker says the Huskers had their best tackling game of the year against Michign State as well as a strong finish.* More from Monday's practice: Video | Notes
• Watch Mike Riley on BTN Live as he discusses the win, the passion of Husker fans and more.
• Nebraska may have already altered the Big Ten's road to the playoff. Now can the Huskers complete a November to remember?
• The Big Ten's football officiating chief explains the ruling on Brandon Reilly's touchdown reception in this video. | Poll question: Right call?
• Check out the Athletic Department's extended game highlights.
• Tommy Armstrong is named Big Ten offensive player of the week.
• Jordan Westerkamp earns a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list.
08 SUN
• Steve Sipple says it's obvious that Danny Langsdorf got a lot right* in his play calling against the Spartans. | Yays & nays*
• The defense got a key stop when it was needed most, but the unit is still a far cry from what Mark Banker envisions.*
• Lee Barfknecht says the upset of Michigan State could help stoke the crowd for the Iowa game.*
• Running back Tre Bryant from St. Louis, one of Saturday's visitors,* has committed* to the Huskers. | Highlights | 2016 class | Discuss
• Adam Carriker says the Huskers' passion and belief were big difference-makers Saturday night against Michigan State.
• The Big Ten says the game officials handled the call on Brandon Reilly's TD reception correctly. | Spotlight on officiating | Videos of play
• Watch the final minute of play from the Nebraska sideline.
• The Huskers have the edge in the stats matchup with Rutgers.
• This week in Husker history: Record-breaking Reynolds; a scare from Walt Garrison; sunset on the Kansas series.
07 SAT
• Nebraska 39, Michigan State 38. The Huskers stage an incredible rally and score with 17 seconds left to shock the Spartans. Go to the game page for all the coverage and video. | Stryker commentary | McKewon analysis | The celebration | Postgame presser | Big Red Over-Reaction | Game on DVD
• Next week's foe, Rutgers, gets blown out by Michigan, 49-16.
• Tonight brings a chance for the Huskers to pump new life into a disappointing season as unbeaten Michigan State comes calling. Here are the game-day reads fromLincoln (1, 2, 3, 4, 5),*Omaha (1, 2),*Grand Island (1, 2),*Detroit (1, 2, 3, 4)and Grand Rapids.Commentary: Sipple,* Shatel,* Vogel, Sharp, Callahan.
• USA Today analyzes the Huskers' defensive struggles.
• Eight Nebraska war veterans will serve as honorary gate sentinels at Saturday's game, and here are their stories.
06 FRI
• Tommy Armstrong's Hoverboard and iPad were taken in a car break-in.
• Nebraska will try to flip two recruits who are visiting from Michigan.
• Dave Feit's hot takes address whether NU is "rebuilding" and more.
• A Michigan columnist says Nebraska has lost its way and should return to its roots on offense or pony up for a big-time coach.
• Running back Jordan Stevenson and offensive tackle Matt Finnin* have left the team.* | Stevenson's tweet | Discuss
• The LJS's Brian Rosenthal previews the Huskers for a Michigan paper. | Position matchups | Game breakdown
• It's a big weekend for LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, the former Nebraska assistant under Tom Osborne.
• Former Husker Drake Martinez may get his first playing time Saturday, most likely on special teams. | Spartans' November push
• AP's Ralph Russo explains in this video why he's picking Nebraska to upset Michigan State. | More predictions | Scout.com primer
• Steve Sipple says the Huskers fortunes hinge largely on university leaders – coach, athletic director, chancellor, president and regents – getting on the same page.*
• Connor Cook's completion percentages haven't been great against Nebraska, but he enters this game on a hot streak.
05 THU
• Tale of the Tape examines some good and bad of the Purdue game.
• Sophomore linebacker Chris Weber aims to regain the momentum* he had before his shoulder injury.
• Early-1970s NU receiver Frosty Anderson* used to bleed Spartan green.
• An ESPN writer blames Mike Riley for woes at his old and new schools.
• Tommy Armstrong will start against Michigan State, and the right side of the O-line will have a new look with Nick Gates at tackle and Zach Sterup at guard. More from Thursday's practice: Video | Notes: 1,* 2,* 3
• Sam McKewon covers a lot of ground in his latest Big Fat Recruiting Update.* | Big weekend: 1,* 2*
• Gold balloons at Saturday's game will honor fallen military fathers.
• Congrats to linebacker Chris Weber, an Academic All-District selection.
• HuskerOnline crunches the special teams numbers and sees a slippage.
• Former Husker Jay Foreman says there's plenty of blame to go around for Nebraska's poor season, from administrators to coaches to players.
• Preventing big plays* might pay big dividends for the defense.
• Where did the skull-and-crossbones Blackshirts logo originate? It all started with a businessman with a rodent problem.
• AP's national college football writer is picking Nebraska over the Spartans, but he's definitely in the minority. More predictions here.
• Michigan State QB Connor Cook is merely on the fringes of the Heisman conversation, but the next few games could change that.
• Poll question: Are you surprised by the NU-Michigan State point spread?
• Chancellor Harvey Perlman* expresses support for Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst and confidence in coach Mike Riley. | Discuss
• MSU's linebackers coach expects a dogfight. Meanwhile, the Spartans' O-line is looking nasty with all its starters back. | Struggling specialists
• It might be up to Terrell Newby's backups* to give the Huskers' run game a boost Saturday night. | Notes: 1,* 2*
• From the OWH, the story of how Nebraska became a FieldTurf* trailblazer – and how you can own some of the stadium's old AstroTurf.
• Getting another chance against MSU is personal for Alonzo Moore.*
• The Huskers are still struggling to adapt to the new defensive scheme.
04 WED
• Defensive end Alex Davis is showing potential during his redshirt year and is the scout team's Shilique Calhoun impersonator this week.
• The Spartans say they don't mind the pressure* that comes with being unbeaten and in the playoff hunt. | Scouting report* | Preview*
• Nebraska's commitment to the student-athlete now includes MacBook Air laptops for everyone. | GSR at new high
• Here are some numbers to know about Nebraska vs. Michigan State.
• Former Husker volleyball coach Terry Pettit weighs in on the football program and calls Mike Riley's hiring a first step in fixing the culture.
• Eric Crouch and Mike Rozier will make Nissan Heisman House appearances Saturday at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
• Here's a look back at the turnaround engineered by Bob Devaney.
• It's been a while since NU could take wins in its division* for granted.
• The Daily Nebraskan revisits last year's rally and near-upset against the Michigan State. | Spartifacts
• Defensive coordinator Mark Banker* is no stranger to feeling the heat.
• Debut seasons: One big kick* helped make 2008 a success.
03 TUE
• Listen to Rob Zatechka's reaction to the Shawn Eichorst letter and Mike Riley's Monday press conference.
• Tommy Armstrong, Michael Rose-Ivey and several other key players were back in pads for Tuesday's practice, but Terrell Newby's* status for Saturday night remains iffy. | Video
• Is Nebraska abandoning the run too early in games? HuskerOnline looks into the numbers.
• Our printable 2-deeps and rosters for Saturday are available here.
• Saturday's Legends Radio Show guests: Mike Rozier & Ricky Simmons.
02 MON
• It all seems like a bad dream to Colonel Mustard, but that won't stop him from cheering the team on.
• The Spartans' bye week gave several key players time to heal.
• Tommy Armstrong* appears on track to play against Michigan State after an unusual Saturday as an observer* from afar. | Notes: 1,* 2*
• Jeremy Pernell offers his review of the Purdue game.
• Husker fans may hold one of the keys to a talent upgrade.
• Mike Riley says the staff is doing good things* even though theres no doubt we have failed* in the eyes of what everybody wants to do. More from Monday's press conference: | Audio & video | Armstrong on rebound | Pierson-El's season done | No looking ahead* | Notes
• Shawn Eichorst issues a statement thanking fans and expressing confidence that the future is bright for Nebraska football.
• Living the nightmare: Mitch Sherman on the state of the program.
• The Rutgers game gets a 2:30 p.m. CST start and BTN telecast.
• A dreadful third-quarter stretch* doomed the Huskers at Purdue.
01 SUN
• Tommy Armstrong's* availability against Michigan State is still unknown.
• Nebraska makes the top five of 2017 receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr.
• Former Husker Adam Carriker offers his thoughts on the Purdue game. More commentary: McKewon: Unsteady product* | Barfknecht: Talk to us, Eichorst* | Sipple: Run-game woes* | Yays & nays
• Nebraska takes over the No. 2 spot in USA Today's Misery Index.
• This week in Husker history: Memorable plays – Reynolds run and the Bummeroosky – helped Nebraska beat Missouri in 1950 and 1975.
• Tom Osborne has been doing his homework in preparation for the College Football Playoff committee meetings that begin this week.
• Up next is unbeaten Michigan State, which was idle Saturday. See how the Huskers and Spartans match up statistically.