New Devaney Book a Popular Holiday Gift

I Like Mike T-Shirt Welcomes Coach Riley

Loyalty T-Shirt: Go Big Red Til I'm Dead

Randy York’s N-Sider

The most popular Christmas gift for Husker fans this season just might be DEVANEY: BIRTH OF A DYNASTY. The hard-cover 280-page book, written by the Omaha World-Herald’s Henry J. Cordes, takes us back to our modern-day roots that launched a true college football dynasty. The Devaney hardcover follows Cordes’ UNBEATABLE book published two years ago, chronicling Nebraska’s 60 wins in 63 games and three national championships in five seasons under the legendary Tom Osborne. The Devaney book is moving fast off the shelves and ranks as the hottest seller at the University of Nebraska Book Store at 14th and R Streets, according to Stephanie Budell, general retail team leader who has worked at the store for 26 years.

The Devaney book is priced at $29.95 in multiple online outlets, including national book stores. To fortify my endorsement of the book, check out the video I watched of Cordes explaining how Devaney became an instant hit in Lincoln with a 9-2 inaugural season in 1962, the same year Nebraska’s 340 consecutive home-game sellout streak started. Cordes reminds fans about the “wheels falling off the wagon” in back-to-back 6-4 record seasons in 1967-68 that included three consecutive home losses in ‘68. Cordes calls the Huskers “an amazing transformation” after losing three straight home games in 1968, including a 47-0 shellacking administered by Oklahoma. Two seasons later, Nebraska won its first national championship.

Never-Before Published Game of the Century Photos

One of the treasures of Cordes’ Devaney book is an arsenal of never-before published Game of the Century Photos, including quarterback Jerry Tagge leading the Huskers and field-level shots of Johnny Rodgers’ memorable 72-yard punt-return touchdown. A large part of the book is devoted to the Game of the Century, including Wally Provost's account of Nebraska’s dramatic comeback to hoist the No. 1 banner and enjoy the dizzying heights that came with that honor.

Cordes also wrote about Devaney naming Tom Osborne and Monte Kiffin as innovative coordinators who retooled both sides of the ball. Other highlights include: 1) quarterbacks Van Brownson and Jerry Tagge setting the standard for unselfish play; 2) Husker pole vaulter Boyd Epley attracting the football staff’s attention with a pioneering strength-training program; 3) linebacker Jerry Murtaugh’s brash clash with Devaney to set the team’s sights on being the nation’s best; 4) Johnny the Jet’s electrifying effect on Saturdays; and 5) the steadying presence of such leaders as Rich Glover, Larry Jacobson, Willie Harper, and Jeff Kinney, who combined to help redefine Nebraska football forever. If you like history, you’ll love this book. If it doesn’t end up under a tree, order it for yourself. You’ll be glad you did,

'I Like Mike' Helps Fans Welcome Mike Riley to Nebraska

You may have noticed two links at the top of this column. The first says I Like Mike, a unique way for every Husker fan to wear a t-shirt that embraces and supports the hiring of Mike Riley as Nebraska’s new head football coach. The second link provides another way to show your Husker loyalty with a t-shirt that says Go Big Red Til I'm Dead. Both are the brainchild of Osborne Family Enterprises, headed by Mike Osborne. Good ideas, Mike, and for the record, we like you, too.One more suggestion: Another sure bet to please Husker fans is tied to history like Cordes' book. Nebraska football historian Mike Babcock writes for Hail Varsity, putting that magazine subscription in a league of its own. Did I mention two gifts that I'm happy to have personally? One is the Real Men Go for Two t-shirt I received as a present. The other is a Through These Gates video that was my No. 1 holiday gift recommendation for Husker fans last December.

Best Buys: Huskers Authentic Bargain-Priced Hats 

The following words are not coming from an expert in retail, nor can they be quantified beyond my experience. Just understand that if you live in Lincoln or know someone you can call, you may get the best Husker holiday buy. Nebraska Athletics’ two Huskers Authentic Stores are offering 25 percent discounts on all items purchased inside both venues, even though they are already significantly reduced bargains. Exhibit A is the huge racks of Husker hats (above) in both the Stadium and Pinnacle Bank Arena Stores. Hats originally priced between $20 and $25 have been lowered to $10 apiece. I asked Greg Luedtke, who manages both stores, if the 25-percent off special includes the hats. “Yes,” he said. “We’re selling them for $7.50 apiece…big bargain, one of the best ever. We’re reducing prices to move merchandise." The 25 percent-off everything in both stores continues to Christmas Eve. Traditionally, the Huskers Authentic Store across the street from the West Stadium has concentrated on football and Nebraska’s other sports while the PBA retail store in the historic Haymarket Area has specialized in men’s and women’s basketball apparel to support the arena’s two major tenants. “Both stores will have major quantities of merchandise,” Luedtke said. “We have $29.99 and $49.99 sweatshirts that will be reduced an additional 25 percent." He also recommends that bargain shoppers check out a variety of adidas climalite short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts. The PBA store is open Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The Stadium store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Worthwhile Causes to Support: Team Jack, Avery Strong

If you’re looking for creative ways to buy a t-shirt and/or pledge your support for worthy causes related to Nebraska football and basketball, go online. Take a stand with Team Jack apparel to support Jack Hoffman (above) and his family's fight against pediatric brain cancer.

Harriman Family, Husker Basketball Battle Leukemia

Big Red fans also are jumping online to support Avery Harriman, the son of Nebraska Basketball Assistant Coach Chris Harriman (above). Become a part of the Harriman family’s ongoing battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It will inspire you and warm your heart at the same time.

Happy Holidays!

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