When first year head football coach Bob Devaney came to Nebraska in 1962, the 25-13 win at Michigan put the Cornhusker football program back on the college football map. The game was played at the Big House in Ann Arbor in front of 70,287 fans. Nebraska would go on to post a 9-2 record that included a win over Miami in the Gotham Bowl.
But Michigan wouldn't fare quite as well. The Wolverines would have a disappointing 2-7 record.
Matt Rhule doesn't get the luxury of playing a weak Michigan team this Saturday in LIncoln. No way, Wade. Michigan (4-0) is undefeated and ranked number two in the country.
So far this year, Nebraska (2-2) has struggled scoring and has a tough time gaining yards through the air. One of the reasons is Nebraska lost two of its better wide receivers in Isaiah Garcia-Casteneda and Zavier Betts (IGC due to a season ending injury and Betts to retirement).
To make matters worse on offense, the Huskers lost two of its top running backs (Rahmir Johnson and Gabe Ervin, Jr.) for the rest of the season.
Not many breaks for first year head coach Matt Rhule.
Husker Power!
So what does Nebraska have going for it? For starters, how about the rabid Husker fans? Know this: Saturday is a huge game and Husker fans know it. The noise is going to be ear-shattering. "Husker!" "Power!" chants will be ringing throughout the Stadium even before the opening kickoff. (I'm getting chills just thinking about it.)
The next advantage Nebraska might have is the weather. Temps in the 90s are expected aet game time. Remember those practices Nebraska endured in fall camp when temperatures were hovering around 100 degrees? Maybe Saturday is the time to cash in on that experience.
Nebraska also brings the second best run defense in college football. In addition, the Huskers have the sixth best national rushing offense. If Nebraska can run the ball when it needs to and pass the ball effectively, who knows what can happen? Should the game be close in the fourth quarter, look for the fans to make the difference. They're going to will the Huskers on to victory.
In Ernest We Trust
Former Husker LB, Ernest Hausman will be returning to Memorial Stadium Saturday. Last year if you'll recall, Hausman was a true Husker freshman LB from Columbus, Nebraska. He came on strong as the season unfolded, showing a great deal of talent and skill. When he decided to transfer in the off season, most everyone was taken aback. And when he transferred to Big Ten foe, Michigan, Husker fans were understandably shocked,
Through four games for Michigan, Hausman has recorded 14 total tackles: 4 solo and 10 assisted. He'll be wearing #15. Wave to him...
The Tank Commander
If QB Haarberg starts the game and plays well and if he stays healthy this fall, it's going to be difficult for Matt Rhule to not keep Haarberg as his starter, no matter how healthy Jeff Sims is.
Obviously to win, the Huskers must not beat themselves. They need to be able run the football when they need to, win the battle of field position, hit the occasional pass that helps bleed the clock and keep Michigan's defense honest. Getting a few turnovers from Michigan wouldn't hurt either.
Related: 1962 HuskerMaxMichigan game page.
