Nebraska Will Play Division I-A Troy State in 2001 and 2002

Lincoln -- The University of Nebraska Cornhuskers will open the 2001 and 2002 seasons with Troy State (Troy, Ala.). Nebraska has been looking for a replacement for three games after Texas Christian pulled out of a three-game agreement in 1999. Nebraska played San Jose State in the 2000 season opener to replace TCU, and will play Troy State in the 2001 and 2002 season openers. Troy State will compete at the Division I-A level beginning in 2001.

The contract will pay Troy State $475,000 for each game. The buyout is $250,000 plus expenses.

This season, coached by Larry Blakeney, Troy State is 3-0 and ranked No. 1 for the second week in Division I-AA. The Trojans have defeated Alabama A&M (28-13), Appalachian State (34-28) and Alabama State (62-19). The NAIA champions in 1968 and Division II national champions in 1984 and 1987, Troy State will be looking to join Montana State as only the second school in history to win three national titles in three different classifications. Troy State has earned berths into the Division I-AA postseason seven times in the last eight years and twice advanced to the semifinals. Last season, the Trojans lost to Florida A&M in the quarterfinals, posting an 11-2 record and a No. 6 final ranking in the Sports Network Poll.

Director of Athletics Bill Byrne said, "We have had a difficult time securing opponents, particularly when we are looking on short notice due to a team pulling out of a contract. Troy State will be making their Division I-A debut next year and we feel the Trojans will bring a solid team to Lincoln."

Although the Huskers are allowed per NCAA rules to play a 12th regular-season game in 2002 and 2003 (because there are 14 permissible Saturday playing dates available between the last Saturday in August and the last Saturday in November), Nebraska has not added additional games at this time. The addition of Troy State in 2001 and 2002 gives the Huskers complete 11-game schedules through the year 2003.