Huskers Return Home, Host Wildcats

GAME 8: NEBRASKA vs NORTHWESTERN
OCT. 24, 2015 | MEMORIAL STADIUM
LINCOLN, NEB. | 11 a.m. (CT)

BROADCAST INFO
TV - ESPN2 (Beth Mowins, Anthony Becht, Paul Carcattera)
RADIO - Husker Sports Network
SATELLITE RADIO - Sirius Channel 135, XM 195
INTERNET RADIO - Huskers.com

HUSKERS
Record: 3-4, 1-2 Big Ten
Last Game: Minnesota, W, 48-25
Rankings: NR
Coach: Mike Riley
Career/NU Record: 96-84 (15th Year)/3-4 (1st Year) 
vs. Northwestern: First meeting

WILDCATS
Record: 5-2, 1-2 Big Ten 
Last Game: Iowa, L, 40-10
Rankings: AP, Coaches - RV
Coach: Pat Fitzgerald
Career/Northwestern Record: 65-55 (10th Year)/Same
vs. Nebraska: 1-3

The Matchup
Nebraska returns home on Saturday and the Huskers continue their run of Big Ten West division opponents. The Huskers will take on Northwestern at Memorial Stadium in an 11 a.m. contest that will be televised nationally on ESPN2.

The matchup marks Nebraska's fourth straight game against a West Division foe. That streak will grow to five at Purdue on Oct. 31, before the Huskers square off against a pair of East Division foes.

Nebraska enters the matchup with Northwestern with a 3-4 record, including a 1-2 mark in the Big Ten Conference. The Huskers are coming off a 48-25 win at Minnesota on Saturday, arguably Nebraska's most complete game of the season.

Northwestern owns a 5-2 record, and stands 1-2 in the Big Ten. The Wildcats lost 40-10 to Iowa on Saturday in Evanston, marking Northwestern's second straight loss. The Wildcats' only other loss was at No. 15 Michigan, while Northwestern's victories include a season-opening win over No. 10 Stanford in Evanston, and a win at 23rd-ranked Duke.

Saturday's game will also feature a reunion of Nebraska's 1995 national championship team at Memorial Stadium. Nebraska will wear alternate Husker Bold uniforms for Saturday's game. The uniforms are centered around a bold, black colorway and feature red metallic numbers.

Nebraska Football Top 10
• Nebraska is 877-365-40 all-time, one of only 10 schools with 800 wins.

• The Cornhuskers rank fourth all-time with their 877 victories.

• Nebraska has won five national titles (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997).

• The Huskers have won 43 conference championships.

• Nebraska’s 51 all-time bowl appearances rank third nationally.

• Three Huskers have won the Heisman Trophy (Rodgers, Rozier, Crouch).

• Nebraska’s 107 football Academic All-Americans lead the nation.

• The Huskers have 110 first-team All-Americans in school history.

• Nebraska football is the only team in any sport in NCAA history to total 100 athletic and academic All-Americans.

• Memorial Stadium has been sold out every game since Nov. 2, 1962, a streak of 345 consecutive sellouts.

Battle of "NU" has Been a Tight One in Recent Years
The matchup between Nebraska and Northwestern has been closely contested since the Huskers joined the Big Ten in 2011. Three of the four games have been decided by three or fewer points, including both matchups at Memorial Stadium.

• Northwestern won the first meeting as Big Ten foes, 28-25, in Lincoln in 2011, knocking off the No. 9 Huskers.

• Nebraska's 2013 win over Northwestern in Lincoln was one of the most dramatic in school history. Jordan Westerkamp caught a Hail Mary touchdown pass as time expired to give Nebraska a 27-24 victory.

• In between the close games in Lincoln, Nebraska rallied from 12 points down in the fourth quarter for a 29-28 win at Evanston in 2012.

• Nebraska trailed 17-14 at half in 2014 in Evanston, but outscored the Wildcats 24-0 in the second half for a 38-17 victory.

The Huskers lead the overall series between the schools, 6-2, and own a 3-1 advantage in games played in Lincoln.

Nebraska-Northwestern Series
Games: 8
Standing: Nebraska leads, 6-2
At Lincoln: Nebraska leads, 3-1
At Memorial Stadium: Nebraska leads, 2-1
At Evanston: Nebraska leads, 2-1
At Neutral Sites: Nebraska leads, 1-0
Current win streak (start): NEB, 3 games (2012)

Nebraska to Honor 1995 National Championship Team
As part of Nebraska's Weekend of Champions, the 1995 national championship football team will be honored in Lincoln this weekend.

The team will hold a private banquet on Friday evening at Memorial Stadium, and will be honored on the field before the start of Saturday's game with Northwestern.

The 1995 team had a perfect 12-0 record to win a second consecutive national championship under Hall of Fame Coach Tom Osborne. The team capped its championship season with a 62-24 victory over No. 2 Florida in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. The team is regarded in many circles as the greatest college football team of all time.

• Nebraska won all 12 games by at least 14 points in 1995. In fact, nine of the 12 victories were by at least 37 points.

• Nebraska defeated four top-10 teams en route to the national championship–Kansas State, Colorado, Kansas and Florida. The Huskers defeated those four teams by an average of 30.8 points.

• The Huskers captured their fifth consecutive Big Eight title on their way to the national crown.
• Nebraska led the nation in both scoring offense (52.4 ppg) and rushing offense (399.8 ypg), while ranking second in total offense (556.3 ypg). The defense ranked second against the run (78.4 ypg) and fourth in scoring defense (13.4 ppg).

• The 1995 Huskers featured three first-team All-Americans–quarterback Tommie Frazier, center Aaron Graham and rush end Jared Tomich. Frazier was also the Heisman runner-up and won the Johnny Unitas Award.

Nebraska to Wear Husker Bold Alternative Uniforms
Nebraska will wear the new Primeknit Husker Bold alternative uniforms on Saturday. Developed in collaboration with adidas, the Husker Bold uniform is at the forefront of design and innovation, providing players the perfect blend of style and technology for elite performance.

Centered on a bold, black colorway, the new look features metallic red numbers with a forged steel outline, combined with a modernized, metallic version of the classic Nebraska stripes that accent the jersey and pants. Providing form and function, the numbers and stripes are serrated, allowing for maximum ventilation and range of motion. Additional detailing includes an oversized, bold “N” logo that is integrated into the pant stripe to match the logo on the helmet and the “Huskers” team moniker is subtlety woven into the fabric on the side of the jerseys.

Primeknit is the premier compression uniform system, featuring the latest generation of adidas TECHFIT technology. Primeknit helps keep players cool and increases range of motion.

Rounding out the new look is the new Husker Bold alternative black matte shell helmet, featuring metallic red logos, stripes and player numbers on the back – identical to the jersey, and a metallic red facemask. The adizero 5-Star 4.0, lighter than any competitor cleat at 8.0 ounces, has a SPRINTSKIN upper with SHOCKWEB reinforcement and a SPRINTFRAME plate that provides maximum acceleration and multi-directional traction.

Nebraska Suffers Four Losses in Final Seconds
Nebraska returns home with a 3-4 record, following a win at Minnesota. The victory came on the heels of a 23-21 loss to Wisconsin on Oct. 10 in Lincoln. The Badgers kicked a game-winning field goal with four seconds remaining to escape Lincoln with a win.

The loss was the Huskers' fourth tough loss of 2015, as the opponents have scored the winning points on the game's final play or in overtime. Nebraska's four losses have come by a total of 11 points.

According to Stats, Inc., Nebraska is only the second FBS team since 2006 to lose four games in which the opponent scored the winning points in the final 10 seconds or overtime.
• Nebraska's 33-28 loss to BYU came when the Cougars completed a Hail Mary on the game's final play as time expired.

• NU rallied from a 23-point fourth-quarter deficit at Miami to force overtime. The Hurricanes escaped with a 36-33 win after kicking a walk-off game-winning field goal.

• The third close loss came as Illinois drove 72 yards in the game's final minute and scored with 10 seconds left for a 14-13 win.

• Wisconsin's 46-yard game winner with four seconds left came after the Badgers drove 46 yards in six plays in 59 seconds to get into field goal range.

• The two final play losses (BYU, Miami) were the first for Nebraska since the 2009 Big 12 Championship Game. Texas kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired to beat the Huskers.

• The 2009 team also lost 16-15 at Virginia Tech as the Hokies scored in the final 20 seconds. However, the 2015 season is the only time in at least the past 35 seasons Nebraska has lost a pair of games on the final play, in addition to two other games on the opponent's final offensive play.

Huskers Continue to Battle Injury Bug
Nebraska battled a large number of injuries during the first half of the 2015 season. In recent weeks the defense has been crippled by a rash of injuries.

• Senior defensive tackle Kevin Williams (groin) has missed the past three games and is hopeful of returning this week.

• Junior defensive tackle Kevin Maurice made his first career start at Illinois and had eight tackles, but suffered a foot injury in the game. He has missed the past two games and likely remains out this week.

• Junior defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (ankle) was injured in the second half against South Alabama and missed three straight games before returning against Wisconsin.

• Redshirt freshman defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun (knee) started four games after other injuries at defensive end. Akinmoladun has missed the past two games, and is expected to miss another one to two weeks.

• Senior defensive end and captain Jack Gangwish (elbow) was injured against BYU and missed the following three games before returning against Illinois.

• Starting linebacker Michael Rose-Ivey suffered a groin injury during the Miami game and has missed the past four games. He is hopeful of returning to action soon.

• Starting linebackers Josh Banderas (groin) missed four of five games before returning to action at Minnesota.
• Sophomore linebacker Chris Weber replaced Banderas in the lineup for three games. However, a neck injury sidelined him for the Minnesota game.

• Senior cornerback Daniel Davie (groin) has missed the past three games. Davie started the first three games of 2015.

• True freshman linebacker Dedrick Young (toe) was unable to play against South Alabama.

The injuries have forced NU to use 20 different starters on defense alone through seven games.

The receiver position was hit hard in August. Sophomore receiver De’Mornay Pierson-El suffered a foot injury in mid-August that sidelined him for the first four games, before he returned in a limited role at Illinois.

• True freshman receiver Lavan Alston suffered a knee injury that required season-ending surgery.

• Senior tight end David Sutton used a strong fall camp to earn a starting role. However, he suffered a serious ankle sprain against BYU that has kept him out for six games.

• Starting right tackle Nick Gates injured his left ankle against Wisconsin and missed the second half and the game at Minnesota.

• Punter Sam Foltz sprained his ankle against BYU and missed the South Alabama game, before returning at Miami.

Games Lost By Injury in 2015* (38)
• David Sutton, TE 6
• Josh Banderas, LB 4
• De'Mornay Pierson-El, WR 4
• Michael Rose-Ivey, LB 4
• Jack Gangwish, DE 3
• Vincent Valentine, DT 3
• Kevin Williams, DT 3
• Daniel Davie, CB 3
• Kevin Maurice, DT 2
• Freedom Akinmoladun, DE 2
• Nick Gates, OT 1
• Chris Weber, LB 1
• Dedrick Young, LB 1
• Sam Foltz, P 1
* Projected starters or key reserves only

First-Time Starters Continue to Debut for Huskers
Injuries have forced Nebraska to shuffle its lineup throughout the year, most notably on defense. Numerous players have had the opportunity to make their first career starts in 2015, in large part because of the injury bug.

Nebraska had seven players make their first career starts in the season opener against BYU. Another five Huskers made their first career starts in week two, and Nebraska has continued to embody the "Next Man Up" philosophy.

First-Time Starters in 2015 (17)
• Chongo Kondolo, RG (7 games)
• Nick Gates, RT (6 games)
• Terrell Newby, IB (6 games)
• Lane Hovey, WR (2 games)
• David Sutton, TE (BYU)
• Dedrick Young, LB (6 games)
• Aaron Williams, S (BYU)
• Stanley Morgan Jr., WR (3 games)
• Freedom Akinmoladun, DE (4 games)
• Chris Weber, LB, (4 games)
• Marcus Newby, LB (4 games)
• Tyson Broekemeier, P (South Alabama)
• Jonathan Rose, CB (4 games)
• Chris Jones, CB (Illinois)
• Kevin Maurice, DT (Illinois)
• Ross Dzuris, DE (Wisconsin)
• Taariq Allen, WR (Minnesota)

Aaron Williams and Dedrick Young joined an exclusive group of true freshmen to start in a season opener, becoming just the fourth and fifth true freshmen position players to start a season opener since freshmen regained NCAA eligibility in 1972. Stanley Morgan Jr. became the third true freshman to earn a start in 2015, when he was in the lineup for the opening snap against South Alabama.

True Freshmen to Start a Nebraska Season Opener*
• Dedrick Young, LB (2015)
• Aaron Williams, S (2015)
• Tyler Moore, RT (2011)
• Terrence Nunn, WR (2004)
• Ralph Brown, CB (1996)
*since 1972 when freshmen were made eligible

Husker Youth Hitting the field Early in 2015 Season
In addition to Williams, Young and Morgan who have earned starts as true freshmen, five other true freshmen have seen action in 2015.

• Tyrin Ferguson, LB
• Jordan Ober, LS
• Devine Ozigbo, IB
• Antonio Reed, S
• Jordan Stevenson, IB/KOR

Morgan has 13 receptions, Young has 37 tackles and Williams has made 11 stops through seven games. Ozigbo emerged at Illinois with a team-high 70 rushing yards on seven carries.

In addition, 10 redshirt freshmen have seen their first action through seven games, including starting offensive tackle Nick Gates and starting defensive end Freedom Akinmoladun, who leads the team with 4.5 sacks and seven TFL.
Huskers Getting Production
from Youth on 2015 roster
Nebraska has an excellent mix of experience and youth contributing to both the offense and defense in 2015.

The Huskers' two-deep roster includes ample experience, with 15 seniors listed on the current depth chart. However, youth is also being served in Lincoln in 2015.

Non-seniors have produced the following percentages of statistics for Nebraska, showing that the future looks bright.

Non-Senior Production (Update)
• Rushing: 79% (1,074 of 1,365 yards)
• Passing: 100% (1,794 of 1,794 yards)
• Receiving: 93% (1,672 of 1,794 yards)
• Scoring: 92% (209 of 227 points)
• Total Offense: 91% (2,868 of 3,159 yards)
• All-Purpose Yards: 89% (3,186 of 3,599 yards)
• Tackles: 77% (352 of 456 tackles)
• Tackles for Loss: 85% (44 of 52 TFL)
• Sacks: 93% (14 of 15 sacks)
• Interceptions: 100% (5 of 5 INT)

Husker Aerial Attack Strong
Nebraska topped the 300-yard passing mark in each of the first four games this season. The Huskers average 256.3 passing yards per game to rank third in the Big Ten and 39th nationally.

Nebraska had topped the 300-yard passing mark in five straight games, before being held to 105 yards through the air on a blustery day at Illinois. That tied the longest streak of 300-yard passing games in Nebraska history, matching a streak that spanned the final four games of the 2007 season and the 2008 opener.

• Nebraska's passing success is in large part due to excellent protection. The Huskers have allowed eight sacks this season, and the 1.14 sacks per game allowed is second in the Big Ten and 17th nationally.

NU Picking Up Yards in Chunks
Nebraska ranks third in the Big Ten and 32nd nationally in total offense at 451.3 yards per game. Against Southern Miss, the Huskers gained 610 yards and had 10 plays of at least 20 yards, including seven passes and three rushes.

• Through seven games, Nebraska has 125 plays from scrimmage of at least 10 yards. That total ranks 10th in the nation, and is the most among Big Ten teams.

• Nebraska is one of 11 teams in the FBS ranks to rank in the top 40 nationally in rushing and passing offense. The Huskers are the only team in the Big Ten among that group.

Huskers Look to Keep Running Game Moving in 2015
Nebraska has had one of the nation’s most consistent running games over the past several years. NU has shown the ability to keep that rolling in 2015, averaging 195.0 rushing yards per game to rank fourth in the Big Ten.

• Nebraska has ranked in the top 20 nationally in rushing each of the past five seasons, while also averaging better than 200 yards per game on the ground each year in that stretch.

• In 2014, Nebraska averaged 240.2 rushing yards per game to rank 17th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten in that category.

• Nebraska led the Big Ten in rushing in 2012, while leading the Big 12 in rushing yards per game in 2010.

• With Ameer Abdullah posting 1,611 rushing yards in 2014, Nebraska has had a 1,000-yard rusher each of the past six seasons. That is the longest stretch for NU since the Huskers had at least one 1,000-yard rusher in a school-record seven straight seasons from 1979 to 1985.

Newby Leading RB Corps
After a sluggish rushing effort against BYU, Nebraska responded with 200-yard rushing games against South Alabama (258) and Southern Miss (242). The Huskers produced their third 200-yard rushing game at Minnesota.

Junior I-back Terrell Newby highlighted the effort against South Alabama with a career night against the Jaguars. Newby rushed 28 times for 198 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught an eight-yard touchdown pass, giving him a career-high three touchdowns. Newby was honored for his effort as the co-Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week.

• Newby had nine rushes of at least 10 yards against USA, including a 32-yard run. He also caught a 30-yard pass out of the backfield.

• Newby had his second 100-yard game of 2015 at Minnesota with 116 yards on just 13 carries. He had a career-long 69-yard touchdown run to open the scoring for Nebraska.

• Newby ranks fourth in the Big Ten in rushing at 84.1 yards per game.

• Newby joined the 1,000-yard career rushing club at Illinois. He has 1,178 career rushing yards, making him the 63rd Husker with 1,000 career rushing yards.

• With 589 rushing yards, Newby is poised to continue the 1,000-yard rushing streak.

* Check out the attached Nebraska Games Notes PDF for more notes