Tag Archives: Huskers

Sports

Nebraska safety among three more Huskers who enter transfer portal Friday

Leave a comment

Following a Thursday that saw a handful of Huskers enter their name in the transfer portal, three more Nebraska football players — true freshman safety Jaeden Gould, redshirt freshman receiver Kamonte Grimes and junior kicker Chase Contreraz — did the same on Friday.

Gould and Grimes have publicly announced that they are in the portal, and Inside Nebraska has confirmed that Contreraz has entered the portal.

Gould, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound safety from New Jersey, played in one game while at Nebraska, against Oklahoma, and recorded five snaps. He was a four-star recruit in the 2022 class.

PGRpdiBjbGFzcz0nc3RfX2NvbnRlbnQtYmxvY2sgc3RfX2NvbnRlbnQtYmxv
Y2stLXR3ZWV0Jz4KPGRpdiBjbGFzcz0nY2VudGVyX3R3ZWV0Jz48YmxvY2tx
dW90ZSBjbGFzcz0idHdpdHRlci10d2VldCI+PHAgbGFuZz0iZW4iIGRpcj0i
bHRyIj5JIHdpbGwgYmUgZW50ZXJpbmcgbXkgbmFtZSBpbiB0aGUgVHJhbnNm
ZXIgUG9ydGFsIHdpdGggNCB5ZWFycyBvZiBlbGlnaWJpbGl0eSBsZWZ0LiA8
YSBocmVmPSJodHRwczovL3QuY28vZ1pRMFhZRjBQVSI+cGljLnR3aXR0ZXIu
Y29tL2daUTBYWUYwUFU8L2E+PC9wPiZtZGFzaDsgSmFlZGVuIEdvdWxkIChA
SmFlZGVuR291bGQ1KSA8YSBocmVmPSJodHRwczovL3R3aXR0ZXIuY29tL0ph
ZWRlbkdvdWxkNS9zdGF0dXMvMTU5ODgyMTkzMDg4NjMxNjAzMz9yZWZfc3Jj
PXR3c3JjJTVFdGZ3Ij5EZWNlbWJlciAyLCAyMDIyPC9hPjwvYmxvY2txdW90
ZT4KPHNjcmlwdCBhc3luYyBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vcGxhdGZvcm0udHdpdHRl
ci5jb20vd2lkZ2V0cy5qcyIgY2hhcnNldD0idXRmLTgiPjwvc2NyaXB0Pgo8
L2Rpdj4KPC9kaXY+Cgo=

Grimes, a 6-3, 200-pounder from Naples, Florida, spent the past two seasons at Nebraska, but never appeared in a game. Grimes was a three-star prospect in the 2021 class.
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Contreraz came to Nebraska as a walk-on following the 2019 season, which he spent kicking for Iowa Western Community College. Contreraz appeared in a game in just one of his three seasons at Nebraska.

Contreraz was the starting place kicker for the final four games of the 2021 season. He went 2-of-4 on field goal attempts and a perfect 11-of-11 on extra points.

Read original article here

Sports

Three Huskers — including Ernest Hausmann — enter the transfer portal

Leave a comment

Three Nebraska football players are entering the transfer portal, a source confirmed to The World-Herald on Thursday afternoon.

Huskers moving on from the program are inside linebacker Ernest Hausmann, receiver Decoldest Crawford and offensive lineman Brant Banks.

So begins what will be a frenetic stretch for new Nebraska coach Matt Rhule — officially hired Saturday — and his still-assembling staff as they navigate the comings and goings of players from a national portal pool already into the hundreds.

The biggest blow is Hausmann, the freshman from Columbus who became a starter down the stretch and finished with 54 tackles (sixth most on the team). His closing ability on quarterbacks and hard hits on rushers set him apart on a unit with other bright-future defenders like Malcolm Hartzog.

Hausmann thanked Nebraska coaches, trainers and teammates in a social-media post for helping him develop this season as well as fans for their support. He called the move “a very difficult decision.”

People are also reading…

A knee injury in August shelved Crawford for the entire season after he arrived as a three-star prospect out of Louisiana. Known most for his unique name and a high-profile name-image-likeness deal with an Omaha-based HVAC company, he flipped from LSU late last offseason when he followed Mickey Joseph from Baton Rouge to Lincoln. He leaves having not seen a snap at NU.

Banks just completed his fourth season at Nebraska, playing in every game on special teams and occasionally as an O-line reserve in what was technically his redshirt sophomore year. The Houston native converted from defensive line in 2019 and appeared in 26 total games. Perhaps his most memorable moment came when he joined the men’s basketball team prior to the 2020 Big Ten tournament and played three minutes as a reserve.

Players who enter the portal can still emerge from it with their same school or find a new home. Nebraska in the last cycle saw 15 players transfer after the 2021 season ended and will surely see more depart in the coming days amid a regime change.

Rhule said on a national podcast this week to expect personnel churn.

“They’re coming off 3-9 and 4-8 so the only way to fix that is to make sure the players you have you’re coaching up and developing and getting big and strong,” Rhule said. “But you have to go recruit and you have to get guys in the transfer portal. You have to upgrade the roster.”

Sam McKewon, Tom Shatel and Dirk Chatelain unwrap everything with the hire of Matt Rhule, including the biggest problem he faces at Nebraska.


  • • Texts from columnists
  • • The most breaking Husker news
  • • Cutting-edge commentary
  • • Husker history photo galleries

Get started



Read original article here

Sports

McKewon: No guarantee Blackshirts get back even after Chinander firing | College

Leave a comment

Sam McKewon, with the Omaha World-Herald, breaks down the Oklahoma vs. Nebraska football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Oklahoma won the game 49-14.


LINCOLN – Mickey Joseph is serious about trying to become Nebraska’s permanent head coach, and he clearly sees a way where NU’s defense – as bad as it’s ever been – doesn’t wither on the vine.

That’s one key takeaway from Joseph’s decision to fire defensive coordinator Erik Chinander on Sunday, 24 hours after the Huskers’ 49-14 loss to Oklahoma.

Nebraska allowed 580 yards in the loss to the Sooners, who could have racked up 700 had they kept in their starters.

Was Saturday’s performance Chinander’s fault? In the micro, not entirely; he dialed up some blitzes and tried to keep OU off balance, struggling to succeed in the second and third quarters in part because NU’s offense stunk up the joint.

In the macro? Well, yes. Chinander ran that side of the ball, and Nebraska’s defense is comprised of his recruits. Chinander is the one who hired a defensive line coach, Tony Tuioti, who spent three years recruiting mediocre prospects for a crucial unit, and it’s Chinander who called a too-passive scheme in the 45-42 loss to Georgia Southern.

People are also reading…

Still – this is a bold move from Joseph, to remove the leader of a defensive staff, install Bill Busch – the special teams coordinator – to oversee the staff and try to flip a culture in two weeks.

“Chins,” as he was known, was popular among players and reporters. He was consistently thoughtful and humble in ways that sometimes eluded his former boss, Scott Frost. And Chinander’s defense had improved each season on campus – until this year. Since it’s possible Nebraska will not retain any of the coaches currently on staff, why not give Chinander two weeks to retool for opponents not named Oklahoma?

Joseph will answer that question on Tuesday, when he meets with the media.

On Saturday, after the loss, I asked him if he foresaw any changes at the coaching level. It is, admittedly, a hard question in that moment; Joseph perhaps hadn’t decided in his mind what he’d do and, if he had, wasn’t going to tell the press first.

His answer: “No, no. I can’t see that right now. I do not know if I’ll be able to see that tomorrow, but I can’t see that right now.”

Joseph saw something different Sunday. So did anyone who rewatched the game.

The Huskers missed 16 tackles. OU’s receivers outscrapped NU’s defensive backs on both run plays and quick passes. At times Nebraska’s defensive front seems more focused on fitting run responsibilities than bringing down ball carriers. It looks like six guys, battling hard and tackling no one. On and on.

So Chinander is out. It’s a tough business. He had an $850,000 salary through the end of this season and next season, so Nebraska’s likely to pay him more than $1 million, mitigated by the salary of any new job, as part of his buyout. Chinander was a fair dealer with the media, well-liked by many around the program. He will likely not be recalled the way Bob Diaco is remembered.

Now Busch gets to do the job. Nebraska will have to find a new special teams cooridinator – hard to see Busch doing that, too – and, more importantly, a new vibe on defense.

Yes, vibe. Edge. Spirit. Fire. Busch can provide that. He’s a live wire kind of coach. He can draw upon lessons from 2007, when Busch was on Kevin Cosgrove’s staff and watched that defense collapse. And he may be able to reconfigure NU’s run defense in ways above my knowledge and paygrade.

But there are only so many schemes he can draw up and buttons he can push. And Busch can’t sign players in free agency. This is the group.

Perhaps Nebraska can get, say, 100 yards and seven points better in Big Ten play. NU is allowing 514 yards and 35.5 points; if it can reduce those to, say, 414 and 28, it gives the Huskers’ offense a fighting chance to do damage. NU’s first two opponents after the bye week, Indiana and Rutgers, will help the Huskers tell the tale. In the Big Ten, the Hoosiers rank 12th yards per game. The Scarlet Knights rank 13th, and that includes a game against Wagner, which may not win the Class A state title.

So Nebraska has a chance to regroup and revive itself on defense. If Blackshirts get even halfway back to where Chinander had them last season, they may put the season back on track.

Either way, NU goes on without Chinander, who was failed time and again by NU’s offense and special teams last season.

This place is hard on DCs. Always has been.

Charlie McBride took years of guff before a switch to the 4-3 made him a genius in the last eight years of his career. Craig Bohl took over in 2000 and lasted three years before getting run out. Bo Pelini was a one-year genius as DC, then a two-year genius as head coach, before the Big Ten caught up to his mousetrap scheme and Wisconsin trampled all over Nebraska. Cosgrove had terrific defenses in 2005 and 2006; no matter in 2007. Mark Banker lasted two years – deserved more – and got fired a few months after he praised Iowa’s practice regimen. Diaco’s manner invited – and received – a lot of guff. And Chinander, the DC willing to live with Frost’s fast-paced, free-wheeling offense, got fired, too, by an assistant who just arrived ten months ago.

Tough business. But it’s Joseph’s team, and the interim HC may only have eight games left. To remove the interim tag, he needs to win a lot. Sunday, he made a choice that he thinks will help him do it.

Read original article here

Sports

Huskers Finish Strong to Top No. 17 Creighton

Leave a comment

OMAHA, Neb. – Behind career performances from a pair of sophomores, the No. 2 Nebraska volleyball team took over late in Wednesday’s match at No. 17 Creighton to earn a hard-fought 3-2 victory (25-18, 25-13, 25-27, 17-25, 15-9) over the Bluejays in Omaha in front of an NCAA record crowd.

Whitney Lauenstein had a career-high 25 kills to lead the Huskers, while Lindsay Krause totaled a career-high 16 kills. With Nebraska trailing 5-4 in the fifth set, Krause had three kills and a block in the span of five rallies, giving the Huskers an 8-6 lead they would not relinquish. After Creighton pulled to within one at 9-8, Krause delivered another kill to push the lead back to two. A service error gave Creighton the next point but Nebraska scored the final five points of the match, including back-to-back kills from Lauenstein to set up match point. Freshman Hayden Kubik – who also set a career high in kills with six – finished off the Bluejays with a kill.

Lauenstein’s 25 kills were the most by a Husker in a match since Mikaela Foecke in 2018, and Lauenstein hit .385 in the match. Krause had four of her career-high 16 kills in the fifth set. Madi Kubik joined the sophomores in double-figure kills with 14, and she added a double-double with 12 digs. Freshman Bekka Allick had a career-high nine kills as Nebraska produced 78 kills in the match, 17 more than Creighton (61).

The Huskers hit .244, out-blocked the Bluejays 9-7 and won the dig battle 93-89. Kaitlyn Hord led all players with six blocks and five Huskers finished with double-digit digs, led by 18 from Lexi Rodriguez and 17 apiece from setters Nicklin Hames and Anni Evans. With her 17 digs, Hames moved to fourth all-time in school history with (1,421) digs. On Wednesday night she moved past Kenzie Maloney (1,406) and Jordan Larson (1,410). 

Creighton won the battle at the service line as the Bluejays had three aces and only five service errors. Nebraska committed 10 service errors and did not have an ace, marking the Huskers’ first match without a service ace since Nov. 2, 2019 against Penn State.

Nebraska improved to 6-0 with the win, while Creighton fell to 5-2 on the season. Keeley Davis paced three Bluejays in double-figures kills with 19, and she was one of five Creighton players with double-digit digs.

The teams battled in front of an NCAA regular-season record crowd of 15,797 at the CHI Health Center. The attendance mark topped the previous record of 14,022, set by Nebraska and Creighton at the CHI Health Center in 2018. The 13 largest regular-season crowds in NCAA history have all been in Nebraska and all matches that featured the Huskers. 

Set 1: Lauenstein pounded three kills and added a block to help the Huskers to a 7-4 lead. But the Bluejays scored the next three points to tie the set at 7-7. Four straight kills – by Krause, Hord, Lauenstein and Batenhorst – put the Huskers up 13-9 and forced a Creighton timeout. After the break, Creighton hit long and then Lauenstein put down her fifth kill on five swings to make it 15-9. Hord powered down two kills to put the lead at seven, 18-11, and an incredible bump set by Knuckles from well beyond the baseline found Kubik for a kill that made it 19-11. Allick posted a pair of kills to keep the Huskers in front by eight, 23-15. The Huskers won the set 25-18, hitting .286 and holding Creighton to .032. Lauenstein had seven kills on .600 hitting. Allick was a perfect 3-for-3, and Hord and Krause each had three kills. 

Set 2: Lauenstein blasted four early kills as the Huskers went up 5-3. But Creighton used a 5-0 run to go up 11-7. Hayden Kubik ended the run with a kill, and Krause followed up with her fourth kill before a block by Hayden Kubik and Hord cut it to 11-10. The Jays answered though and regained a 15-12 lead after a kill by Sis. NU trailed 16-13 when Allick set Lauenstein for a kill, and Creighton committed two attacking errors to tie the set at 16-16. But Creighton held off the Huskers and remained ahead by two points at 21-19. A service error pulled Nebraska within one, 21-20, and Madi Kubik found the floor to tie the score at 21-21. After a Creighton timeout, the Huskers committed their fifth service error, but Lauenstein tipped her 15th kill to even it at 22-22. Madi Kubik then connected off a set from Hames for a 23-22 lead, the Huskers’ first since it was 7-6. A Husker hitting error tied the score at 23-23, but Creighton served long for set point for the Big Red, and Krause put the finishing touches on the comeback with her seventh kill and a 25-23 win. 

Set 3: Hayden Kubik had back-to-back kills to put the Huskers up 8-7, but Creighton scored three in a row to take a 10-8 lead. Hames set Lauenstein and Kubik for back-to-back kills to tie it at 10-10, but the Huskers committed four straight unforced errors and fell behind 14-10. Madi Kubik struck a pair of kills, and Allick and Krause teamed up for a block to cut it to 15-13. Creighton went ahead 18-14 when Krause smacked back-to-back kills and Hayden Kubik hustled to keep a ball alive that led to a Creighton hitting error that trimmed the Jays’ lead to 18-17. Hayden Kubik ripped her fourth kill off a bump set from Rodriguez, and Creighton hit wide to tie the set at 19-19. An incredible defensive effort by the Huskers resulted in a solo block by Hord that gave the Huskers a 20-19 lead, NU’s first since it was 8-7. The teams traded sideouts to a 22-22 tie, but Wait dumped a kill to make it 23-22 Creighton. Kubik terminated on the left pin to tie it again, but a kill by Kiana Schmitt gave Creighton set point. After a timeout, Madi Kubik killed again, and Allick hammered an overpass for match point for the Huskers, 25-24. Creighton answered with two kills to regain set point at 26-25, and a Husker hitting error ended the set in Creighton’s favor, 27-25. It ended the Huskers’ streak of 17 straight set wins to begin the season. 

Set 4: The Jays came out swinging and took a 10-5 lead before a Krause kill and a solo block by Allick cut it to 10-7. But Creighton recorded a 6-2 run to go up 16-9. Lauenstein tallied her 22nd kill and picked up a block with Hord, but the Jays remained ahead 19-12 after two Husker errors. The Huskers could get no closer than six as Creighton won the fourth, 25-17. 

Set 5: Creighton claimed a 5-3 lead, but the Huskers fought back to tie it at 5-5 after a kill by Krause. The sophomore continued to hammer away as two more kills and a block with Allick earned the Big Red an 8-6 lead. The Kubik sisters connected as Madi set Hayden for a kill that made it 9-6, but Creighton scored the next two to cut NU’s lead to 9-8. After a Husker timeout, Krause tooled a block for a new career high in kills and a 10-8 lead, but a service error made the lead just one again. After a net violation on Creighton, Madi Kubik put down a kill from the back row to give the Huskers a 12-9 lead. Lauenstein then blasted back-to-back kills for match point at 14-9. On match point, Hayden Kubik tooled the block to cap Nebraska’s match-ending 5-0 run.

Up Next: The Huskers are back at home on Saturday as they host Long Beach State, coached by former Husker assistant Tyler Hildebrand, at 3 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. 



Read original article here

Sports

In a ‘bold, ambitious step,’ Big Ten grows to 16 with additions of USC, UCLA | Football

Leave a comment


EVAN BLAND
Omaha World-Herald

USC and UCLA are officially set to join the Big Ten Conference beginning with the 2024-25 season, marking perhaps the largest seismic and historic shift yet amid the ever-changing landscape of college athletics.

The shocking news played out publicly across roughly seven hours Thursday as the two flagship Pac-12 Conference schools went from being reportedly interested in changing leagues to each school and league officially acknowledging their future destinations by the end of business hours on the West Coast.




UCLA running back Zach Charbonnet (24) runs the ball in for a touchdown as Southern California defensive lineman Jacob Lichtenstein (97) tries to stop him during the second half of the team’s game in 2021.



Associated Press file photo


The Big Ten’s Council of Presidents and Chancellors voted unanimously to accept the application of membership from each school Thursday evening. And while the news sent shockwaves through college sports, national reports indicated — and the Big Ten confirmed — the move had been in the works behind the scenes for weeks.

One source told The Athletic that each school was asked two weeks ago to conduct a feasibility study about adding USC and UCLA.

The feedback, evidently, was positive.

People are also reading…

Now the Big Ten joins the SEC as a 16-team league, only with a truly national footprint from Jersey Shore to Malibu Beach. The Los Angeles-based schools will bring along every sport that the Big Ten fields when they become full members Aug. 2, 2024.

“Ultimately, the Big Ten is the best home for USC and Trojan athletics as we move into the new world of collegiate sports,” USC athletic director Mike Bohn said in a release. “We are excited that our values align with the league’s member institutions.”

USC and UCLA reportedly approached the Big Ten with a desire to join and become the league’s first new schools since it added Rutgers and Maryland in 2014 and Nebraska in 2011 during the early stages of conference realignment. The move is also viewed as a response to the SEC landing Texas and Oklahoma out of the Big 12 Conference last summer and yet another step closer to the SEC and Big Ten separating themselves financially and in total membership from everyone else, including their other Power Five peers.

The additions are also likely why the Big Ten had yet to announce its plan to keep or do away with football divisions while other leagues including the Pac-12 and ACC have already scrapped them.


Husker OL Nouredin Nouili to miss 2022 season due to failed drug test


Breaking down the quarterbacks Nebraska will face in 2022

Meanwhile, the conference remains in the midst of negotiating its television rights deal with Fox and others, with previous estimates that it will net north of $1 billion in its next round of contracts. That figure is guaranteed to now rise further with the addition of another major media market in Los Angeles and two brand-name universities. Apple has already reached out asking to reengage in negotiations, according to a report from Sports Business Journal.

Such financial stability will be a boon for the newcomers. The LA Times in January reported that UCLA’s Athletic Department absorbed a loss of $62.5 million for the 2021 fiscal year.

“Although this move increases travel distances for teams, the resources offered by Big Ten membership may allow for more efficient transportation options,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block and athletic director Martin Jarmond said in a statement.

The transition could in theory be relatively smooth for USC and UCLA because their grant of rights are linked to the current Pac-12 TV deal, which expires after the 2023-24 school year.

Multiple reports also indicated Big Ten expansion may not be over. Would remaining Pac-12 members like Washington and Oregon also be possibilities to change leagues? What about other holdovers in that conference like Stanford?

Notre Dame — a longtime siren of the Big Ten — may be more in play once again to join a conference in football. The Irish and their contract with NBC runs through at least 2025 on a deal reportedly worth $15 million annually. Should NBC be part of the Big Ten’s new-look media rights deal moving forward, it could potentially help bridge the longtime distance between the league and school.

“It’s really unsustainable to be an independent now,” a source told ESPN.


Nebraska football adds Northern Iowa to 2024 schedule


Elkhorn South’s Maverick Noonan commits to Nebraska, continuing family story

The two Pac-12 additions on their own are watershed moments in the 126-year history of the Big Ten, originally known as the Western Intercollegiate Conference, and send ripple effects throughout the league.

For Nebraska, the decision moves it from the western frontier of the conference to the geographic center. Husker administrators released a statement Thursday evening welcoming the Bruins and Trojans.

“This is an exciting and historic day for the Big Ten Conference and the University of Nebraska,” Chancellor Ronnie Green and athletic director Trev Alberts said in a joint statement. “The addition of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten is a bold, ambitious step during a time of historic change in the collegiate athletics landscape. These institutions will add two world-class athletic departments and brands to the Big Ten and stretch the Conference footprint from coast to coast.”

The statement also cited NU’s large base of alumni in California that can watch games and its history of recruiting success in the state.

“For the University of Nebraska, there are many positives associated with this expansion,” the statement said. “UNL has a large alumni base in California that will have a great opportunity to regularly watch our teams compete in historical athletic venues in Southern California. Nebraska has had a history of success recruiting athletes from California, and this will only enhance Nebraska’s profile in a fertile recruiting ground. We welcome UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference and look forward to competing with them in the future.”

The next move for the Pac-12 remains unclear. It could seek to add current or future Big 12 members including BYU or attempt to stand pat. The conference had been part of a so-called “Alliance” with the Big Ten and ACC for the last year.

That partnership, for all intents and purposes, now ceases to exist.

Said the Pac-12: “While we are extremely surprised and disappointed by the news coming out of UCLA and USC today, we have a long and storied history in athletics, academics, and leadership in supporting student-athletes that we’re confident will continue to thrive and grow into the future.”​


Nebraska nets worst-ever finish in Learfield Directors’ Cup


Four-star pass rusher headed to Nebraska for official visit

  • • Texts from columnists
  • • The most breaking Husker news
  • • Cutting-edge commentary
  • • Husker history photo galleries

Get started

Read original article here

Sports

Steven M. Sipple: Why Ochaun Mathis’ mom trusted NU; Chinander’s wisdom; and Toure’s rise | Column

Leave a comment

Steven M. Sipple, Parker Gabriel and Chris Basnett break down impending decisions from Nebraska football transfer portal targets, plus hoops and Baylor Scheierman.

Things I know, and things I think I know:  

Ochaun Mathis, the gifted pass rusher who starred at TCU, soon will live full time outside of the state of Texas for the first time in his 23 years of existence. 

As he narrowed his list of potential new places to play, his mom, Ochana Daniels, looked for people whom she could trust with her son’s well-being. 

She saw that in Nebraska’s football program. 

“They were so attentive about every little aspect of the program,” Daniels said of the family’s April 7-9 visit. “I mean, the entire staff met us and I was like, ‘Wow, this is totally different than any official or unofficial visit we’ve ever had.’

“It was the whole program. We were overwhelmed.” 

Overwhelmed in a good way, obviously, because the 6-foot-5, 260-pound Mathis, of Manor, Texas, ultimately picked Nebraska over Texas. In mid-February, he also had USC, Ole Miss and Penn State on his list of finalists. 

People are also reading…

Bottom line, Nebraska did an excellent job of recruiting one of the most coveted players in the transfer portal. 

By the way, during our 15-minute interview Sunday, Daniels never once mentioned the name, image and likeness element of her son’s decision. For those who portray Mathis’ situation as a bidding war between Nebraska and Texas, her words suggest there were other key factors. 

“Ochaun’s big brother (Bruce) is on the autism spectrum, and Nebraska was so accommodating to that fact,” Daniels said. “They included him in everything with Ochaun. I was like, ‘Wow, no other program has ever done that.’ I could see the happiness it brought Ochaun because him and his brother are so very close.”

Daniels teared up as she spoke. Thing is, she made it clear that this was Mathis’ decision. But he wanted to make sure his family was OK with it, she said. She emphasized the spiritual part of his journey and assured Mathis that she and the rest of the family would be fine with him playing relatively far from home. She thinks he felt relief and comfort to hear her say that. 

Along those lines, some people used Texas’ proximity to Manor — the campus is about 20 minutes away — as part of their pitch to try to keep Mathis in the state. There’s no doubt that his Texas roots created pressure on her son to attend UT, Daniels said.

“That’s why I had to sit down with him and have that conversation (about potentially leaving),” she said. “I told him, ‘Honey, I’m going to be fine and the family’s going to be fine.'”

She liked Lincoln’s friendly feel and how safe it felt. Also, get this: Mathis’ entire family was on hand for a film session with Nebraska defensive line coach Mike Dawson. The coach pointed out a few shortcomings in Mathis’ game. He appreciated it because he uses critiques to improve, Daniels said. 

She really enjoyed the film study. 

“Quiet, looking, observing,” she said of the scene in the room. “Bruce looked at Ochaun and was like, ‘This is what you need.’

“That Friday, I saw a sparkle, and Ochaun started asking questions,” she added. “We were having one-on-one discussions that were really serious. I was like, ‘OK, let me sit up and give him some eye contact.’ I saw that he internalized the information that was given to him and turned it into something positive. 

“There was a strong positive about the program. He was like, ‘Mama, this is it.'” 

* Something Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander told me recently rolled through my mind as Mathis’ big decision loomed.  

The Big Ten — perhaps more so than any other conference — resembles the NFL in a few different ways.  

“I’m not saying you can walk a Big Ten team right into the NFL,” the 42-year-old coach said. “But body-type wise, the way the game’s played, the way the game’s coached — it resembles a lot of the NFL.” 

If Mathis can put excellent play on film in the Big Ten, it may mean more to NFL personnel officials than it would mean in the Big 12. 

Put it this way, the Big Ten had 48 players drafted this year, 23 more than the Big 12.

Of course, the SEC led the way with 65.

* Here’s hoping former Nebraska receiver Samori Toure gets a long look in Green Bay. He was the third receiver taken by the Packers in the draft (seventh round, 258th overall), and will have to overcome long odds to make the roster. But the Pack quickly will find that Toure approaches his work like a professional. He immediately made an impression on his Husker teammates in that regard last spring. He also has excellent hands and speed. 

He’s a prime example of how the transfer portal can benefit a player. He arrived in Lincoln from Montana wanting to prove he could excel at the Power Five level. Mission accomplished. Now, a new mission.

I’m guessing Aaron Rodgers will like this guy. 

Impress the boss, Samori. Always try to impress the boss. 

* There is no doubt Nebraska coach Scott Frost deserves ample credit for the idea to switch Cam Jurgens to center (from tight end) early in his college career. There was risk, and it clearly paid off handsomely for the young man from Beatrice.

In fact, both Jurgens and Cam Taylor-Britt are prime examples of players who developed their craft in Nebraska’s program with the help of strong coaching. Hard to argue otherwise. Especially now. 

  • • Texts from columnists
  • • The most breaking Husker news
  • • Cutting-edge commentary
  • • Husker history photo galleries

Get started

Read original article here

Sports

Huskers Announce Ticket Info for Spring Game and Remaining Home Events

Leave a comment

Nebraska Athletics announced plans for its May 1 Husker spring football game on Wednesday evening. The Huskers will welcome fans back to Memorial Stadium for the first time since the fall of 2019.
 
Mobile tickets for the spring game will go on sale on April 1, with stadium capacity set at approximately 50 percent. All fans in attendance at the spring game will be required to wear a face covering throughout their time at Memorial Stadium.
 
“The spring game environment at Nebraska is unlike anywhere else in the country, and we are excited to welcome Husker fans back to Memorial Stadium on May 1,” Nebraska Athletic Director Bill Moos said. “We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and fun environment and celebrating the unofficial kickoff to the 2021 football season.”
 
Details regarding the 2021 spring game are as follows:

  • All tickets for the spring game are reserved with prices set at $10 for seats in the stadium seating bowl and $20 for club seats.
  • To accommodate approximately 50 percent capacity, every other row will be sold in full throughout Memorial Stadium. This will allow for social distancing both in front and behind fans.
  • Donors and season ticket holders will receive e-mail communication regarding the first opportunity to purchase tickets on Thursday, April 1. Fans with the opportunity to purchase spring game tickets on April 1 will be limited to a maximum of four tickets per account.
  • Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, April 2 beginning at 10 a.m. A minimum of 7,500 tickets will be held for the public following the donor/season ticket holder on-sale on April 1. Fans purchasing tickets through the public on-sale will be limited to a maximum of four tickets.
  • All individuals in attendance at the 2021 spring game must purchase a ticket regardless of age.
  • Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m. with television coverage to be determined.

More details on game-day protocols, procedures and fan amenities will be announced in the coming weeks prior to the May 1 spring game.
 
Remaining Spring Athletic Events
Additionally, as a follow-up to Wednesday’s Big Ten Conference announcement regarding fans returning to conference athletic events, Nebraska has determined ticket plans, fan capacity and protocols for various sports for the remainder of the 2020-21 athletic season.  
 
All tickets for Husker home events this spring will be sold on a single-game basis on-line at Huskers.com. Tickets for all events will be mobile delivery.
 
Nebraska’s ticketing plans for all venues follow the current Lincoln/Lancaster County Directed Health Measures, including a minimum distance of six feet between seat groupings, and groups no larger than eight patrons. Everyone in attendance at Nebraska home events will be required to wear a face covering throughout their time in Husker athletic facilities.
 
Baseball

  • Tickets for this weekend’s series with Minnesota will go on sale to 2020 baseball season ticket holders on Thursday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
  • Any remaining tickets will be made available to the public on Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
  • Customers will be limited to a maximum of four tickets.
  • With tickets limited in number, fans must sit in their assigned seats to maintain social distancing.
  • Tickets for the remainder of the Huskers’ 2021 home schedule will be put on sale at a later date.
  • Doubleheaders will be ticketed as one event.
  • Capacity at Hawks Field will be approximately 2,700, including reserved seating and general admission tickets in the grass berm seating areas.
  • Concessions stands will be open with a limited menu. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
  • Parking will be handled as normal at home baseball games.

Softball

  • Tickets for this weekend’s series with Penn State will go on sale to 2020 softball season ticket holders on Thursday, March 25 at 10 a.m.
  • Any remaining tickets will be made available to the public on Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
  • Customers will be limited to a maximum of four tickets.
  • With tickets limited in number, fans must sit in their assigned seats to maintain social distancing.
  • Tickets for the remainder of the Huskers’ 2021 home schedule will be put on sale at a later date.
  • Doubleheaders will be ticketed as one event.
  • Capacity at Bowlin Stadium will be approximately 675, including reserved seating and general admission seating in the grass berm seating areas.
  • Concessions stands will be open with a limited menu. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
  • Parking will be handled as normal at home softball games.

Soccer

  • The first soccer game open to the public will be Sunday’s contest against Penn State. Thursday afternoon’s home game against Rutgers will be open only to those on student-athlete and coach pass lists.
  • Tickets for Nebraska’s game against Penn State on Sunday will go on sale to 2019 soccer season ticket holders at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 25.
  • Any remaining tickets will be made available to the public on Friday, March 26 at 10 a.m.
  • Customers will be limited to a maximum of four tickets.
  • With tickets limited in number, fans must sit in their assigned seats to maintain social distancing.
  • Tickets for Nebraska’s April 3 home finale against Iowa will be put on sale next week.
  • Capacity at Hibner Stadium will be approximately 675 fans.
  • Concessions will be available at the April 3 soccer game, but not at Sunday’s matchup with Penn State.
  • Parking will be handled as normal at home soccer games.

Volleyball

  • Tickets for Nebraska’s two remaining home games against Penn State on April 1 and 2 will be available only to volleyball season ticket holders.
  • Volleyball season-ticket holders will be contacted directly regarding ticket on-sale details.
  • With no floor seating availability due to health and safety protocols, capacity at the Devaney Center will be limited to approximately 2,400 fans. Nebraska Athletics cannot guarantee that all volleyball season ticket holders will have the opportunity to attend one of the two home matches against Penn State.
  • Concessions stands will be open with a limited menu. Outside food and drink are not permitted.
  • Parking details for volleyball will be communicated to ticket holders.

Nebraska also has upcoming home contests in men’s and women’s tennis and men’s golf. These are non-ticketed athletic events, with spectator limits and health and safety protocols directed by the on-site athletic events manager. 
All plans are subject to change based on adjustments to Lincoln/Lancaster County directed health measures.
 



Read original article here

The Ultimate News Site