2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football
Logo of the Nebraska athletic teams 2004–
Conference Big Ten Conference
Division Legends Division
Ranking
Coaches No. 24
AP No. 24
2011 record 9–4 (5–3 Big Ten)
Head coach Bo Pelini (4th year)
Offensive coordinator Tim Beck (1st year)
Offensive scheme Multiple Option
Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini (4th year)
Base defense 4–3 defense
Home stadium Memorial Stadium
(Capacity: 81,091)
2011 Big Ten football standings
Conf     Overall
Team   W   L         W   L  
Legends Division
#11 Michigan State x   7 1         11 3  
#12 Michigan %   6 2         11 2  
#24 Nebraska   5 3         9 4  
Iowa   4 4         7 6  
Northwestern   3 5         6 7  
Minnesota   2 6         3 9  
Leaders Division
#10 Wisconsin xy$   6 2         11 3  
Penn State x   6 2         9 4  
Purdue   4 4         7 6  
Ohio State   3 5         6 7  
Illinois   2 6         7 6  
Indiana   0 8         1 11  
Championship: Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39
  • $ BCS representative as conference champion
  • % BCS at-large representative
  • x Division champion/co-champions
  • y Championship game participant
As of January 10, 2012; Rankings from AP Poll

The 2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Cornhuskers were coached by Bo Pelini and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. This season was Nebraska's first in the Big Ten Conference in the Legends Division as they moved from the Big 12 Conference to the Big Ten following the conclusion of the 2010 season. They finished the season 9–4, 5–3 in Big Ten play to finish in third place in the Legends Division. They were invited to the Capital One Bowl where they were defeated by South Carolina 13–30.

Before the season

The 2011 football season marks Nebraska's entrance into the Big Ten Conference.

Recruiting

Scholarship recruits

Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Abdullah, Ameer
RB
Homewood, AL Homewood 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 177 lb (80 kg) 4.51 Jan 20, 2011 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:2/5 stars
Taariq Allen
WR
Weston, MA Rivers 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.54 Oct 26, 2010 
Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Mauro Bondi
K
Boca Raton, FL West 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 190 lb (86 kg) N/A Jan 30, 2011 
Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Joe Carter
DE
Aiken, SC Chaffey CC 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 250 lb (110 kg) N/A Jan 28, 2011 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Daniel Davie
S
Beatrice, NE Beatrice 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 181 lb (82 kg) 4.32 Jun 17, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Aaron Green
RB
San Antonio, TX Madison 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 191 lb (87 kg) 4.44 Oct 27, 2010 
Scout:5/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:5/5 stars
Charles Jackson
CB
Klein, TX Collins 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.4 Oct 30, 2010 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
Ryan Klachko
OL
Springfield, IL Sacred Heart-Griffin 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 280 lb (130 kg) 5.47 Apr 7, 2010 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Tyler Moore
OT
Clearwater, FL Countryside 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 290 lb (130 kg) 5.07 Oct 10, 2009 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Todd Peat
DT
Tempe, AZ Corona del Sol 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 300 lb (140 kg) 5.04 Feb 2, 2011 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
Max Pirman
OLB
Orrville, OH Orrville 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 218 lb (99 kg) 4.69 Nov 15, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Givens Price
OT
Houston, TX Taylor 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 278 lb (126 kg) 5.09 Dec 6, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Ryne Reeves
OG
Crete, NE Crete 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 286 lb (130 kg) 5 Jun 10, 2009 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
David Santos
LB
Klein, TX Collins 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 4.55 Jul 31, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
Daimion Stafford
S
Norco, CA Chaffey CC 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 4.46 May 19, 2010 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Bubba Starling
QB
Gardner, KS Gardner Edgerton 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 193 lb (88 kg) 4.5 Jun 19, 2010 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
Zach Sterup
OT
Hastings, NE St. Cecilia 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 260 lb (120 kg) 5 Jun 22, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:3/5 stars
David Sutton
TE
Lincoln, NE Southeast 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 245 lb (111 kg) 4.60 Jan 30, 2011 
Scout:2/5 stars   Rivals:2/5 stars   247Sports: N/A
Jamal Turner
QB
Arlington, TX Sam Houston 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 4.5 Jan 28, 2010 
Scout:4/5 stars   Rivals:4/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
Kevin Williams
DT
Holland, OH Springfield 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 275 lb (125 kg) 4.9 Apr 19, 2010 
Scout:3/5 stars   Rivals:3/5 stars   247Sports: N/A    ESPN:4/5 stars
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 23   Rivals: 15  ESPN: 16
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Walk-on recruits

Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Tyson Broekmeier
QB
Aurora, NE Aurora 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 180 lb (82 kg) 4.7 Feb 1, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Sam Burtch
WR
Elmwood, NE Elmwood-Murdock 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 4.6  
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Jack Gangwish
LB
Wood River, NE Wood River 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 4.9 Jan 24, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Aaron Hayes
OL
Elkhorn, NE Elkhorn 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 265 lb (120 kg) 5.2 Jan 22, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Adam Kucera
OL
Litchfield, NE Litchfield 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 285 lb (129 kg) N/A Jan 24, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Murat Kuzu
RB
Plano, TX Plano 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 4.54 Feb 4, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Anthony Ridder
LB
West Point, NE Central Catholic 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 4.7 Jan 29, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Eddie Ridder
TE
Elkhorn, NE Mt. Michael 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 225 lb (102 kg) N/A  
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Will Sailors
OL
Lincoln, NE Northeast 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 260 lb (120 kg) 5.2 Jan 24, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Derek Slaughter
LB
Pelham, AL Pelham 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.65 Jan 25, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Richard Wynne
RB
Omaha, NE Creighton Prep 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 4.45 Jan 28, 2011 
Scout: N/A   Rivals: N/A   247Sports: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings:
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Schedule

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site TV Result Attendance
September 3 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga* No. 10 Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE BTN W 40–7   84,883
September 10 6:00 p.m. Fresno State* No. 10 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE BTN W 42–29   85,101
September 17 2:30 p.m. Washington* No. 11 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ABC/ESPN W 51–38   85,110
September 24 6:30 p.m. at Wyoming* No. 9 War Memorial StadiumLaramie, WY Versus W 38–14   32,617
October 1 7:00 p.m. at No. 7 Wisconsin No. 8 Camp Randall StadiumMadison, WI ABC L 17–48   81,384
October 8 7:00 p.m. Ohio Statedagger No. 14 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ABC W 34–27   85,426
October 22 2:30 p.m. at Minnesota No. 13 TCF Bank StadiumMinneapolis, MN ABC/ESPN2 W 41–14   49,187
October 29 11:00 a.m. No. 9 Michigan State No. 13 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE ESPN W 24–3   85,641
November 5 2:30 p.m. Northwestern No. 9 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE BTN L 25–28   85,115
November 12 11:00 a.m. at No. 12 Penn State No. 19 Beaver StadiumUniversity Park, PA ESPN W 17–14   107,903
November 19 11:00 a.m. at No. 20 Michigan No. 17 Michigan StadiumAnn Arbor, MI ESPN L 17–45   113,718
November 25 11:00 a.m. Iowa No. 22 Memorial Stadium • Lincoln, NE (Heroes Game) ABC W 20–7   85,595
January 2, 2012 12:00 p.m. vs. No. 10 South Carolina* No. 21 Citrus BowlOrlando, FL (Capital One Bowl) ESPN L 13–30   61,351
*Non-conference game. daggerHomecoming. #Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game. All times are in Central Time.

[1][2]

Roster and coaching staff

2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
IB 8 Abdullah, AmeerAmeer Abdullah Fr
WR 7 Allen, TaariqTaariq Allen Fr
OL 70 Ash, NickNick Ash So
TE 82 Barry, RobertRobert Barry So
WR 80 Bell, KennyKenny Bell RFr
QB 9 Broekemeier, TysonTyson Broekemeier Fr
IB 22 Burkhead, RexRex Burkhead (C) Jr
WR 46 Burtch, SamSam Burtch Fr
OL 58 Caputo, MikeMike Caputo Sr
QB 16 Carnes, BrionBrion Carnes RFr
OL 51 Chapek, BrandonBrandon Chapek So
OL 77 Choi, Seung HoonSeung Hoon Choi Jr
WR 1 Cooper, KhiryKhiry Cooper Jr
TE 81 Cotton, BenBen Cotton Jr
OL 67 Criss, ScottScott Criss So
WR 13 Davie, DanielDaniel Davie Fr
WR 87 Dixon, TaylorTaylor Dixon Jr
WR 18 Enunwa, QuincyQuincy Enunwa So
WR 88 Evans, TylerTyler Evans RFr
WR 11 Gilleylen, CurenskiCurenski Gilleylen Sr
IB 2 Green, AaronAaron Green Fr
QB 17 Green, CodyCody Green Jr
OL 50 Hardrick, JermarcusJermarcus Hardrick Sr
OL 54 Hayes, AaronAaron Hayes Fr
IB 5 Heard, BraylonBraylon Heard Fr
WR 85 Hyland, KCKC Hyland Jr
IB 28 Jones, AustinAustin Jones Sr
OL 52 Jones, DwightDwight Jones So
OL 78 Jones, MarcelMarcel Jones Sr
QB 12 Kellogg III, RonRon Kellogg III So
TE 89 Kerr, J.T.J.T. Kerr So
WR 84 Kinnie, BrandonBrandon Kinnie Sr
OL 52 Klachko, RyanRyan Klachko Fr
OL 53 Kucera, AdamAdam Kucera Fr
RB 24 Kuzu, MuratMurat Kuzu Fr
FB 48 Legate, TylerTyler Legate Sr
OL 75 Lingenfelter, LukeLuke Lingenfelter Sr
TE 41 Long, JakeJake Long So
OL 61 Long, SpencerSpencer Long So
WR 6 Marlowe, TimTim Marlowe Jr
FB 19 Marrow, MikeMike Marrow So
FB 35 Martin, JayJay Martin Sr
QB 3 Martinez, TaylorTaylor Martinez So
OL 73 Moore, TylerTyler Moore Fr
OL 57 Moudy, MikeMike Moudy RFr
OL 69 Nickens, BrodrickBrodrick Nickens So
IB 29 Okafor, CollinsCollins Okafor Jr
WR 21 Osborne, StevenSteven Osborne Jr
OL 56 Pelini, MarkMark Pelini RFr
OL 62 Pensick, ColeCole Pensick So
OL 66 Price, GivensGivens Price Fr
OL 76 Qvale, BrentBrent Qvale So
TE 25 Reed, KylerKyler Reed Jr
OL 65 Reeves, RyneRyne Reeves Fr
TE 36 Ridder, EddieEddie Ridder Fr
OL 63 Rodriguez, AndrewAndrew Rodriguez So
OL 59 Sailors, WillWill Sailors Fr
OL 71 Sirles, JeremiahJeremiah Sirles So
WR 39 Smith, JacobJacob Smith RFr
OL 57 Sterup, ZachZach Sterup Fr
TE 98 Sutton, DavidDavid Sutton Fr
RB 40 Taylor, ZachZach Taylor RFr
OL 79 Thompson, BrandonBrandon Thompson Jr
OL 59 Thorson, BrianBrian Thorson Jr
WR 10 Turner, JamalJamal Turner Fr
IB 14 Ward, LesterLester Ward Jr
IB 30 Wynee Jr., RichardRichard Wynee Jr. So
WR 26 Wullenwaber, TylerTyler Wullenwaber RFr
FB 31 Zimmerer, C.J.C.J. Zimmerer So
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
DE 70 Anderson, KennyKenny Anderson Jr
DE 9 Ankrah, JasonJason Ankrah So
DE 47 Ashburn, WalkerWalker Ashburn RFr
CB 2 Bell, AntonioAntonio Bell Jr
DB 39 Blatchford, JustinJustin Blatchford Jr
CB 14 Blue, AnthonyAnthony Blue Sr
LB 50 Boehm, BroderickBroderick Boehm Fr
DE 7 Carter, JosephJoseph Carter Jr
S 8 Cassidy, AustinAustin Cassidy Sr
LB 51 Compton, WillWill Compton Jr
DB 6 Cooper, CoreyCorey Cooper RFr
DT 96 Cotton, JakeJake Cotton RFr
DT 94 Crick, JaredJared Crick Sr
LB 4 David, LavonteLavonte David (C) Sr
CB 31 Dean, JaseJase Dean Jr
CB 15 Dennard, AlfonzoAlfonzo Dennard Sr
S 32 Ebke, JimJim Ebke Sr
DB 17 Evans, CianteCiante Evans So
DB 25 Felici, JoeyJoey Felici RFr
LB 42 Fisher, SeanSean Fisher Jr
DB 30 Foster, DerekDerek Foster RFr
LB 95 Gangwish, JackJack Gangwish Fr
DE 80 Gdowski, AndyAndy Gdowski RFr
DB 11 Green, AndrewAndrew Green So
DL 99 Guy, JayJay Guy RFr
DB 35 Holt, AndrewAndrew Holt RFr
DB 26 Jackson, HarveyHarvey Jackson RFr
DT 58 Jackson, JustinJustin Jackson Jr
DB 29 Jameson, SethSeth Jameson So
CB 16 Jean-Baptiste, StanleyStanley Jean-Baptiste So
LB 44 Kreikemeier, MicahMicah Kreikemeier Jr
LB 49 Manninger, MattMatt Manninger Jr
S 21 Marsh, BronsonBronson Marsh Fr
LB 46 Martin, EricEric Martin Jr
LB 36 May, MathewMathew May Sr
DE 65 McDermott, ColinColin McDermott Jr
DE 89 McDermott, ConorConor McDermott Jr
CB 32 Mendoza, MarcusMarcus Mendoza Sr
DE 34 Meredith, CameronCameron Meredith Jr
DB 18 Mitchell, JoshJosh Mitchell RFr
DT 68 Molek, JoshJosh Molek Jr
DE 52 Moore, J.C.J.C. Moore RFr
DT 90 Moore, TerrenceTerrence Moore Sr
DE 48 Okuyemi, TobiTobi Okuyemi RFr
S 12 Osborne, CourtneyCourtney Osborne Jr
DT 57 Peat Jr., ToddTodd Peat Jr. Fr
LB 40 Pirman, MaxMax Pirman Fr
DL 53 Randle, ThaddeusThaddeus Randle So
DB 19 Richards, WilWil Richards So
LB 26 Ridder, AnthonyAnthony Ridder Fr
LB 54 Roach, TrevorTrevor Roach RFr
DT 97 Rome, ChaseChase Rome RFr
LB 41 Santos, DavidDavid Santos Fr
LB 22 Slaughter, DerekDerek Slaughter Fr
S 13 Smith, P.J.P.J. Smith Jr
DB 3 Stafford, DaimionDaimion Stafford Jr
LB 59 Starkebaum, ColbyColby Starkebaum So
DT 55 Steinkuhler, BakerBaker Steinkuhler Jr
LB 38 Stoddard, GrahamGraham Stoddard Jr
DE 37 Thomsen, KevinKevin Thomsen Sr
DB 23 Thorell, LanceLance Thorell Sr
DL 61 Uher, JeffJeff Uher RFr
DE 91 Vestal, DonovanDonovan Vestal RFr
DB 38 Wade, YusefYusef Wade RFr
CB 10 Washington, DijonDijon Washington So
LB 45 Whaley, AlonzoAlonzo Whaley Jr
DB 24 Williams, AustinAustin Williams RFr
DE 98 Williams, JoshJosh Williams Jr
DT 92 Williams, KevinKevin Williams Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
PK 37 Bondi, MauroMauro Bondi Fr
P/PK 27 Damkroger, JonJon Damkroger Sr
P/PK 96 Maher, BrettBrett Maher (C) Jr
LS 92 Mangieri, P.J.P.J. Mangieri Jr
LS 97 Rotherham, JosephJoseph Rotherham Fr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Tim Beck
       1st season as OC/QB coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: UCF
  • Carl Pelini
       4th season as DC/DL coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Youngstown State
  • Ron Brown
       1st season as RB coach
       21st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Brown
  • Barney Cotton
       4th season as AHC/OL coach
       5th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska
  • Ross Els
       1st season as LB coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska-Omaha
  • Rich Fisher
       1st season as WR coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Colorado
  • John Garrison
       1st season as OL/TE coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska
  • John Papuchis
       4th season as DE/ST coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Virginia Tech
  • Corey Raymond
       1st season as Sec coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: LSU
  • T. J. Hollowell
       1st season as GA coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska
  • Vince Marrow
       1st season as GA coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Youngstown State
  • James Dobson
       4th season as S&C coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Wisconsin

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  • Injured
  • Redshirt

Roster
Last update: December 1, 2011

Game notes

Chattanooga

Chattanooga at Nebraska
1 234Total
Chattanooga 0 070 7
#10 Nebraska 10 13170 40

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.

Fresno State

Fresno State at Nebraska
1 234Total
Fresno State 14 339 29
#10 Nebraska 7 7721 42
  • Date: September 10, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 6:08 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:36
  • Game attendance: 85,101
  • Game weather: Clear, 80ºF, Wind E@5mph
  • Referee: Bill Athan
  • TV announcers (BTN): Eric Collins (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color) & Dionne Miller (Sideline)

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.

Washington

Washington at Nebraska
1 234Total
Washington 7 10021 38
#11 Nebraska 10 101714 51
  • Date: September 17, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 2:42 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:32
  • Game attendance: 85,110
  • Game weather: Overcast, 58ºF, Wind SE@14mph
  • Referee: Dave Witvoet
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Color) & Heather Cox (Sideline)

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

Nebraska at Wyoming
1 234Total
#9 Nebraska 7 71014 38
Wyoming 0 707 14

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.

Wisconsin

Nebraska at Wisconsin
1 234Total
#8 Nebraska 7 703 17
#7 Wisconsin 7 20147 48

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.

Ohio State

Ohio State at Nebraska
1 234Total
Ohio State 10 1070 27
#14 Nebraska 3 31414 34
  • Date: October 8, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 7:12 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:14
  • Game attendance: 85,426
  • Game weather: Scattered Showers, 70ºF, Wind SSE@5-10mph
  • Referee: John O'Neill
  • TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Color) & Heather Cox (Sideline)

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 third 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 four unanswered touchdowns. On the subsequent Ohio State series, Miller twisted his ankle causing him to leave the game. He did not return. He was replaced by Joe Bauserman who went 1–10 passing including a costly interception. The Nebraska offense out-gained Ohio State in the second 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 27–6 midway through the third quarter.[9]

Minnesota

Nebraska at Minnesota
1 234Total
#13 Nebraska 10 2470 41
Minnesota 0 077 14

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 29–21–2 edge in the all-time series.

Michigan State

Michigan State at Nebraska
1 234Total
#9 Michigan State 0 300 3
#13 Nebraska 10 0140 24
  • Date: October 29, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 11:02 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:14
  • Game attendance: 85,641
  • Game weather: Sunny, 45ºF, Wind S@5-10mph
  • Referee: Dan Capron
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch (Play-by-play), Chris Spielman (Color), Urban Meyer (Color) & Quint Kessenich (Sideline)

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 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.

Northwestern

Northwestern at Nebraska
1 234Total
Northwestern 7 0714 28
#9 Nebraska 0 3715 25
  • Date: November 5, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 2:42 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:15
  • Game attendance: 85,115
  • Game weather: Sunny, 59ºF, Wind S@25mph
  • Referee: Dave Witvoet
  • TV announcers (BTN): Eric Collins, Chris Martin (Color) & Dionne Miller (Sideline)

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.

Penn State

Nebraska at Penn State
1 234Total
#19 Nebraska 0 1070 17
#12 Penn State 0 077 14

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.[14] 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.[15] 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

Nebraska at Michigan
1 234Total
#17 Nebraska 7 370 17
#20 Michigan 10 71414 45

Iowa

Iowa at Nebraska
1 234Total
Iowa 0 007 7
#22 Nebraska 0 1037 20
  • Date: November 25, 2011
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 11:07 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:06
  • Game attendance: 85,595
  • Game weather: Overcast, 54ºF, Wind: S@13mph
  • Referee: Todd Geerlings
  • TV announcers (ABC): Bob Wischusen (Play-by-play), Bob Davie (Color) & Jeannine Edwards (Sideline)

South Carolina–Capital One Bowl

Nebraska vs. South Carolina
1 234Total
#21 Nebraska 13 000 13
#10 South Carolina 9 7014 30

Rankings

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking. ██ Decrease in ranking.
NR = Not ranked. RV = Received votes. ( ) = First place votes.
Week
Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Final 
AP 10 10 11 9 8 14 14 13 13 9 19 17 22 20 21 24 
Coaches' 11 10 10 9 8 15 14 11 13 9 17 16 22 19 20 24 
Harris Not released 13 11 13 9 17 16 21 19 20 Not released 
BCS Not released 13 14 10 19 16 21 19 20 Not released

After the season

Awards

Big Ten all-conference first team

As selected by the media and coaches:

Big Ten position awards

References

Media related to 2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team at Wikimedia Commons

  1. Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule – 2011, ESPN, Retrieved August 2, 2011
  2. NCAA Football TV Listings, NCAAFootball, Retrieved August 2, 2011
  3. "Scoring Summary (Final), Chattanooga vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. September 3, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  4. "Scoring Summary (Final), Fresno State vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. September 10, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  5. "Scoring Summary (Final), Washington vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. September 17, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  6. "Scoring Summary (Final), Nebraska vs Wyoming" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. September 24, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  7. "Scoring Summary (Final), Nebraska vs Wisconsin" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. October 1, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 11, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  8. "Scoring Summary (Final), Ohio State vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. October 8, 2011. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  9. "Taylor Martinez caps Huskers' biggest comeback in win over Buckeyes". ESPN.com. 8 October 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2011.
  10. "Scoring Summary (Final), Nebraska vs Minnesota" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. October 22, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 11, 2009. Retrieved October 24, 2011.
  11. "Scoring Summary (Final), #9 MSU vs #13 Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. October 29, 2011. Retrieved October 29, 2011.
  12. "Scoring Summary (Final), Northwestern vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 5, 2011. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  13. "Scoring Summary (Final), Nebraska vs Penn State" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 12, 2011. Retrieved November 12, 2011.
  14. "Joe Paterno, Graham Spanier Removed". ESPN. November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
  15. Juliano, Joe (November 13, 2011). "Shocking Week Ends with Penn State Loss". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved November 13, 2011.
  16. "Scoring Summary (Final), Nebraska vs Michigan" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 19, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 11, 2009. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
  17. "Scoring Summary (Final), Iowa vs Nebraska" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 25, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
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