Pelini returned to Nebraska as Head Coach after a previous one-year stint as Defensive Coordinator for Nebraska in 2003.[1] At the conclusion of the 2003 season, Pelini was appointed as Interim Head Coach,[2] following the firing of Frank Solich, for Nebraska's appearance in the Alamo Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans, a contest in which Nebraska triumphed 17–3,[3] leaving Nebraska with a final AP Poll ranking of 19 and Coaches Poll ranking of 18. Despite this performance and significant fan support, Pelini was passed over as Solich's permanent replacement in favor of Bill Callahan. During Pelini's absence from Nebraska, he served as co-defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2004, and Defensive Coordinator for the LSU Tigers for 2005–2007[4] prior to his return to Nebraska following the dismissal of Callahan.
Nebraska opened the season with expectations below average after finishing 5–7 in 2007. However, there was a buzz in the air as first year head coach Bo Pelini returned to Lincoln to improve a maligned defense and to re-energize the program. Nebraska played very well as the defense seemed much improved from 2007. LB Cody Glenn was the bright spot on defense and seemed to be in on almost every play. The offense continued to be as productive as usual with Joe Ganz at quarterback, en route to a 47–24 win.
TV announcers (FSN PPV):Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Dave Lapham (Color) & Joel Goldberg (Sideline)
The Husker spirit groups on the field.
Nebraska came into its second game of the year with a little more certainty. San Jose State quickly put a stop to that. The Spartans marched all over Nebraska's defense on the first drive with Kyle Reed scoring on a 12-yard run. Nebraska scored two touchdowns to recapture the lead going into the second quarter. The game turned mostly defensive with San Jose State scoring field goals in the second and fourth quarters. After San Jose State's field goal in the fourth quarter, Niles Paul returned the kickoff 85 yards for a Nebraska touchdown. The return sparked the Cornhuskers as they scored three more touchdowns sealing the game.
TV announcers (FSN PPV):Ron Thulin (Play-by-play) & Matt Davison (Color)
Nebraska, entering the game 2–0, felt confident going against the New Mexico State Aggies who were playing their first game of the season. On their second drive, the Aggies went down the field with ease only to have their field goal kick blocked by Zach Potter. Nebraska's offense finally looked like it came together, scoring 35 points. The scoring included Marlon Lucky taking a toss and throwing it downfield to quarterback Joe Ganz and then Ganz running 33 yards on an option play.
Nebraska, 3–0, headed into the Virginia Tech game looking for a win over a ranked team in the first year of Bo Pelini's first year. Virginia Tech got on the board first, blocking a Dan Titchner punt for a safety. The Hokies controlled the game for most of the night, until senior Nate Swift returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Cornhuskers needed a big defensive stop and seemed to have got it on a 3rd down run by Tyrod Taylor. Taylor was tackled out of bounds, but Nebraska defense tackle Ndamukong Suh appeared to have leaped on top of Taylor, prompting an official to throw a flag for a late hit. Bo Pelini, obviously upset, berated the official about the call until the official threw another flag for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Coach Pelini. The penalties put Virginia Tech near the end zone and continued the Hokies' drive, which resulted in Taylor scoring a touchdown to ice the game.
Missouri came into this game having not won in Lincoln since 1978. That streak was broken as Missouri won by a wide margin, scoring in bunches. After a close first quarter which saw Nebraska tie the game, the Tigers pulled away, building a three touchdown halftime lead. The Cornhuskers were set back by 14 penalties for 101 yards. Tigers on the other hand were not forced to punt in the game. Nebraska managed to make the final score a little more respectable with a late touchdown and by stopping Missouri on fourth down earlier in the quarter.
After being routed by Missouri, Nebraska was expecting more of the same against Texas Tech. Instead, they found themselves in the midst of a battle. Todd Peterson caught a touchdown pass with :29 left to tie the game at 31 forcing it into overtime. In overtime, the Red Raiders scored a touchdown but had their extra point blocked, opening the door for Nebraska to win. However, on 2nd down, Joe Ganz' pass was intercepted by cornerback Jamar Wall, ending the game. This was Nebraska's first overtime loss in school history.
Playing Iowa State was the trick for Nebraska to solve their three-game losing streak. Nebraska roared to a 21–0 lead at halftime. Iowa State stifled Nebraska's offense for the third quarter and scored a touchdown of their own, but going into the fourth, Nebraska took back momentum, scoring twice to finish off the Cyclones.
Nebraska let Baylor jump on them for a 20–17 lead going into the half. Nebraska came back from a halftime deficit for the first time since 2003, scoring 15 points in the third and fourth quarters including a safety and a 9-yard touchdown catch by Nate Swift, a catch that broke Johnny Rodgers' record for career catches.
Nebraska ran into an offensive explosion in Norman and in a matter of minutes was down 35–0. Three first-quarter turnovers doomed the Cornhuskers as Oklahoma capitalized on all of them. Nebraska fought through the circumstances to put up a respectable 28 points as the Cornhuskers looked to regroup.
TV announcers (FSN PPV):Dan McLaughlin (Play-by-play), Matt Davison (Color) & Stacy Paetz (Sideline)
Nebraska vowed the start of a new season heading into this game, one that consisted of three games. Needing only one win to become bowl eligible, Nebraska played exceptional on a frigid day in Lincoln. Nebraska and Kansas went blow for blow until the fourth quarter when a 52-yard touchdown run by Roy Helu Jr. and a 2-yard touchdown catch by Ndamukong Suh opened up the game for Nebraska.
Nebraska felt confident heading into Manhattan against Kansas State as lame-duck coach Ron Prince had never beaten them, nor had former Nebraska commit, Josh Freeman. Also, Nebraska's defense got their blackshirts back for the first time this season. Nebraska made a crucial mistake early allowing a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown. Barring that play and a long touchdown pass by Freeman, Nebraska played sparkling defense in the first half. Kansas State scored only twice more one on a methodical drive by backup Carson Coffmann and a kickoff return by Brandon Banks.
Colorado came into this game fighting for bowl eligibility at 5–6. Nebraska had already secured a spot in a bowl game, but a win would help improve where they would be headed. Colorado would have none of it, taking an early 14–0 lead. Nebraska came back taking a 24–17 edge and was looking to add on going into the half. On a fake field goal play, holder Jake Wesch was supposed to flip it over his head and kicker Alex Henery was supposed to catch it and throw it, a play that was made against Kansas. This time, Colorado's Jimmy Smith picked off the flip in mid-air and returned it 58 yards to tie the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Nebraska trailed 31–30 and had the ball deep in the Buffalo's territory when Patrick Mahnke sacked Joe Ganz for a 15-yard loss, setting up a 4th & 25. It looked like Nebraska was out of Alex Henery's field goal range with the kick being 57 yards. Bo Pelini sent his kicker out anyway after Henery told him he could do it. With 1:55 left, he kicked the 57 yarder, giving Nebraska the 33–31 lead. On Colorado's next drive, Cody Hawkins pass was deflected by Zach Potter and intercepted by Ndamukong Suh who stiff armed Hawkins and rumbled 30 yards for a touchdown, icing the game at 40–31 and sending Colorado home with no bowl. Nebraska finished the regular season 8–4 and Big 12 North Co-Division Champions with Missouri.
Nebraska defeated Clemson in a come-from-behind 26–21 finish at the 2009 Gator Bowl on January 1, 2009. All 21 of Clemson's points came following Nebraska turnovers. The outcome remained in doubt until the end, as Clemson marched from their own 23 to the Nebraska 10. With 1st and goal to go and about two minutes remaining on the clock, the Blackshirts made their stand, resulting in a 16-yard sack and three Clemson incomplete passes to seal the game. The game was played only days after head coach Bo Pelini and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini returned from their father's funeral in Ohio.
The reputation of the Blackshirts, whose trademark black jerseys quietly disappeared during the disappointing 5–7 (2–6) 2007 season, was restored with emphasis during 2008 as the coveted black jerseys were once again distributed to defensive starters on November 11[6] following a key emotional win over the Kansas Jayhawks.
The season concluded January 1, 2009 with a come-from-behind 26–21[7] Nebraska victory over the Clemson Tigers in the 2009 Gator Bowl. Nebraska finished as co-division Champions of the Big 12 North Division, with a final record of 9–4 (5–3). Head Coach Bo Pelini's overall career record improved to 10–4 (.714), 5–3 in conference, and 2–0 in bowl games. Pelini's 2008 regular season record of 9–4 was the highest among all 28 Division 1A teams with new head coaches and staffs that year.[8]
^Merrill, Elizabeth (January 13, 2003). "Huskers Show Off Staff". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on January 31, 2008. Retrieved January 6, 2008.
^Kaipust, Rich (December 1, 2003). "Pelini Is Interim Coach; 'Ready' for Challenge". Omaha World-Herald. Archived from the original on January 24, 2008. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
^"Football - 2008 Schedule/Results". University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. Retrieved July 7, 2008.
^. Archived from the original on July 12, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
^. Archived from the original on July 12, 2011. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
^"The Red, White, Green and Vanilla Husker Spring Game". from the original on April 28, 2009. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
^"2008 Husker Honors". from the original on January 2, 2010. Retrieved May 25, 2009.
January 01, 1970
2008, nebraska, cornhuskers, football, team, represented, university, nebraska, lincoln, 2008, ncaa, division, football, season, team, coached, pelini, played, their, home, games, memorial, stadium, lincoln, nebraska, 2008, nebraska, cornhuskers, footballbig, . The 2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska Lincoln in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season The team was coached by Bo Pelini and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln Nebraska 2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers footballBig 12 North Division co championGator Bowl championGator Bowl W 26 21 vs ClemsonConferenceBig 12 ConferenceDivisionNorth DivisionRecord9 4 5 3 Big 12 Head coachBo Pelini 1st season Offensive coordinatorShawn Watson 2nd season Offensive schemeSpreadDefensive coordinatorCarl Pelini 1st season Base defense4 2Home stadiumMemorial StadiumSeasons 20072009 2008 Big 12 Conference football standings vte Conf Overall Team W L W L North Division No 19 Missouri xy 5 3 10 4 Nebraska x 5 3 9 4 Kansas 4 4 8 5 Colorado 2 6 5 7 Kansas State 2 6 5 7 Iowa State 0 8 2 10 South Division No 5 Oklahoma xy 7 1 12 2 No 4 Texas x 7 1 12 1 No 12 Texas Tech x 7 1 11 2 No 16 Oklahoma State 5 3 9 4 Baylor 2 6 4 8 Texas A amp M 2 6 4 8 Championship Oklahoma 62 Missouri 21 BCS representative as conference champion BCS at large representativex Division champion co championsy Championship game participantRankings from AP Poll Contents 1 Before the season 2 Schedule 3 Roster and coaching staff 4 Game summaries 4 1 Western Michigan 4 2 San Jose State 4 3 New Mexico State 4 4 Virginia Tech 4 5 Missouri 4 6 Texas Tech 4 7 Iowa State 4 8 Baylor 4 9 Oklahoma 4 10 Kansas 4 11 Kansas State 4 12 Colorado 4 13 Clemson 5 Rankings 6 Statistics 6 1 Team 7 After the season 7 1 Awards 8 Draft picks signees or other future professional players 9 ReferencesBefore the season editPelini returned to Nebraska as Head Coach after a previous one year stint as Defensive Coordinator for Nebraska in 2003 1 At the conclusion of the 2003 season Pelini was appointed as Interim Head Coach 2 following the firing of Frank Solich for Nebraska s appearance in the Alamo Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans a contest in which Nebraska triumphed 17 3 3 leaving Nebraska with a final AP Poll ranking of 19 and Coaches Poll ranking of 18 Despite this performance and significant fan support Pelini was passed over as Solich s permanent replacement in favor of Bill Callahan During Pelini s absence from Nebraska he served as co defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2004 and Defensive Coordinator for the LSU Tigers for 2005 2007 4 prior to his return to Nebraska following the dismissal of Callahan Schedule editDateTimeOpponentSiteTVResultAttendanceAugust 306 00 pmWestern Michigan Memorial StadiumLincoln NebraskaFSN PPVW 47 2484 485 September 611 30 amSan Jose State Memorial StadiumLincoln NebraskaFSN PPVW 35 1284 146 September 136 00 pmNew Mexico State Memorial StadiumLincoln NebraskaFSN PPVW 38 784 821 September 277 00 pmVirginia Tech Memorial StadiumLincoln NebraskaABCL 30 3585 831 October 48 00 pmNo 4 Missouri nbsp Memorial StadiumLincoln Nebraska rivalry ESPNL 17 5285 372 October 112 00 pmat No 7 Texas TechJones AT amp T StadiumLubbock TexasFSNL 31 37 OT53 449 October 1811 30 amat Iowa StateJack Trice StadiumAmes IowaVersusW 35 748 794 October 2511 30 amBaylorMemorial StadiumLincoln NebraskaVersusW 32 2085 104 November 17 00 pmat No 4 OklahomaGaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial StadiumNorman Oklahoma rivalry ESPNL 28 6285 212 November 81 30 pmKansasMemorial StadiumLincoln Nebraska rivalry FSN PPVW 45 3585 486 November 152 35 pmat Kansas StateBill Snyder Family Football StadiumManhattan Kansas rivalry FSN PPVW 56 2848 444 November 282 30 pmColoradoMemorial StadiumLincoln Nebraska rivalry ABCW 40 3185 319 January 112 00 pmvs Clemson Jacksonville Municipal StadiumJacksonville Florida Gator Bowl CBSW 26 2167 282 Non conference game nbsp HomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Central time 5 Roster and coaching staff edit2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team roster Players Coaches Offense Pos Name Class OL 66 Cruz Barrett So TE 83 Damon Bechtold Fr WR 1 Chris Brooks Jr WR 82 Wes Cammack Jr OL 58 Mike Caputo RFr IB 19 Quentin Castille So OL 77 Seung Hoon Choi Fr OL 62 Andy Christensen Sr WR 6 Khiry Cooper Fr TE 81 Ben Cotton Fr QB 15 Beau Davis Sr WR 46 Taylor Dixon Fr QB 16 Jim Ebke So QB 12 Joe Ganz C Sr FB 41 Aaron Gillaspie So WR 11 Curenski Gilleylen RFr FB 30 Mike Hays RFr IB 10 Roy Helu Jr So OL 74 Ricky Henry Jr WR 8 Will Henry So TE 47 Tyson Hetzer Jr OL 67 Jacob Hickman Jr TE 80 Ryan Hill RFr WR 18 Menelik Holt Jr OL 61 Mike Huff Sr WR 85 KC Hyland Fr OL 69 Cory Iske Fr IB 28 Austin Jones RFr OL 73 D J Jones So OL 78 Marcel Jones RFr FB 36 Thomas Lawson Sr QB 3 Zac Lee So FB 48 Tyler Legate RFr WR 9 Ben Lester RFr IB 5 Marlon Lucky Sr WR 21 Tim Marlowe Fr TE 88 Jay Martin RFr OL 71 Mike Masin RFr TE 44 Mike McNeill So OL 54 Max McShane Fr IB 32 Marcus Mendoza RFr OL 63 Derek Meyer Sr OL 76 Lydon Murtha Sr IB 29 Collins Okafor Fr WR 26 Steven Osborne Fr WR 24 Niles Paul So WR 17 Todd Peterson Sr TE 25 Kyler Reed Fr QB 18 Zach Ruiz Fr OL 70 Matt Slauson Sr OL 65 Mike Smith So QB 7 Kody Spano Fr WR 87 Nate Swift C Sr TE 89 Hunter Teafatiller Sr OL 79 Brandon Thompson Fr FB 37 Kevin Thomsen RFr OL 59 Brian Thorson Fr RB 25 Jeremy Wallace Fr IB 14 Lester Ward Fr OL 68 Keith Williams So QB 2 Patrick Witt RFr TE 49 Dreu Young So Defense Pos Name Class DE 95 Pierre Allen So CB 21 Prince Amukamara So DE 70 Kenny Anderson Fr S 4 Larry Asante Jr DT 56 Shukree Barfield Sr DB 39 Justin Blatchford Fr CB 14 Anthony Blue So LB 42 Joseph Camarata Fr S 8 Austin Cassidy RFr LB 51 Will Compton Fr DE 31 Nick Covey Jr DT 94 Jared Crick RFr S 2 Major Culbert Jr DB 20 Jase Dean Fr DB 15 Alfonzo Dennard Fr LB 52 Phillip Dillard Jr DE 92 Tyrone Fahie So LB 42 Sean Fisher Fr LB 49 Tanner Foxhoven Fr DE 39 Dan Glassman So LB 34 Cody Glenn Sr LB 41 Thomas Grove So CB 28 Eric Hagg So DE 80 David Harvey Jr LB 35 Matt Holt Fr DL 58 Justin Jackson Fr DE 85 Faron Klingelhoefer Fr LB 54 Colton Koehler Jr LB 44 Micah Kreikemeier Fr LB 40 Blake Lawrence So DB 16 John Levorson Fr DE 75 Luke Lingenfelter RFr LB 61 Matt Manninger Fr DT 63 Ben Martin So S 36 Mathew May RFr LB 62 Mychael McClure Fr LB 65 Colin McDermott Fr DE 66 Conor McDermott Fr LB 67 Sam Meginnis Fr DE 96 Cameron Meredith Fr DL 68 Josh Molek Fr DT 90 Terrence Moore RFr FS 43 Brent Moravec Fr CB 6 Armando Murillo Sr S 33 Matt O Hanlon Jr DB 12 Courtney Osborne Fr DE 98 Zach Potter C Sr DB 11 Justin Rogers Fr DE 89 Jonathon Santin RFr DE 88 Clayton Sievers Sr LB 48 Marcus Smith Fr DB 13 P J Smith Fr LB 9 Austin Stafford RFr DL 55 Baker Steinkuhler Fr DT 43 Ty Steinkuhler C Sr LB 71 Graham Stoddard Fr DT 93 Ndamukong Suh Jr CB 18 Shawn Sullivan RFr S 3 Rickey Thenarse Jr CB 23 Lance Thorell RFr DL 50 Quentin Toailoa Fr DE 99 Barry Turner Sr DB 22 Mason Wald Fr LB 7 Latravis Washington So S 24 Adam Watson So CB 5 Anthony West So LB 45 Alonzo Whaley Fr DE 17 Josh Williams Fr LB 53 Tyler Wortman Sr DE 47 William Yancy RFr Special teams Pos Name Class LS 56 Justin Baumgartner Sr P PK 27 Jon Damkroger So PK 90 Alex Henery So PK 20 Adi Kunalic So P PK 96 Brett Maher Fr LS 82 T J O Leary Sr LS 33 David Pillen Fr P 97 Dan Titchener Sr PK 37 Jake Wesch Sr Head coach Bo Pelini 1st season 2nd year at Nebraska Alma mater Ohio State Coordinators assistant coaches Shawn Watson 2nd season as OC QB coach 3rd year at Nebraska Alma mater Southern Illinois Carl Pelini 1st season as DC DL coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Youngstown State Tim Beck 1st season as RB coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Central Florida Ron Brown 1st season as TE coach 18th year at Nebraska Alma mater Brown Barney Cotton 1st season as AHC OL coach 2nd year at Nebraska Alma mater Nebraska Mike Ekeler 1st season as LB coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Kansas State Ted Gilmore 1st season as AHC Rec coach 4th year at Nebraska Alma mater Wyoming John Papuchis 1st season as DE ST coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Virginia Tech Marvin Sanders 1st season as Sec coach 2nd year at Nebraska Alma mater Nebraska James Dobson 1st season as S amp C coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Wisconsin Curt Baldus 1st season as GA coach 2nd year at Nebraska Alma mater St Cloud State Ross Watson 1st season as GA coach 1st year at Nebraska Alma mater Mount Union Legend C Team captain S Suspended I Ineligible nbsp Injured nbsp Redshirt Roster Defense NICKEL Eric Hagg Matt Holt FS Matt O Hanlon Rickey Thenarse Matthew May WILL MIKE Tyler Wortman Cody Glenn Colton Koehler Phillip Dillard Blake Lawrence SS Larry Asante Major Culbert CB Anthony West Lance Thorell Prince Amukamara DE DT DT DE Pierre Allen Ndamukong Suh Ty Steinkuhler Zach Pottor Shukree Barfield Terrence Moore Jared Crick Clayton Sievers CB Armando Murillo Alfonzo Dennard Offense WR Nate Swift Menelik Holt LT LG C RG RT Mike Smith Keith Williams Jacob Hickman Matt Slauson Lydon Murtha Jaivorio Burkes Mike Huff Mike Caputo D J Jones Marcel Jones TE Mike McNeil Dreu Young WR Todd Peterson Niles Paul QB Joe Ganz Patrick Witt RB Marlon Lucky Roy Helu Quentin Castille FB Thomas Lawson Hunter Teafatiller Special teams PK Alex Henry P Dan Titchener KR Niles Paul PR Nate Swift LS Game summaries editWestern Michigan edit Western Michigan at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalWestern Michigan 0 1077 24 Nebraska 14 20103 47 Date August 30Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 6 00 p m CSTGame attendance 84 485TV announcers FSN PPV Ron Thulin Play by play Rich Baldinger Color amp Stacy Paetz Sideline Nebraska opened the season with expectations below average after finishing 5 7 in 2007 However there was a buzz in the air as first year head coach Bo Pelini returned to Lincoln to improve a maligned defense and to re energize the program Nebraska played very well as the defense seemed much improved from 2007 LB Cody Glenn was the bright spot on defense and seemed to be in on almost every play The offense continued to be as productive as usual with Joe Ganz at quarterback en route to a 47 24 win San Jose State edit San Jose State at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalSan Jose State 6 303 12 Nebraska 14 0021 35 Date September 6Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 11 30 a m CSTGame attendance 84 146TV announcers FSN PPV Ron Thulin Play by play Dave Lapham Color amp Joel Goldberg Sideline nbsp The Husker spirit groups on the field Nebraska came into its second game of the year with a little more certainty San Jose State quickly put a stop to that The Spartans marched all over Nebraska s defense on the first drive with Kyle Reed scoring on a 12 yard run Nebraska scored two touchdowns to recapture the lead going into the second quarter The game turned mostly defensive with San Jose State scoring field goals in the second and fourth quarters After San Jose State s field goal in the fourth quarter Niles Paul returned the kickoff 85 yards for a Nebraska touchdown The return sparked the Cornhuskers as they scored three more touchdowns sealing the game New Mexico State edit New Mexico State at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalNew Mexico State 0 007 7 Nebraska 7 14143 38 Date September 13Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 6 00 p m CSTGame attendance 84 821TV announcers FSN PPV Ron Thulin Play by play amp Matt Davison Color Nebraska entering the game 2 0 felt confident going against the New Mexico State Aggies who were playing their first game of the season On their second drive the Aggies went down the field with ease only to have their field goal kick blocked by Zach Potter Nebraska s offense finally looked like it came together scoring 35 points The scoring included Marlon Lucky taking a toss and throwing it downfield to quarterback Joe Ganz and then Ganz running 33 yards on an option play Virginia Tech edit Virginia Tech at Nebraska box score 1 234Total Virginia Tech 9 9107 35Nebraska 7 3713 30 Date September 27Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 7 00 p m CSTGame attendance 85 831TV announcers ABC Sean McDonough Play by play Chris Spielman Color amp Erin Andrews Sideline Nebraska 3 0 headed into the Virginia Tech game looking for a win over a ranked team in the first year of Bo Pelini s first year Virginia Tech got on the board first blocking a Dan Titchner punt for a safety The Hokies controlled the game for most of the night until senior Nate Swift returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter The Cornhuskers needed a big defensive stop and seemed to have got it on a 3rd down run by Tyrod Taylor Taylor was tackled out of bounds but Nebraska defense tackle Ndamukong Suh appeared to have leaped on top of Taylor prompting an official to throw a flag for a late hit Bo Pelini obviously upset berated the official about the call until the official threw another flag for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Coach Pelini The penalties put Virginia Tech near the end zone and continued the Hokies drive which resulted in Taylor scoring a touchdown to ice the game Missouri edit Missouri at Nebraska box score 1 234Total Missouri 14 17210 52Nebraska 7 307 17 Date October 4Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 8 00 p m CSTGame attendance 85 372TV announcers ESPN Sean McDonough Play by play Chris Spielman Color amp Rob Stone Sideline Missouri came into this game having not won in Lincoln since 1978 That streak was broken as Missouri won by a wide margin scoring in bunches After a close first quarter which saw Nebraska tie the game the Tigers pulled away building a three touchdown halftime lead The Cornhuskers were set back by 14 penalties for 101 yards Tigers on the other hand were not forced to punt in the game Nebraska managed to make the final score a little more respectable with a late touchdown and by stopping Missouri on fourth down earlier in the quarter Texas Tech edit Nebraska at Texas Tech box score 1 234OTTotalNebraska 0 73210 31 Texas Tech 7 10776 37 Date October 11Location Jones AT amp T Stadium Lubbock TexasGame start 2 00 p m CSTGame attendance 53 449TV announcers FSN Joel Meyers Play by play Gary Reasons Color amp Jim Knox Sideline After being routed by Missouri Nebraska was expecting more of the same against Texas Tech Instead they found themselves in the midst of a battle Todd Peterson caught a touchdown pass with 29 left to tie the game at 31 forcing it into overtime In overtime the Red Raiders scored a touchdown but had their extra point blocked opening the door for Nebraska to win However on 2nd down Joe Ganz pass was intercepted by cornerback Jamar Wall ending the game This was Nebraska s first overtime loss in school history Iowa State edit Nebraska at Iowa State box score 1 234Total Nebraska 7 14014 35Iowa State 0 070 7 Date October 18 2008Location Jack Trice Stadium Ames IowaGame start 11 30 a m CSTGame attendance 48 794TV announcers Versus Ron Thulin play by play Glenn Parker color amp Lindsay Soto sideline Playing Iowa State was the trick for Nebraska to solve their three game losing streak Nebraska roared to a 21 0 lead at halftime Iowa State stifled Nebraska s offense for the third quarter and scored a touchdown of their own but going into the fourth Nebraska took back momentum scoring twice to finish off the Cyclones Baylor edit Baylor at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalBaylor 14 600 20 Nebraska 7 1078 32 Date October 25Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 11 30 a m CSTGame attendance 85 104TV announcers Versus Ron Thulin Play by play Kelly Stouffer Color amp Lewis Johnson Sideline Nebraska let Baylor jump on them for a 20 17 lead going into the half Nebraska came back from a halftime deficit for the first time since 2003 scoring 15 points in the third and fourth quarters including a safety and a 9 yard touchdown catch by Nate Swift a catch that broke Johnny Rodgers record for career catches Oklahoma edit Nebraska at Oklahoma box score 1 234TotalNebraska 0 1477 28 Oklahoma 35 14130 62 Date November 1Location Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium Norman OklahomaGame start 7 00 p m CSTGame attendance 85 212TV announcers ESPN Mike Patrick Play by play Todd Blackledge Color amp Holly Rowe Sideline Nebraska ran into an offensive explosion in Norman and in a matter of minutes was down 35 0 Three first quarter turnovers doomed the Cornhuskers as Oklahoma capitalized on all of them Nebraska fought through the circumstances to put up a respectable 28 points as the Cornhuskers looked to regroup Kansas edit Kansas at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalKansas 7 7714 35 Nebraska 7 71021 45 Date November 8Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 1 30 p m CSTGame attendance 85 486TV announcers FSN PPV Dan McLaughlin Play by play Matt Davison Color amp Stacy Paetz Sideline Nebraska vowed the start of a new season heading into this game one that consisted of three games Needing only one win to become bowl eligible Nebraska played exceptional on a frigid day in Lincoln Nebraska and Kansas went blow for blow until the fourth quarter when a 52 yard touchdown run by Roy Helu Jr and a 2 yard touchdown catch by Ndamukong Suh opened up the game for Nebraska Kansas State edit Nebraska at Kansas State box score 1 234Total Nebraska 14 21021 56Kansas State 7 777 28 Date November 15Location Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium Manhattan KansasGame start 2 35 p m CSTGame attendance 48 444TV announcers FSN PPV Dan McLaughlin Play by play Rich Baldinger Color amp Joel Goldberg Sideline Nebraska felt confident heading into Manhattan against Kansas State as lame duck coach Ron Prince had never beaten them nor had former Nebraska commit Josh Freeman Also Nebraska s defense got their blackshirts back for the first time this season Nebraska made a crucial mistake early allowing a 57 yard interception return for a touchdown Barring that play and a long touchdown pass by Freeman Nebraska played sparkling defense in the first half Kansas State scored only twice more one on a methodical drive by backup Carson Coffmann and a kickoff return by Brandon Banks Colorado edit Colorado at Nebraska box score 1 234TotalColorado 14 1070 31 Nebraska 14 10313 40 Date November 28Location Memorial Stadium Lincoln NebraskaGame start 2 30 p m CSTGame attendance 85 319TV announcers ABC Ron Franklin Play by play Ed Cunningham Color amp Jack Arute Sideline Colorado came into this game fighting for bowl eligibility at 5 6 Nebraska had already secured a spot in a bowl game but a win would help improve where they would be headed Colorado would have none of it taking an early 14 0 lead Nebraska came back taking a 24 17 edge and was looking to add on going into the half On a fake field goal play holder Jake Wesch was supposed to flip it over his head and kicker Alex Henery was supposed to catch it and throw it a play that was made against Kansas This time Colorado s Jimmy Smith picked off the flip in mid air and returned it 58 yards to tie the game Late in the fourth quarter Nebraska trailed 31 30 and had the ball deep in the Buffalo s territory when Patrick Mahnke sacked Joe Ganz for a 15 yard loss setting up a 4th amp 25 It looked like Nebraska was out of Alex Henery s field goal range with the kick being 57 yards Bo Pelini sent his kicker out anyway after Henery told him he could do it With 1 55 left he kicked the 57 yarder giving Nebraska the 33 31 lead On Colorado s next drive Cody Hawkins pass was deflected by Zach Potter and intercepted by Ndamukong Suh who stiff armed Hawkins and rumbled 30 yards for a touchdown icing the game at 40 31 and sending Colorado home with no bowl Nebraska finished the regular season 8 4 and Big 12 North Co Division Champions with Missouri Clemson edit Nebraska vs Clemson box score 1 234Total Nebraska 0 3203 26Clemson 0 1470 21 Date January 1Location Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Jacksonville FloridaGame start 12 00 p m CSTGame attendance 67 282TV announcers CBS Craig Bolerjack Play by play Steve Beuerlein Color amp Dan Fouts Color nbsp The 2009 Gator Bowl in the fourth quarter Nebraska defeated Clemson in a come from behind 26 21 finish at the 2009 Gator Bowl on January 1 2009 All 21 of Clemson s points came following Nebraska turnovers The outcome remained in doubt until the end as Clemson marched from their own 23 to the Nebraska 10 With 1st and goal to go and about two minutes remaining on the clock the Blackshirts made their stand resulting in a 16 yard sack and three Clemson incomplete passes to seal the game The game was played only days after head coach Bo Pelini and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini returned from their father s funeral in Ohio Rankings editSee also 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings Ranking movementsLegend Not rankedWeekPollPre1234567891011121314FinalAP Coaches HarrisNot released Not releasedBCSNot released Not releasedStatistics editTeam edit Nebraska Opponent Total scoring 460 365 Points per game 35 28 Total 1st quarter scoring 98 113 Total 2nd quarter scoring 126 107 Total 3rd quarter scoring 81 93 Total 4th quarter scoring 155 52 Total overtime scoring 0 6 First downs 295 228 Rushing first downs 113 85 Passing first downs 171 115 Penalty first downs 11 28 Rushing yards 2210 1540 Rushing attempts 487 420 Yards per rush 5 4 Rushing touchdowns 27 24 Net rushing yards gained 2512 1921 Net rushing yards lost 302 381 Passing yards 3650 3008 Passing completions 294 220 Passing attempts 432 383 Interceptions 11 12 Yards per pass attempt 8 8 Yards per pass completion 12 14 Passing touchdowns 27 19 Total yards offense 5860 4548 Total plays offense 919 803 Average offensive yards per play 6 6 Fumbles lost 32 18 17 5 Penalties yards 94 800 64 477 Nebraska Opponent Punts yards 48 1850 66 2544 Average yards per punt 39 39 Average net yards per punt 32 32 Punts inside 20 yard line 14 18 Punts over 50 yards 4 9 Punt touchbacks 5 4 Punt fair catches 6 9 Kickoffs yards 88 5613 71 4435 Average yards per kickoff 64 62 Average net yards per kickoff 42 42 Kickoff touchbacks 29 10 Punt returns yards TDs 31 376 1 22 208 0 Average net punt return yards 12 9 Kickoff returns yards TDs 58 1245 1 58 1383 1 Average net kickoff return yards 21 24 Interceptions yards TDs 12 202 2 11 249 3 Fumble recoveries yards TDs 2 14 0 5 150 2 Average total time of possession 34 01 25 59 Average 1Q time of possession 08 49 06 11 Average 2Q time of possession 08 40 06 20 Average 3Q time of possession 08 35 06 25 Average 4Q time of possession 07 57 07 03 3rd down conversions attempts 84 178 57 169 4th down conversions attempts 5 13 10 21 Scored from red zone attempts 54 62 37 49 Sacks yards 35 272 21 128 Average yards per sack 8 6 PATs attempts 56 57 45 49 FGs attempts 18 21 10 17 Longest rush 58 67 Longest pass 69 68 Longest punt 58 69 Longest field goal 57 48After the season editThe reputation of the Blackshirts whose trademark black jerseys quietly disappeared during the disappointing 5 7 2 6 2007 season was restored with emphasis during 2008 as the coveted black jerseys were once again distributed to defensive starters on November 11 6 following a key emotional win over the Kansas Jayhawks The season concluded January 1 2009 with a come from behind 26 21 7 Nebraska victory over the Clemson Tigers in the 2009 Gator Bowl Nebraska finished as co division Champions of the Big 12 North Division with a final record of 9 4 5 3 Head Coach Bo Pelini s overall career record improved to 10 4 714 5 3 in conference and 2 0 in bowl games Pelini s 2008 regular season record of 9 4 was the highest among all 28 Division 1A teams with new head coaches and staffs that year 8 Awards edit 9 Award Name s All American honorable mention Ndamukong Suh All Big 12 1st team Ndamukong Suh Matt Slauson Nate Swift All Big 12 2nd team Alex Henery All Big 12 honorable mention Larry Asante Roy Helu Jr Jacob Hickman Lydon Murtha Nate Swift Zach Potter Ty Steinkuhler All Bowl team Ndamukong SuhDraft picks signees or other future professional players editPrince Amukamara 2011 1st round pick of the New York Giants Larry Asante 2010 4th round pick of the Cleveland Browns Chris Brooks 2010 free agent signee of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Phillip Dillard 2010 4th round pick of the New York Giants Joe Ganz 2009 free agent signee of Washington Redskins Cody Glenn 2009 5th round pick of the Washington Redskins Eric Hagg 2011 7th round pick of the Cleveland Browns Roy Helu 2011 4th round pick of the Washington Redskins Alex Henery 2011 4th round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles Ricky Henry 2011 UFL 1st round pick of the Hartford Colonials D J Jones 2011 UFL 6th round pick of the Omaha Nighthawks Marlon Lucky 2009 free agent signee of Cincinnati Bengals Lydon Murtha 2009 7th round pick of the Miami Dolphins Matt O Hanlon 2010 free agent signee of Carolina Panthers Niles Paul 2011 5th round pick of the Washington Redskins Todd Peterson 2009 free agent signee of Jacksonville Jaguars Zach Potter 2009 free agent signee of New York Jets Matt Slauson 2009 6th round pick of the New York Jets Mike Smith 2011 UFL 5th round pick of the Omaha Nighthawks Ty Steinkuhler 2009 free agent signee of New York Jets Ndamukong Suh 2010 1st round pick of the Detroit Lions Nate Swift 2009 free agent signee of Denver Broncos Barry Turner 2010 free agent signee of Detroit Lions Keith Williams 2011 6th round pick of the Pittsburgh SteelersReferences edit Merrill Elizabeth January 13 2003 Huskers Show Off Staff Omaha World Herald Archived from the original on January 31 2008 Retrieved January 6 2008 Kaipust Rich December 1 2003 Pelini Is Interim Coach Ready for Challenge Omaha World Herald Archived from the original on January 24 2008 Retrieved July 7 2008 Nebraska vs Michigan State 2003 HuskerMax Nebraska Football Coach Profile Bo Pelini Football 2008 Schedule Results University of Nebraska Lincoln Department of Athletics Retrieved July 7 2008 The Blackshirts Are Back Archived from the original on July 12 2011 Retrieved May 25 2009 Blackshirts help Nebraska beat Clemson Archived from the original on July 12 2011 Retrieved May 25 2009 The Red White Green and Vanilla Husker Spring Game Archived from the original on April 28 2009 Retrieved May 25 2009 2008 Husker Honors Archived from the original on January 2 2010 Retrieved May 25 2009 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title 2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team amp oldid 1221239650, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
