Shatel: Under construction, literal and metaphorical, Nebraska football offers welcome surprise
If there’s a defensive player — or players — who elevate their game to a place we haven’t seen, that’s a welcome surprise.
» Not much is known, or expected, from special teams coaches Brett Maher or Nick Humphrey. What if their unit makes positive plays that win games?
Of course, you can’t predict the surprise. That’s why it’s a surprise.
While it may not happen in Game 1, it could show its face by the fifth game Oct. 3. Or maybe one of the big opponent games will inspire someone(s) to drop out of the sky and plug in this season.
I’ve never been around a Nebraska football season with lower expectations. That’s usually when a surprise shows up.
I know a program and fanbase that could really use one.
Frank Solich is red and green
When you think of Frank Solich, do you think of Nebraska or Ohio?
The correct answer is both. Solich made his mark at both places, though he wouldn’t be in the College Football Hall of Fame without Ohio.
It’s so cool that he is totally at peace with his career. He should be. He impacted two places. That’s rare.
Husker season opener flashbacks
There have been some interesting Nebraska season openers and overall seasons that ended with a six:
1976: Nebraska tied LSU 6-6. That was the only time the Huskers played in Baton Rouge.
1986: Nebraska beat Florida State 34-17 in a home opener in which 60 Huskers initially suspended by the NCAA for improper use of game passes were allowed to play by a three-person NCAA subcommittee.