Mike Anderson Season 1993

Honors & Awards

• 1993 Butkus Nominee
• 1993 Honorable-Mention All-Big Eight
• 1991 Honorable-Mention All-Big Eight
• 1991 Lifter of the Year

1993 (Senior)
Starting in every game but one at strong-side linebacker, Anderson helped Nebraska’s dominate defense get the Husker’s to the National Championship game. Going 11-0 in the regular season, Nebraska was the powerhouse of the Big-Eight leading the conference in total defense (allowing only 307.6 yards per game) and ranked first in scoring defense averaging 16 points per game. Anderson had 66 total tackles (27 solo) and five that went for a total of 19 yards lost. Anderson also recorded a 12 yard sack in a win over the No. 18 CU Buffaloes. Anderson had six quarterback hurries throughout the season as well as a caused fumble and a pass breakup. In the Orange Bowl against Florida State, Anderson had five total tackles (3 solo) and added on two quarterback hurries.

1992 (Junior)
Anderson moved to strong-side ‘backer in 1992 and started every game except Missouri when he sat out with a knee injury. He had nagging injuries all season as he injured his left knee prior to the Washington game, but still started and had four tackles. He had four tackles for 15-yards lost, including one 8-yard sack against Kansas State. He forced one fumble, recovered another, broke up two passes and intercepted one. He had his right knee scoped after the Oklahoma State game, missed the Missouri game, but returned to start against Colorado. Against the 8th ranked Buffaloes, Anderson recorded his first career interception. He picked off Ty Detmer in CU’s second drive of the third quarter setting up a six play drive to put NU up 31-7. Anderson also recorded a career-high 15 tackles vs. Iowa State (four solo), started at strong-side linebacker in the Orange Bowl game vs. Florida State where he had five tackles (two solo).

1991 (Sophomore)
Starting every game on the weak side in ’91 replacing All-Big Eight pick Pat Tyrance. Anderson was NU’s second leading tackler with 80 (28 solo), seven back from strong safety Steven Carmer. Anderson had three tackles for losses, totaling seven yards, caused two fumbles, and recovered another. He was Nebraska’s leading tackler four times, against Washington, Missouri, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Four of his top five tackle games came against the Huskers’ four toughest opponents. 12 each vs. Washington and Oklahoma, 11 at Colorado, and nine against Miami in the Orange Bowl. His fumble recovery came against then-No. 4 Washington when the Huskies’ Beno Bryant fumbled a Mike Stigge punt at UW 2-yard line. Anderson jumped on the ball, and Derek Brown scored on the next play to give the Huskers a 21-9 lead. He was named Nebraska’s defensive player-of-the-week following the Washington and Missouri games. Anderson was also named Nebraska’s “Lifter-of-the-Year” for his work in the weight room.

1990 (Freshman)
As one of several redshirt freshman, Anderson made significant contributions as the Husker’s alternate weak-side linebacker, behind senior Pat Tyrance. Anderson played in all 11 games and finished with 18 tackles, including a sack for a 7 yard loss. He also had a fumble recovery, vs. Oklahoma State, and a quarterback hurry. His top tackle game came against Missouri where he recorded four.

1989 (Redshirt Freshman)
A scholarship recruit, Anderson redshirted his first season at Nebraska.

Before Nebraska (Grand Island High School)
Anderson played for former Husker, Kenny Fischer, at Grand Island HS. Anderson was named captain of the all-state, all-class team in 1988. An all-conference linebacker and tight end, he recorded more than 50 tackles and caught 15 passes for over 400 yards and nine touchdowns.

Personal
Mike was born Oct. 5, 1970 in Sacramento, Calif. to Roger and Melodee Anderson. He has one sister, Jenny. Anderson studied criminal justice and graduated in December of 1993. He was a keynote speaker at the Best of America Program.