Huskers – Page 160 – North Platte Post Archive

Former Nebraska Football Star Suh Gives Back

Posted on September 20, 2013September 20, 2013

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (ehn-DAHM’-uh-kehn SOO) is giving back in Nebraska.

Omaha television station KETV reports (https://bit.ly/18Fp31J) that a group of Fontenelle Elementary School students in Omaha have received new backpacks filled with school supplies from the former Husker defensive lineman.

Suh’s sister, Ngum Suh, leads the charitable Suh Foundation. She met with the students Thursday and said the foundation’s goal is to give children everything they need to succeed in school.

Ngum Suh says she hopes the students are inspired to do their best work every time they see their new backpacks.

She says the foundation met with teachers to learn what supplies students needed most.

Pelini Praises Teams Focus

Posted on September 19, 2013September 19, 2013

The Nebraska football team wrapped up preparations for South Dakota State on Thursday by holding a 90-minute practice on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields outside of the Hawks Championship Center.

Head Coach Bo Pelini met with media after practice, noting that he believes the team has responded well to the adversity the Huskers faced during the week.

“I thought we had a good week of practice, I thought the kids had great focus, great energy.” Pelini said, “I like the week of preparation we had, time to let it all go on Saturday and I think our kids are ready to get back out there and play.”

Senior quarterback Taylor Martinez has been battling a turf toe injury this week, and Pelini believes it is serious enough that he may miss Saturday’s game due to it.

“Taylor right now is doubtful, we will look at this film today and make a decision in how we are going to go. If Taylor doesn’t play you will see both guys (Tommy Armstrong and Ron Kellogg III).” Pelini said, “If we were going to start today, we would probably start Tommy Armstrong, but you will see Ron Kellogg. We want to make sure we look at this practice film and I haven’t visited with them yet after practice, but that was kind of what we were leaning towards going into today.”

Pelini added later that if either backup quarterback struggles during the game, you will not see Martinez come in as a backup. In Pelini’s words, “He (Martinez) is either going to play or he is not.” Pelini also mentioned that Martinez did sit out practice today.

Husker fans should not worry if the redshirt freshman makes his first career start on Saturday, as Pelini said, he has full confidence in Armstrong’s ability.

“Tommy has made a big jump in the last two weeks, he was struggling a little bit, and a little frustrated because of the time he missed.” Pelini said, “He had a tremendous week of practice.”

Pelini also mentioned that he believes Kellogg and Martinez both have helped Armstrong grow as a football player in the last two years.

“Those guys do a great job, they really all help each other.” Pelini said, “That happens across the board on this team, the guys work together and push each other, that is what it is all about, the competition is important.”

Check back here at Huskers.com for updates throughout the week as the Nebraska football team prepares for battle against South Dakota State on Saturday. The Huskers and Jackrabbits kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised to a national audience on the Big Ten Network.

Pelini: Armstrong Likely Starting QB for Huskers

Posted on September 19, 2013September 19, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini says Taylor Martinez is doubtful for Saturday’s game against South Dakota State and that redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong Jr. is the probable starter.

Martinez has missed all week of practice because of a turf toe injury on his left foot.

Pelini said after practice Thursday that Armstrong and fifth-year senior Ron Kellogg III would take snaps against the Jackrabbits. Both played in the second half of the 56-13 win over Southern Mississippi on Sept. 7.

Pelini said the competition between Armstrong and Kellogg is close but that Armstrong had a “tremendous” week of practice.

The Cornhuskers (2-1) have an open date after this week and open Big Ten play Oct. 5 at home against Illinois.

Statement from Tom Osborne, University of Nebraska Athletic Director Emeritus

Posted on September 18, 2013

“I was asked for comments concerning the recent incident involving Coach Pelini by members of the press and felt that it was inappropriate to respond until University officials had reviewed the situation.

“After the comments were made public on Monday, I informed the Chancellor and Director of Athletics that I had become aware of the tape involving Coach Pelini last fall, about a year after the Ohio State game in 2011 when the comments were recorded. After I had listened to the tape I visited with Coach Pelini about it and expressed my concerns. Bo had not heard the tape at that time. I visited with all my coaches regularly about their conduct and language throughout my tenure as Athletic Director.

“While the comments were certainly not good, I realized that Bo had gone through an emotional week and an emotional game and was in a setting where he thought his comments were entirely private. I visited with Bo on a weekly basis and did not find that his attitude toward the fans or the press as expressed by those comments were at all in keeping with what I knew his true attitude to be. He understands that the most important asset the Athletic Department has is the amazing fan support that we enjoy.

“Bo’s academic record with the football team has been the best in my recollection. The behavior of his players has been excellent for the most part, he has won three divisional championships and had one of the best win-loss records in college football for the past five years. I recognize that there have occasionally been controversies but I have seen a willingness to change, reflect and improve in Bo over the years. I am very hopeful that the players, coaches and fans will pull together as unity of purpose has been one of our major assets over the last 50 years.”

Statement from UNL Chancellor Perlman, Director of Athletics Eichorst

Posted on September 18, 2013September 18, 2013

Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 18, 2013 – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst issued the following joint statement today:

“The comments made by Head Football Coach Bo Pelini in 2011, published Monday, are unfortunate and deeply concerning to us, as they would be to anyone who loves this university. Our coaches, staff and student-athletes must be held to a high standard and Coach Pelini’s remarks were unfair to the legions of Nebraska fans and not what we expect from a representative of this university. Former Director of Athletics Tom Osborne became aware of these comments and the existence of a recording more than a year ago, and addressed the matter with Coach Pelini. We have observed, and many others have commented, that Coach Pelini’s demeanor has significantly improved since the time of this incident. Coach Pelini has given us his assurance that he understands the seriousness and inappropriateness of his comments. We believe he is sincere in his apology and in his regret. We are prepared to put the matter to rest. Our football student-athletes, coaches and staff deserve all of our support and we know the Nebraska faithful will be there for them.”

Huskers Focused on QB Position, Jackrabbits

Posted on September 17, 2013September 17, 2013

Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska football team continued its week of preparation for Saturday’s nonconference game with South Dakota State 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.

Head Coach Bo Pelini addressed the media after practice, beginning with how he thinks his team has handled some of the distractions of the past week.

“The last 48 hours haven’t affected our team at all,” Pelini said. “I thought we had a great session yesterday. We got a lot of things accomplished and had a good meeting. We talked through a lot of things, and I saw those effects today. They came out and had a great practice. They were focused, and I think their mindset is the right way right now.”

Coach Pelini then addressed the issue of quarterback, specifically the health status of senior starter Taylor Martinez.

“Taylor (Martinez) did not practice today,” Pelini said. “He was in a boot, and he has some turf toe that’s bothering him. We’re going to keep him in a boot for a couple days, at least yesterday and today, and see how it goes.”

Since starting his first game as a true freshman in 2010, Martinez has started 42 of Nebraska’s 44 games at quarterback, including 32 straight contests. The last game that another quarterback started under center for the Huskers was the 2010 matchup with Colorado. However, Pelini has to have a backup plan in case Martinez is sidelined, and he mentioned it on Tuesday afternoon.

“Ron (Kellogg III) and Tommy (Armstrong Jr.) split the reps today,” Pelini said. “Who can execute the offense, lead it and execute the game plan will determine who would start if Taylor can’t go. We don’t have to change the game plan much between those two guys. We limited things a little bit, but I feel that those guys can both handle the full game and what we’re trying to do.”

Kellogg III, a fifth-year senior, has seen action in five career games, including the win over Southern Miss on Sept. 7. In that game, Kellogg completed four of five passes for 24 yards and rushed once for nine yards.

On Tuesday, Pelini noted the confidence he has in his veteran quarterback.

“Ron is obviously an experienced guy with a tremendous amount of confidence who can really throw it around,” Pelini said. “Ron’s a smart football player that we can also use in the run game some.”

Nebraska’s other option at quarterback is redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong Jr., who also saw action against Southern Mississippi in week two. Armstrong gained 23 yards on four rushing attempts in his Husker debut.

Although he is known for his ability to make plays with his legs, Armstrong was praised by Coach Pelini on Tuesdayfor his intangibles and passing game.

“Tommy’s a real dual-threat guy and a great leader, I feel,” Pelini said. “He has a great command presence about him, and he can do a lot of different things. Obviously, he’s a big strong guy who can run, but he’s a very capable thrower and I like what he brings to the table for us.”

Nebraska will hit the practice field again on Wednesday as the team moves closer to its fourth game of the season. NU will face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast regionally on BTN and available online at BTN2Go.com. Check back here at Huskers.com for updates.

Huskers’ Martinez Misses Practice with a Turf Toe

Posted on September 17, 2013September 17, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez missed practice Tuesday, putting his availability for Saturday’s game against South Dakota State in question.

Coach Bo Pelini said Martinez was wearing a walking boot on his left foot the last two days because of turf toe.

Senior Ron Kellogg III or redshirt freshman Tommy Armstrong Jr. would start against the Jackrabbits if Martinez can’t play.

Pelini said Martinez will play if he’s healthy but “we’re going to make sure he’s 100 percent and feeling good.”

Zimmerer Named to Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Posted on September 17, 2013September 17, 2013

Lincoln – University of Nebraska fullback CJ Zimmerer was honored for his efforts on and off the field on Tuesday, as he was named to the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®.

Zimmerer, a senior fullback from Omaha, has been a mainstay on the Husker offensive and special team units throughout his career. He has played in 31 career games, including a pair of starts this season. His efforts at fullback helped Nebraska lead the Big Ten in total offense and rushing offense during the 2012 season.

Off the field, Zimmerer served as the inaugural president of the Uplifting Athletes chapter at Nebraska during the 2012-13 year, raising money and awareness for pediatric brain cancer. A two-time member of the Brook Berringer Citizenship team, Zimmerer has alsovolunteered his time with team hospital and school visits, including Madonna Rehabilitation Center, Cub Scouts, School is Cool Week, Husker Hotline, Husker Connect and the YWCA. In the classroom, he graduated in 3.5 years and is a candidate for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors.

For more than two decades, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® has recognized college football players at all levels of the sport for inspiring acts of service and off-the-field achievements. This summer, the program received a record 150 nominations from colleges and universities across the country. From the nominations, an esteemed voting panel comprised of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members and college football media selected 11 players from the Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA to comprise the 22-player team.

“Allstate is thrilled to embark on another year of collaboration with the AFCA, and together honor this group of extraordinary young men for their “good works” in the community,” said Cynthia Whitfield, field senior vice president of Allstate’s Southern region and a member of the 2013 voting panel. “As fans of college football, Allstate continues to be inspired by the remarkable performances that take place on the field, but equally inspiring are the acts of service that have earned these 22 players a spot on the 2013 AFCA Good Works Team®.”

Zimmerer is the 14th Husker football player to earn the honor since its inception in 1992, a total which ties Georgia for the national lead in that category. Last year, I-back Rex Burkhead claimed the honor and was selected as the team captain based on fan voting. Other Huskers who have been selected for the Good Works team in previous years include Troy Branch (LB, 1992, 1993), Donta Jones (OLB, 1994), Aaron Graham (C, 1995), Jared Tomich (RE, 1996), Dan Alexander (IB, 1999), Patrick Kabongo (DT, 2001), Troy Hassebroek (WR, 2002), Sandro DeAngelis (P/PK, 2003), Mark LeFlore (WR, 2005), Dane Todd (FB, 2006) and Jared Crick (DT, 2011).

“The AFCA, along with our partner Allstate, has been honoring football student-athletes for their good works, volunteerism and community service for 22 years with the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team,” Grant Teaff, AFCA Executive Director said. “The 2013 class of Good Works Team members is another great example of the outstanding athletes, and even better men, that our nation’s college football programs produce each year.”

Fans can vote for the 2013 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team^® Captain by visiting ESPN.com and searching “Good Works.” Fans can learn more about this year’s team members and vote for the player who they feel represents the “best of the best” in the areas of giving back and contributing to the greater good of their communities. The Team Captain and his fellow award recipients will be invited to New Orleans to take part in a community project leading up to the 2014 Allstate^® Sugar Bowl^®.

Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A)
Name	Cl.	Pos.	School	Hometown
Fred Lee	Sr.	WR	Buffalo	Chester, S.C.
Nick Forbes	Jr.	LB	California	Frederick, Md.
Jordan Luallen	Sr.	FB	Cincinnati	Greenwood, Ind.
Dave Harding	Sr.	OL	Duke	Orlando, Fla.
Jacob Karam	Sr.	QB	Memphis	Friendswood, Texas
Stephen Morris	Sr.	QB	Miami (Fla.)	Miami, Fla.
C.J. Zimmerer	Sr.	RB	Nebraska	Omaha, Neb.
Asa Watson	Sr.	TE	North Carolina State	Rock Hill, S.C.
Jeff Budzien	Sr.	PK	Northwestern	Hartland, Wis.
Eric Soza	Sr.	QB	Texas at San Antonio	Beeville, Texas
Carey Spear	Sr.	PK	Vanderbilt	Mayfield Village, Ohio

[UPDATE] Deadspin Audio Catches Pelini in a Profane Tirade

Posted on September 16, 2013September 16, 2013

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini goes on a profanity-laced tirade against fans and two newspaper writers in audio that surfaced on the sports website Deadspin.

The audio posted Monday catches Pelini speaking with Husker Sports Network play-by-play man Greg Sharpe before his postgame radio interview following Nebraska’s win over Ohio State in October 2011. The conversation was off air.

Pelini had been criticized by fans and media in the days leading to the Ohio State game for the Huskers’ performance the week before in a 31-point loss at Wisconsin.

In the audio, Pelini repeatedly uses an expletive to refer to what he calls “fair-weather” fans.

Messages were left for Pelini, athletic director Shawn Eichorst and Husker Sports Network general manager David Witty.

[UPDATE]

The following is a statement from Pelini following the release of his comments made two years ago.

“I want to sincerely apologize for my comments from two years ago which became public today. I take full responsibility for these comments. They were spoken in a private room following the Ohio State game. I was venting following a series of emotional events which led to this moment. That being said, these comments are in no way indicative of my true feelings. I love it here in Nebraska and feel fortunate to be associated with such a great University and fan base. I again apologize to anyone whom I have offended.”

Statements from UNL Chancellor Perlman, Director of Athletics Eichorst

Lincoln, Neb., Sept. 16, 2013 – University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman and Nebraska Director of Athletics Shawn Eichorst issued the following statements Monday in response to recently published comments by Nebraska Head Football Coach Bo Pelini.

Harvey Perlman, Chancellor:

“I am aware of the publication of Coach Pelini’s comments, I am disappointed and in discussions with Shawn Eichorst about addressing the issue.”

Shawn Eichorst, Director of Athletics:

“I am disheartened and disappointed by the 2011 comments published today attributed to Coach Pelini about our dedicated and passionate fans and supporters. I have spoken with Chancellor Perlman and I have addressed the situation with Bo and expressed our deep concern.”

Rolfzen Honored by Big Ten Conference

Posted on September 16, 2013

Nebraska outside hitter Amber Rolfzen was honored by the Big Ten Conference on Monday as she was named the league’s Co-Freshman of the Week. The honor marks her first career Freshman of the Week award as she shares the accolade with Purdue’s Faye Adelaja.

Rolfzen led Nebraska to victories over Saint Mary’s (3-1), Dayton (3-0) and Iowa State (3-0) over the weekend in the Ameritas Players Challenge. She produced double-doubles in all three matches, averaging 3.6 kills and 3.5 digs per set. Rolfzen also tallied a career-high 16 kills against Saint Mary’s and was named the most valuable player of the tournament.

The last Husker to earn Freshman of the Week honors was Meghan Haggerty on Nov. 19, 2012.

2013 Big Ten Volleyball Players of the Week

Sept. 2 P: Tori Dixon, Sr., MINN

D: Bethany Yeager, Sr., IOWA

S: Taylor Sherwin, Jr., OSU

F: Maddie Mayers, ILL

Sept. 9 P: Kaitlyn Leary, Sr., OSU

D: Tori Dixon, Sr., MINN

S: Lexi Dannemiller, Jr., MICH

F: Abby Cole, MICH

Sept. 16 P: Lauren Wicinski, Sr., MSU

D: Faye Adelaja, Fr., PUR

S: Taylor Sherwin, Jr., OSU

F: Amber Rolfzen, NEB

Faye Adelaja, PUR

Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A)

Name

Cl.

Pos.

School

Hometown