LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska fans will be able to watch the Cornhuskers play Michigan on ABC Saturday afternoon.
The Big Ten Conference announced which channel would air the game on Sunday.
The game in Ann Arbor, Mich., will kick off at 2:30 p.m. Central on Saturday.
The game between the 6-2 Huskers and the 6-2 Wolverines will help determine which Big Ten teams will play in the conference championship game.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Jordan Westerkamp caught Ron Kellogg III’s tipped desperation heave to the end zone with no time left Saturday, giving Nebraska a 27-24 victory over Northwestern on Saturday.
The Cornhuskers looked like they were finished after Northwestern took a three-point lead with 1:20 left. They started their final drive at their 17 with no timeouts.
Ameer Abdullah caught a short pass and stretched to convert a fourth-and-15. Then, with four seconds on the clock, Kellogg dropped back for a final play. The strong-armed Kellogg let fly a ball that was deflected into Westerkamp’s hands in the end zone. Westerkamp held on, bringing the entire Nebraska bench running onto the field in celebration. The play was confirmed on video review.
Jeff Budzien had kicked a 21-yard, tie-breaking field goal with 1:20 left after defensive lineman Tyler Scott’s interception set up Northwestern inside the Nebraska 10.
The Husker Heroes Outreach Event is specially designed for individuals with disabilities and their families to hang out and play games with Husker student-athletes. The event is sponsored by the NU Athletic Department and Organizations Networking for Everyone with Special Needs (including the Autism Family Network, the Arc of Lincoln, the Autism Society of Nebraska, Dreams Unlimited, the Early Development Network, Down Syndrome Association for Families, United Cerebral Palsy of Nebraska, Nebraska Spina Bifida, Lincoln Public Schools, PTI Nebraska and Special Olympics Nebraska). Special needs individuals and their guests, hailing from across the state, will mingle with several Husker student-athletes, including all athletes who are taking the mandatory Life Skills Course for first-year students.
Associate Athletic Director for Life Skills Keith Zimmer, Life Skills Coordinator Stacey Burling and their staff are responsible for the evening’s activities and organization, as well as the Life Skills class for all incoming student-athletes. The semester-long class includes new Huskers from every sport with new students enrolled for fall 2013.
The special guests invited to participate on Sunday include youth and adults from the 11 participating sponsor groups that assist individuals with disabilities. The activities will take place on the Hawks Championship Field and will include a variety of appropriate sport-related activities.
“Husker Heroes is a mutually beneficial event providing a memorable evening for all of our special guests, yet also sets the tone regarding the importance of service and leadership for our student-athletes,” Zimmer said. “Our newest Huskers have heard great things about Husker Heroes from their peers and are eager to serve and make a positive impact.”
Lincoln – “Big Ten Champs!” – A preseason goal that evolved into a rallying cry for the Nebraska soccer team became a reality on Friday as the Huskers claimed the 2013 Big Ten Conference title, their first regular-season championship since 2000. The Huskers defeated Indiana by a 3-1 decision to cap off Senior Day at the Nebraska Soccer Field.
Finishing with a 10-1 record in league play, NU notches its fourth regular-season title in program history and ninth combined championship, which includes five conference tournament titles. Nebraska’s 15-3-1 regular-season record marks the highest win total since 2000 when the Huskers also compiled 15 victories prior to postseason play. Nebraska extends its current win streak to six games and improves its record to 11-0-1 this season when scoring first.
The Huskers jumped on the scoreboard first at the 33:29 mark when Mayme Conroy struck from 12-yard out for her eighth goal of the year as Nebraska took the 1-0 edge. Jordan Jackson brought the ball down the whole length of the field, crossing the ball toward Conroy who ended up with the ball and shot the ball far side for the goal.
The one-goal advantage stood for the remainder of the first half before the Hoosiers (13-5-1, 6-5 Big Ten) notched the equalizer less than two minutes into the second half. Lisa Nouanesengsy’s penalty beat the NU keeper through the left side and knotted up the match at 1-1.
In a strange moment, with the fans trying to find cover from the intense wind and rain, Nebraska brought the ball down, Courtney Claassen crossed the ball from the near to the far side, and from five feet out, Jaycie Johnson tapped it into the back of the net for the 2-1 lead and momentum. The freshman’s 10th goal of the year leads the Huskers.
A historic moment occurred in a big moment for the Huskers as the blustery conditions worsened. Emma Stevens, after corralling a loose ball, sent a kick down the field and carried the wind just outside the opposite 18-yard box. The high bouncer evaded the Indiana goalkeeper and found the back of the net for the first score by a goalkeeper in Nebraska soccer history as NU finished off the Hoosiers for a 3-1 final score and conference championship.
The match was very-evenly contested on the stat line as both squads posted 10 shots and four on target. Conroy led NU with three shots, while Katie Kraeutner, Caroline Gray and Johnson each recorded two attempts. Conroy and Jackson along with senior defenders Ari Romero and Maritza Hayes played all 90 minutes for the lockdown Nebraska defense.
Nebraska will make its second Big Ten Tournament appearance starting Wednesday, Nov. 6 as the No. 1 seeded Huskers will take on the to-be-determined No. 8 seed at 10:30 a.m. All games will be contested at the Illinois Soccer Stadium in Champaign, Ill. First round matches will be streamed on the Big Ten’s Digital Network, while the semifinals and championship matches will be shown live on the Big Ten Network and BTN2Go.com.
The University of Nebraska Athletic Department has continued to make great strides becoming greener and more sustainable. In fact, through the first five home football games this fall, efforts have diverted an average of 75% of Stadium waste from the landfill to recycling efforts. This pace is 15% higher than last year’s 60% average a credit to the mixed solid waste permit and fans using the recycling containers during games. In addition, Nebraska Athletics is proud to announce an agreement with Pinnacle Bank Arena for recycling plans in that venue this winter.
Athletics works closely with Recycling Enterprises, the service that collects the athletics department’s recyclables at Husker home events and year round from offices. Since teaming up with Recycling Enterprises in 2009, the average recycling rate has steadily increased each year. UNL Campus Landscaping leads the charge for recycling in parking lot areas with the help of student groups such as UNL Sustain.
The latest recycling initiatives allow the community to get involved. “Go Green for Big Red,” is a campaign where volunteers provide tailgaters recycling bags while student volunteers walk around parking lots to collect recyclables and provide additional recycling containers along walkways. “RecycleMania,” is a recycling competition between universities from across the US. In the recently completed 2013 contest, UNL recycled more than 294,000 pounds of paper, cardboard and plastic to place 3rd.
Husker Athletics facilities maintenance also takes part in the effort to make UNL a greener campus. Husker Athletics facilities have transitioned to all “green” cleaning products in sports centers. Motion sensors on bathroom lights, energy saving toilet fixtures, and the installation of longer lasting, more efficient light bulbs have significantly increased energy savings.
Recycling Program Established at Pinnacle Bank Arena
Home to Nebraska Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Pinnacle Bank Arena was designed to meet strict energy efficiency and sustainability goals. Through coordinated efforts with the Mayor’s Office, PBA staff and Athletics, the same recycling program used in Memorial Stadium will be implemented at the new arena. The building was built with high-efficiency systems, recycled building materials and incorporated features into the design that will reduce energy load.
A recycling program was established at PBA with a $150,000 recycling grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. Husker fans will be able to recycle glass, paper, cans and bottles at multi-container recycling stations.
Go Green for Big Red volunteers appreciates the assistance of students, faculty, staff and the public. For more information, or to volunteer, contact the UNL recycling coordinators at recycling@unl.edu or 402-472-9139.
Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska football team practiced for two hours at the Hawks Championship Center on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s matchup with Northwestern.
Head Coach Bo Pelini spoke to the media after practice.
“I think the guys are looking forward to coming out obviously and being back home,” Pelini said of the Huskers, who are playing at home for the first time since Oct. 5.
Pelini added that quarterback Taylor Martinez will sit out for the game. In addition, Pelini said tight end Jake Long is doubtful and wide receiver Jamal Turner is 50/50 for Saturday’s game.
Pelini was happy with quarterback Tommy Armstrong’s week or preparation.
“(Tommy) looked good,” Pelini said. “(He and Ron Kellogg III) had a good week, and I think they are ready to go.”
Pelini also expressed pleasure in the performances of MIKE linebackers Michael Rose and Josh Banderas during this week’s practice.
“I thought they took command,” Pelini said. “Now we have to put it on film on Saturday. I thought we had a good week. I like our week of preparation. I like our plan. Now it comes down to execution.”
Pelini talked about the defense as a whole, saying he wants them to play well.
“I want them to execute well and communicate,” Pelini said. “I want guys to play fast, hard, decisive and do their job. That’s what I’m looking for. That’s what equates to success. Nothing less will be accepted.”
The Huskers and Wildcats kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT at Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Northwestern (4-4, 0-4) at Nebraska (5-2, 2-1), 2:30 p.m. CT (Big Ten Network)
Line: Nebraska by 7.
Series Record: Nebraska leads 4-2.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Four straight losses have turned a promising season for Northwestern into one in which bowl eligibility is in doubt for the Wildcats. Nebraska will continue to control its destiny in the Legends Division if it can protect its home field.
KEY MATCHUP
Northwestern RB Stephen Buckley vs. Nebraska defense: The sophomore is listed third on the Wildcats’ depth chart, but that means nothing. He’s emerged as the best running back in Venric Mark’s absence. Buckley had a career-high 99 yards against Iowa last week, and he’ll be the go-to guy as the Wildcats attack Nebraska’sstruggling run defense.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Northwestern: QB Kain Colter, who missed the Minnesota game two weeks ago because of an ankle problem, was sharp in his return against Iowa and will need to be again. The mobile Colter gives the Wildcats their best chance to win.
Nebraska: LB Michael Rose, who has bumped David Santos out of the middle linebacker’s spot. The 5-foot-11, 230-pound Rose’s strength is supposed to be his run-stopping ability. We’ll find out.
FACTS & FIGURES:
Northwestern and Nebraska split meetings in 2011 and 2012, with the games decided by a combined four points … The Wildcats are 12-6 in November since 2008, with five victories over top-20 opponents … Northwestern leads the Big Ten in red-zone efficiency, coming away with points on 30 of 31 trips inside the 20 … Nebraska hasn’t entered a November out of the Top 25 since 2009 … QB Tommy Armstrong Jr. will make his fourth start of the season in place of the injured Taylor Martinez … Nebraska RB Ameer Abdullah needs 19 yards for his second straight 1,000-yard season.
Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its week of preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten conference home showdown with Northwestern on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. The team practiced in full pads for just over two hours inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.
Nebraska Defensive Coordinator John Papuchis met with the media after practice, noting that it was good for both the Husker coaches and players to get back on the practice field this week.
“I think the best thing is sometimes just getting back out there and start going again,” Papuchis said, “There is not a lot of time to waste licking your wounds and feeling sorry for yourself. You got to learn from your mistakes, but you’ve got to move on, because the reality is we play again on Saturday.”
After last Saturday’s loss at Minnesota, the Nebraska football coaching staff decided that it was time to take away the coveted Blackshirts from the players who wore them during practice so far this season. Papuchis noted that it was the coaches’ decision, and that the defense knows they need to play at a higher standard to wear the Blackshirts.
“I think if you ask them man for man, we have a standard that we want to live up to here. Certainly what we put on the fieldSaturday wasn’t up to that Blackshirt standard,” Papuchis said. “I don’t wear a Blackshirt, but if I wore a Blackshirt I would take mine off too. We didn’t play good enough and we didn’t do anything well enough to warrant them.”
With Saturday’s matchup between the Huskers and the Wildcats being the third in three years, the NU coaching staff is now starting to know going into game week what to expect from a Big Ten opponent on offense.
“Being the third time we have played them, we have a pretty good feel for who they are and how they try impact us with the pass,” Papuchis said. “I don’t see them changing a whole lot from what they have done and who they have been.”
A Northwestern player to watch Saturday is senior quarterback Kain Colter. Colter, a Colorado native has been lighting up stat sheets throughout the season, even though Colter has fought the injury bug some of this season. Colter has thrown for 500 yards, competing almost 82 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and three interceptions. Not only is he a threat to pass, Colter also is a dynamic runner, accounting for 323 yards with four touchdowns this season.
“Obviously Kain Colter is a vital part of their offense. He is a dynamic playmaker and him coming back into the game vs. Iowa you could see that,” Papuchis said. “They looked revitalized a little bit and a little bit more of a big play threat with him in there.”
Nebraska will continue practice on Thursday as the team moves closer to its fourth conference game of the season. The Huskers will face the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast regionally on BTN/BTN2Go.com.
Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its week of preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten conference home matchup with Northwestern on Tuesday afternoon. The team practiced in full pads for just over two hours inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.
Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck addressed the media after practice, beginning with the status of junior running back Ameer Abdullah, who did not practice on Tuesday.
“He’ll be fine,” Beck said. “He’s been playing great for us, but he’s just beat up a little bit. He’ll be ready to roll. Playing the way he is, as long as he’s getting his reps mentally, I know physically he’ll be ready.”
Abdullah is having a tremendous 2013 season, accumulating 981 yards and six touchdowns on the ground for the Huskers. The junior is averaging 7.4 yards per carry, which is almost two and a half yards more than he did in his 1,137-yard effort a season ago.
An even bigger question mark for the Huskers is the status of senior quarterback Taylor Martinez. However, according to Coach Beck, quarterbacks Tommy Armstrong and Ron Kellogg are both ready to step up if needed.
“Both Tommy (Armstrong) and Ron (Kellogg) have done a good job this week,” Beck said. “They’ve had to be here before with Taylor Martinez’s injury. They know they have to get themselves ready. Both their work habits and their study of the game are really good, and we’ll just have to see how it plays out.”
Injuries have been a problem for Nebraska this season. In addition to seeing limited playing time from Martinez, the Huskers lost senior offensive lineman Spencer Long for the season against Purdue. On Tuesday Coach Beck commented on the impact Long’s absence has had on the squad.
“It’s tough losing an All-American and three-year starter,” Beck said. “It’s tough losing that guy, not only for him, but also for (Andrew Rodriguez). It’s like losing your partner. You hate for that to happen, but sometimes it does.”
Despite the shifting and redefining of players’ roles due to injuries, Coach Beck still expects a high level of performance. Beck expressed that on Tuesday, noting the areas he thinks the Huskers will need to improve the most in order to get a victory against Northwestern on Saturday.
“We need to execute,” Beck said. “We have to throw the ball on time better, we have to protect better and we have to be more consistent in the running game.”
Nebraska will hit the practice field again on Wednesday as the team moves closer to its fourth conference game of the season. The Huskers will face the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast regionally on BTN/BTN2Go.com.
LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is looking for answers after his team’s confounding 34-23 loss to Minnesota.
The Cornhuskers (5-2, 2-1 Big Ten) host Northwestern (4-4, 0-4) on Saturday needing a win to stay in the thick of the Legends Division race.
The week didn’t start well for quarterback Taylor Martinez, who had a hip pointer added to his list of ailments. He also is batting shoulder and toe problems and is listed day to day.
Nebraska also is looking to shore up its run defense after allowing a season-high 271 yards on the ground to the Gophers.
