2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team
Encyclopedia
The 2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team will represent the University of Nebraska
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The team will be coached by Bo Pelini
and will play their home games at Memorial Stadium
in Lincoln, Nebraska
. This season will be Nebraska's first in the Big Ten
, as they moved from the Big 12
to the Big Ten following the conclusion of the 2010 season.
.
This game was Nebraska's first football game as a representative of the Big Ten
, and the first meeting between the Cornhuskers and the FCS Chattanooga Mocs, who are members of the Southern Conference
. The Mocs finished 2010 with a 6–5 record (5–3 in conference for a three-way tie for 3rd place), including a 24–62 defeat at the hands of #3 Auburn
on November 6, 2010.
Nebraska opened a series with another new foe never before met on the field, for a second consecutive week, when the Fresno State Bulldogs arrived in Lincoln. Fresno State finished the 2010 season under 14th–year Head Coach Pat Hill
with an 8–5 record (5–3 in the Western Athletic Conference
for 4th place), including a 17–40 postseason loss to the 2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team
Huskies in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl
.
When Nebraska met Washington
in their September 18, 2010 non-conference match, the Cornhuskers won 56–21 in Seattle, tying the most points ever scored by a non–conference opponent in Husky Stadium
, and igniting Heisman Trophy
talk around Nebraska's redshirt freshman QB Taylor Martinez
. However, a mid-season ankle injury to Martinez coincided with a downturn in Nebraska's fortunes late in the season, as the Cornhuskers finished the season by losing two of the last three games, including letting a 17–3 advantage over Oklahoma
in the 2010 Big 12 Championship Game
fade into a 20–23 defeat. After the loss, Nebraska was selected for a rematch with Washington in the 2010 Holiday Bowl
, where an uninspired Cornhusker squad bowed to the effort and determination of the underdog Huskies and their senior QB, Jake Locker
. The 7–19 postseason loss left Nebraska with three losses in the final four games of the season. This closing chapter matched a mark not seen since 2007, the final season of former Cornhusker Head Coach Bill Callahan. The 2011 meeting of these teams, this time in Lincoln, was the third time Washington and Nebraska played in just under a year. The all-time series now has a one game edge for Nebraska with a 5–4–1 record between the two teams.
Wyoming Head Coach Dave Christensen
led the 2009 Cowboys
to a 7–6 (4–4 Mountain West Conference
) finish in his first season, including a 35–28 defeat of Fresno State in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl
. However, the Cowboys slid to a disappointing 2010 final record of 3–9 (1–7), which included a 28–20 win over Southern Utah
of the FCS. Nebraska is undefeated in all five previous meetings of these teams, with a combined scoring total of 203–69. The series dates back to 1934, but this will be the first time the squads meet at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.
Nebraska opened Big Ten conference play for the first time, with a road game at Wisconsin. The Cornhuskers met a team that finished 2010 in a three-way tie for the Big Ten title and an 11–2 (7–1) record, which included a 19–21 loss to #3 TCU
in the 2011 Rose Bowl
. Following Wisconsin's 48—17 win, the series between the two schools is tied at 3–3.
This game was the third all-time meeting between Nebraska and Ohio State, and the first since 1956. The game also marked the Buckeyes' first appearance in Lincoln. In two previous three contests, Ohio State had outscored Nebraska a combined 62-27. Nebraska trailed at halftime 20-6, and would ultimately fall behind by a score of 27-6 midway through the 3rd quarter. Nebraska's ultimate comeback began with a LaVonte David strip and fumble recovery of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller
. On the next play Taylor Martinez ran past the Ohio State defense for an 18 yard touchdown, the first of 4 unanswered touchdowns. On the subsequent Ohio State series, Braxton Miller twisted his ankle causing him to leave the game. He would not return. He was replaced by Joe Bauserman
who would go 1–10 passing including a costly interception. The Nebraska offense out gained Ohio State in the 2nd half by a total of 250 to 45 yards. With the win, Nebraska secured its first ever victory over Ohio State and as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The win also marked the largest come from behind win in school history after trailing 6–27 midway through the third quarter.
Nebraska renewed an old rivalry against the Golden Gophers, as the Cornhuskers played at TCF Bank Stadium for the first time for Minnesota's 2011 homecoming game. The last meeting was a 1990 non-conference game. First-year Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill
has taken over the squad following a 3–9 (2–6) finish in 2010. With Nebraska's 41–14 win in this contest Minnesota still holds a 29–21 edge in the all-time series.
Nebraska met Michigan State for the first time since the Spartans were defeated 3–17 by Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl
. Of special significance, that was the first Nebraska football Nebraska football victory under Head Coach Bo Pelini, as he served a one-game stint as interim Head Coach following the late-season dismissal of Frank Solich
in 2003. The victory added to Nebraska's undefeated record against the Spartans, moving the streak to 6-0.
Following an important Legends division win against Michigan State the previous week, Nebraska dropped a stunning 28-25 decision to Pat Fitzgerald
's Northwestern Wildcats. The 2011 match up between the Huskers and Wildcats marked the first contest between the two schools since the Nebraska's 66-17 victory in the 2000 Alamo Bowl. Despite the loss, Nebraska still holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series.
The game against Penn State was surrounded by the circumstances presented in the Penn State sex abuse scandal
. Allegations against the former Penn State assistant coach emerged nationally in the week leading up the game. In the wake of the scandal, Penn State head coach Joe Paterno
was fired the Wednesday of game week. Penn State's contest against Nebraska marked the first Nittany Lion's game not coached by Paterno in 46 years. Before the kickoff, players from both sides met at mid–field for a prayer led by Nebraska assistant football coach Ron Brown. In the game, Nebraska led 10–0 at halftime and then extended their lead to 17–0 after taking advantage of a Matt McGloin
fumble in the third quarter. Penn State rallied and had a chance to win after scoring two touchdowns and narrowing the deficit to 17-14. However, Nebraska's defense came up with two key fourth down stops to secure the victory. The game was marked with much emotion with a blue-out at Beaver Stadium in support of the alleged victims of Sandusky's crimes.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a public research university located in the city of Lincoln in the U.S. state of Nebraska...
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, began on Thursday, September 1, 2011...
. The team will be coached by Bo Pelini
Bo Pelini
Mark "Bo" Pelini is the head football coach at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He had previously been defensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, and the Nebraska Cornhuskers...
and will play their home games at Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium, Lincoln
Memorial Stadium is located on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. It is the home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team....
in Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
. This season will be Nebraska's first in the Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
, as they moved from the Big 12
Big 12 Conference
The Big 12 Conference is a college athletic conference of ten schools located in the Central United States, with its headquarters located in Las Colinas, a community in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Irving...
to the Big Ten following the conclusion of the 2010 season.
Before the season
The 2011 football season marks Nebraska's entrance into the Big Ten ConferenceBig Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
.
Scholarship recruits
Walk-on recruits
Schedule
Roster and coaching staff
Chattanooga
- Source:
This game was Nebraska's first football game as a representative of the Big Ten
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
, and the first meeting between the Cornhuskers and the FCS Chattanooga Mocs, who are members of the Southern Conference
Southern Conference
The Southern Conference is a Division I college athletic conference affiliated with the National Collegiate Athletic Association . Southern Conference football teams compete in the Football Championship Subdivision . Member institutions are located in the states of Alabama, Georgia, North...
. The Mocs finished 2010 with a 6–5 record (5–3 in conference for a three-way tie for 3rd place), including a 24–62 defeat at the hands of #3 Auburn
2010 Auburn Tigers football team
The 2010 Auburn Tigers football team represented Auburn University in the 2010–2011 college football season. The Tigers, led by second year head coach Gene Chizik were members of the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference and played their home games at Jordan-Hare Stadium...
on November 6, 2010.
Fresno State
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Nebraska opened a series with another new foe never before met on the field, for a second consecutive week, when the Fresno State Bulldogs arrived in Lincoln. Fresno State finished the 2010 season under 14th–year Head Coach Pat Hill
Pat Hill
Pat Hill is a college football coach. He is currently the head coach at Fresno State.-Early positions:Pat Hill attended Rim of the World High School in Lake Arrowhead, California, graduating in 1970...
with an 8–5 record (5–3 in the Western Athletic Conference
Western Athletic Conference
The Western Athletic Conference is an American collegiate athletic conference, which was formed on July 27, 1962, making it the sixth oldest of the 11 college athletic conferences currently participating in the NCAA's Division I FBS...
for 4th place), including a 17–40 postseason loss to the 2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team
2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team
The 2010 Northern Illinois Huskies football team represented Northern Illinois University in the college football season of 2010. They compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football during the football season. Northern Illinois competed...
Huskies in the 2010 Humanitarian Bowl
2010 Humanitarian Bowl
The 2010 Humanitarian Bowl was the fourteenth edition of the college football bowl game, and was played at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho, on the campus of Boise State University. The game started at 3:30 pm MST on Saturday, December 18, 2010 and was telecast on ESPN...
.
Washington
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When Nebraska met Washington
2010 Washington Huskies football team
The 2010 Washington Huskies football team represented the University of Washington in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Steve Sarkisian. The Huskies played their home games at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, and were members of the Pacific 10 Conference...
in their September 18, 2010 non-conference match, the Cornhuskers won 56–21 in Seattle, tying the most points ever scored by a non–conference opponent in Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium
Husky Stadium is an outdoor athletic stadium on the campus of the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the home of the Washington Huskies...
, and igniting Heisman Trophy
Heisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
talk around Nebraska's redshirt freshman QB Taylor Martinez
Taylor Martinez
Taylor Martinez is an American football quarterback who plays for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.-High school career:Martinez played his senior year of high school football at Centennial High School in Corona, California, where he was a teammate of Vontaze Burfict...
. However, a mid-season ankle injury to Martinez coincided with a downturn in Nebraska's fortunes late in the season, as the Cornhuskers finished the season by losing two of the last three games, including letting a 17–3 advantage over Oklahoma
2010 Oklahoma Sooners football team
The 2010 Oklahoma Sooners football team represented the University of Oklahoma in the college football season of 2010–2011. It was the 116th year of season play for the Sooners. The team was led by head coach Bob Stoops, a two-time Walter Camp Coach of the Year award winner, who has a contract...
in the 2010 Big 12 Championship Game
2010 Big 12 Championship Game
The 2010 Big 12 Championship Game was played at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2010, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas to determine the 2010 football champion of the Big 12 Conference. It was the final championship game for the conference as two members of the Big 12 had announced their...
fade into a 20–23 defeat. After the loss, Nebraska was selected for a rematch with Washington in the 2010 Holiday Bowl
2010 Holiday Bowl
The 2010 Holiday Bowl was the thirty-third edition of the college football bowl game and was played at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. The game started at 7:00 PM US PST on Thursday, December 30, 2010 and matched the Nebraska Cornhuskers against the Washington Huskies. The game was...
, where an uninspired Cornhusker squad bowed to the effort and determination of the underdog Huskies and their senior QB, Jake Locker
Jake Locker
Jacob Cooper "Jake" Locker is an American football quarterback selected by the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League in the 2011 Draft...
. The 7–19 postseason loss left Nebraska with three losses in the final four games of the season. This closing chapter matched a mark not seen since 2007, the final season of former Cornhusker Head Coach Bill Callahan. The 2011 meeting of these teams, this time in Lincoln, was the third time Washington and Nebraska played in just under a year. The all-time series now has a one game edge for Nebraska with a 5–4–1 record between the two teams.
Wyoming
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Wyoming Head Coach Dave Christensen
Dave Christensen
Dave Christensen is an American college football coach. He is currently the head coach for the University of Wyoming. Christensen previously served as the offensive coordinator for the University of Missouri and University of Toledo....
led the 2009 Cowboys
2009 Wyoming Cowboys football team
The 2009 Wyoming Cowboys football team represented the University of Wyoming in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS college football season. The Cowboys were led by 1st year head coach Dave Christensen and played their home games at War Memorial Stadium...
to a 7–6 (4–4 Mountain West Conference
Mountain West Conference
The Mountain West Conference , popularly known as the Mountain West, is the youngest of the college athletic conferences affiliated with the NCAA’s Division I FBS . The MWC officially began operations in July 1999...
) finish in his first season, including a 35–28 defeat of Fresno State in the 2009 New Mexico Bowl
2009 New Mexico Bowl
The 2009 New Mexico Bowl was a post-season American college football bowl game, held on December 19, 2009 at University Stadium on the campus of the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico as part of the 2009-10 NCAA Bowl season...
. However, the Cowboys slid to a disappointing 2010 final record of 3–9 (1–7), which included a 28–20 win over Southern Utah
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University, or SUU, is located in Cedar City, Utah. It was founded in 1897 as an extension of the Agricultural College of Utah, by the citizens of Cedar City.During its history, the school has been known as:...
of the FCS. Nebraska is undefeated in all five previous meetings of these teams, with a combined scoring total of 203–69. The series dates back to 1934, but this will be the first time the squads meet at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie.
Wisconsin
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Nebraska opened Big Ten conference play for the first time, with a road game at Wisconsin. The Cornhuskers met a team that finished 2010 in a three-way tie for the Big Ten title and an 11–2 (7–1) record, which included a 19–21 loss to #3 TCU
2010 TCU Horned Frogs football team
The 2010 TCU Horned Frogs football team represented Texas Christian University in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by tenth year head coach Gary Patterson and played its home games at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas...
in the 2011 Rose Bowl
2011 Rose Bowl
The 2011 Rose Bowl was the 97th edition of the annual bowl game played on January 1, 2011, as part of the 2010 college football season. Played in Pasadena, California, the TCU Horned Frogs of the Mountain West Conference defeated the Wisconsin Badgers of the Big Ten Conference. The Pasadena...
. Following Wisconsin's 48—17 win, the series between the two schools is tied at 3–3.
Ohio State
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This game was the third all-time meeting between Nebraska and Ohio State, and the first since 1956. The game also marked the Buckeyes' first appearance in Lincoln. In two previous three contests, Ohio State had outscored Nebraska a combined 62-27. Nebraska trailed at halftime 20-6, and would ultimately fall behind by a score of 27-6 midway through the 3rd quarter. Nebraska's ultimate comeback began with a LaVonte David strip and fumble recovery of Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller
Braxton Miller is an American football player who currently plays quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.-High school career:Miller went to Wayne High School in Huber Heights, Ohio. While there, he was named Mr. Football Award Finalist, and also competed in the UnderArmour All-American Game. He...
. On the next play Taylor Martinez ran past the Ohio State defense for an 18 yard touchdown, the first of 4 unanswered touchdowns. On the subsequent Ohio State series, Braxton Miller twisted his ankle causing him to leave the game. He would not return. He was replaced by Joe Bauserman
Joe Bauserman
Joseph N. Bauserman is an American football quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.-High school career:...
who would go 1–10 passing including a costly interception. The Nebraska offense out gained Ohio State in the 2nd half by a total of 250 to 45 yards. With the win, Nebraska secured its first ever victory over Ohio State and as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The win also marked the largest come from behind win in school history after trailing 6–27 midway through the third quarter.
Minnesota
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Nebraska renewed an old rivalry against the Golden Gophers, as the Cornhuskers played at TCF Bank Stadium for the first time for Minnesota's 2011 homecoming game. The last meeting was a 1990 non-conference game. First-year Minnesota Head Coach Jerry Kill
Jerry Kill
Jerry Kill is the head football coach at the University of Minnesota. Before assuming this position with the Golden Gophers in December 2010, Kill served as the head coach at Saginaw Valley State University , Emporia State University , Southern Illinois University Carbondale , and Northern...
has taken over the squad following a 3–9 (2–6) finish in 2010. With Nebraska's 41–14 win in this contest Minnesota still holds a 29–21 edge in the all-time series.
Michigan State
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Nebraska met Michigan State for the first time since the Spartans were defeated 3–17 by Nebraska in the 2003 Alamo Bowl
2003 Alamo Bowl
The 2003 Alamo Bowl was an American football bowl game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Nebraska Cornhuskers played December 29, 2003 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas....
. Of special significance, that was the first Nebraska football Nebraska football victory under Head Coach Bo Pelini, as he served a one-game stint as interim Head Coach following the late-season dismissal of Frank Solich
Frank Solich
Frank Solich is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach at Ohio University, a position he has held since the 2005 season...
in 2003. The victory added to Nebraska's undefeated record against the Spartans, moving the streak to 6-0.
Northwestern
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Following an important Legends division win against Michigan State the previous week, Nebraska dropped a stunning 28-25 decision to Pat Fitzgerald
Pat Fitzgerald
-External links:*...
's Northwestern Wildcats. The 2011 match up between the Huskers and Wildcats marked the first contest between the two schools since the Nebraska's 66-17 victory in the 2000 Alamo Bowl. Despite the loss, Nebraska still holds a 3-2 lead in the all-time series.
Penn State
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The game against Penn State was surrounded by the circumstances presented in the Penn State sex abuse scandal
Penn State sex abuse scandal
The Penn State sex abuse scandal refers to allegations that former Pennsylvania State University football assistant coach Jerry Sandusky sexually assaulted or had inappropriate contact with at least eight underage boys on or near university property...
. Allegations against the former Penn State assistant coach emerged nationally in the week leading up the game. In the wake of the scandal, Penn State head coach Joe Paterno
Joe Paterno
Joseph Vincent "Joe" Paterno is a former college football coach who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 years from 1966 through 2011. Paterno, nicknamed "JoePa," holds the record for the most victories by an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision football coach with...
was fired the Wednesday of game week. Penn State's contest against Nebraska marked the first Nittany Lion's game not coached by Paterno in 46 years. Before the kickoff, players from both sides met at mid–field for a prayer led by Nebraska assistant football coach Ron Brown. In the game, Nebraska led 10–0 at halftime and then extended their lead to 17–0 after taking advantage of a Matt McGloin
Matt McGloin
Matthew James "Matt" McGloin is an American football quarterback for Penn State University He is the first former walk-on quarterback to start at Penn State since scholarships were reinstated in 1949...
fumble in the third quarter. Penn State rallied and had a chance to win after scoring two touchdowns and narrowing the deficit to 17-14. However, Nebraska's defense came up with two key fourth down stops to secure the victory. The game was marked with much emotion with a blue-out at Beaver Stadium in support of the alleged victims of Sandusky's crimes.
Michigan
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Iowa
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Rankings
Big Ten all-conference first team
As selected by the media and coaches:- RB - Rex Burkhead
- LB - Lavonte David
- CB - Alfonzo Dennard
- PK - Brett Maher
- P - Brett Maher
Big Ten position awards
- Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year: Alfonzo Dennard
- Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year: Lavonte David
- Bakken-Andersen Kicker of the Year: Brett Maher
- Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year: Brett Maher
- Big Ten Sportsmanship Award: Jared Crick