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Thread: The Nebraska State Prairie Dogs: A Continuing NCAA Dynasty

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  1. #1

    The Nebraska State Prairie Dogs: A Continuing NCAA Dynasty



    The journey to place another Division I-A football team in central Nebraska would come with little fanfare. But after 100 years, no one could have predicted that the trek would lead to one of the most storied programs in the NCAA history. Nine national championships, with the last coming just a couple of seasons ago, multiple Heisman Trophy winners, countless All-Americans and a story that only dreams could have imagined. The Nebraska State University Prairie Dogs have burrowed their way into football history and into the hearts of fans and alumni as well.

    I’m Digger Callaway, the “Voice of the Prairie Dogs”, and please join me in this retrospect as we celebrate over 100+ seasons of NSU football. From the humble beginnings as a team of Nebraska villages to the mighty empire with national appeal that stands today, the journey will tell the tale of a football program that wouldn’t be denied.
    Last edited by HuskerBlitz; 07-20-2010 at 01:14 AM.

  2. #2


    Early Beginnings
    The dream started in tiny Minden, Nebraska, back in the fall of 1999. The state had historically only had one major football program, the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers in the state capital of Lincoln. The Cornhuskers were one of the top programs in the nation and continues to be today. But a select group believed that the state could hold two major football programs. Positioning the school in the middle of the state, it was believed that a home base could be established off of the population of the nearby cities of Kearney, Grand Island and Hastings, not to mention all the smaller towns that dotted the area. The �Tri Cities� was a central hub that served mostly rural residents of Nebraska and northern Kansas. But what the area lacked was a major university. That changed with the adoption of the Nebraska State University that absorbed a smaller Division II university of the area, the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Because of the new mission statement, it was decided that the school would hold no ties to the smaller UNK�s history, thus providing a fresh start.

    With the name selected, thoughts immediately turned to athletics. The school wanted a unique identity that held strong to local ties and interests. Several names emerged in the process, including Pioneers, Cougars, Buffaloes, and Trailblazers among some others. But none won the imagination of potential fans. One name that came out during the process provided the historical link to the area and a decisive uniqueness that appealed to the fans. It was decided that Prairie Dogs would be the name chosen for the university�s athletic teams.

    School colors would be one of the few reminiscent items held over from the now defunct UNK Lopers�the color blue. Not the royal blue of the old school, but a light blue that matched the overhead skies of Nebraska. A new color dubbed Prairie Dog Blue emerged and was an immediate hit with locals. The secondary color was selected as white. Navy blue didn�t become an official school color until several years later; however it was used as an accent color to highlight the Prairie Dog Blue.

    With the name and colors taken care off, attention then turned to where the Prairie Dogs would play their home games. Cope stadium, used by the Lopers, seated less than 10,000 fans. Through several private investors and a bond issue, a new stadium with a 40,000 seating capacity was started almost at once on the eastern edge of Kearney. The stadium was intended to be a horseshoe-style field with the south end open, save for a small amount of seating directly behind the end zone. Later with expansion, the stadium was developed into a bowl-shaped sports ground that holds its current capacity of 72,799. The name of the stadium was based off of the children of the founder of the university and thus Ab-Linc Stadium became the home of the NSU Prairie Dogs.

    During the same time span, NSU had an almost secret courtship with local collegiate coach, John Edwards. Edwards had been very successful, however few larger schools even considered the young coach for their openings. In a short briefing, NSU announced the hiring of Edwards who in turn announced his staff of other small college coaches. The hiring was a stroke of luck for the new university and a coaching legend began his quest into immortality.

    With a coach in hand and while prepping the school for a place to play, players were also in desperate need. Thanks to an allowance from the NCAA, Division I-AA, Division II and Division III players could transfer in at no penalty. Several local kids took the opportunity to play in I-A and left their smaller schools for the bright lights of Ab-Linc. This would prove to be a major benefit to the team as it started its journey into the world of major college football.

    Slowly, the Prairie Dogs� first schedule took shape. It had received preliminary acceptance into the Mountain West conference if certain requirements such as minimum attendance was met. The first two seasons were spent as an independent until formal conference play began in Season 3.

    With limited time, NSU began piecing together teams based on open dates. The first game was set and the Nebraska State Prairie Dogs would open its collegiate football program against Buffalo University at Ab-Linc Stadium.

  3. #3



    The first two seasons of NSU football began as an independent. The Prairie Dogs opened Season 1 with a home contest against the University of Buffalo. In a low-scoring affair, Buffalo denied NSU of its first win on its home field with a tough 14-10 loss. The Prairie Dogs didn’t have to wait long for the first win as a late field goal upset Mississippi State in Starksville 10-7. The first win in Ab-Linc came in the team’s third try, defeating I-AA East 31-14. The season highlight was putting a scare into Arkansas before the Razorbacks came away with the 26-15 win. The season closed with 20-5 win over I-AA East that left NSU 4-7 on the season, but just two wins over I-A competition.

    Code:
    Final Record: 4-7, ind.
    Final Ranking: NR
    WK  Opponent                                Result         
    1   Buffalo                                 L 14-10                         
    2   @ Mississippi State                     W 10-7                          
    3   1AA Northwest                           L 28-22                         
    4   @ UL Lafayette                          L 15-8                          
    5   1AA East                                W 31-14                         
    6   @ Arkansas                              L 26-15                         
    7   @ Louisiana Tech                        L 28-24                         
    8   @ UL Monroe                             W 31-21                         
    9   1AA East                                L 14-3                          
    10  Central Florida                         L 34-23                         
    11  1AA East                                W 20-5


    [FONT="]Season 2 showed what experience can do as the Prairie Dogs bolted out of the gates with the team’s first shut out in a 27-0 win at Prairie View A&M. But it was Week 2 that showed that Nebraska State was a program that was going to make some noise. Facing a ranked Oklahoma Sooner squad, NSU clawed and fought for four tough quarters before falling to the Sooners, 17-14. Oklahoma would finish the season ranked #18 in the nation. NSU also tasted its first overtime contest, prevailing over UNLV 31-28 over the Rebels in Las Vegas. But the real season highlight would come late in the season. After securing a 24-14 win over Bowling Green, the Prairie Dogs earned an invitation to the Independence Bowl for its 8-3 record. Unfortunately, the powers-that-be pit NSU against the same Falcon team it defeated in the regular season finale. This time Bowling Green would hold off a late rally from NSU to ruin the Prairie Dog’s first bowl trip 21-28[/FONT]
    Code:
    Final Record: 8-4, ind
    Final Ranking: NR
    WK  Opponent                                Result            
    1   @ Prairie View A&M                      W 27-0                          
    2   #18 Oklahoma                            L 17-14                         
    3   Boise State                             W 24-14                         
    4   @ Wyoming                               L 31-27                         
    5   Rutgers                                 L 32-25                         
    6   @ UNLV                                  W 31-28                         
    7   @ Western Michigan                      W 17-14                         
    8   Iowa                                    W 27-24                         
    9   @ Alabama A&M                           W 48-19                         
    10  @ San Jose State                        W 21-20                         
    11  @ Bowling Green                         W 24-14   
    12  Bowling Green                           L 28-21   Independence Bowl


    Season 3 was a new beginning of sorts you could say. NSU officially started Mountain West Conference play with much more success than anyone could have possibly imagined. In its first official MWC game, the Prairie Dogs ripped Air Force 44-27. The Falcons would end the season 9-3 and ranked #17 in the nation. Not to be outdone, NSU barreled over Colorado State 56-14, a team picked to win the conference title. The Rams finished 10-2 on the season. The Prairie Dogs would win its first four league contests but a rude welcome from BYU sent the Prairie Dogs to second place with a 37-18 win in Ab-Linc. NSU would rebound and win its remaining contests, including picking up the first bowl win in school history with a 22-20 win over Syracuse in the Motor City Bowl and close out the season 11-2 and it first national ranking at #16.

    Code:
    Final Record: 11-2, 6-1 MWC
    Final Ranking: #16
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Nebraska-Omaha                        W 13-9                          
    2   Nebraska A&M                            W 56-10                         
    3   @ Illinois                              L 40-26                         
    4   @ USC                                   W 35-32                         
    5   @ Kansas                                W 26-23                         
    6   #17 Air Force                           W 44-27                         
    7   New Mexico                              W 45-17                         
    8   @ #19 Colorado State                    W 56-14                         
    9   @ Utah                                  W 38-37                         
    10  #7 Brigham Young                        L 37-18                         
    11  @ UNLV                                  W 56-22                         
    12  Wyoming                                 W 23-7                          
    13  Syracuse                                W 22-20              Motor City Bowl


    Season 4 was highlighted by a surprise winner in the Heisman voting. NSU’s Schoenrock was award the coveted trophy after rushing for 2,138 yards for a Prairie Dog team that fell backwards to 6-6.

    Code:
    Final Record: 6-6, 5-2 MWC
    Final Ranking: NR
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #23 Texas                             L 56-24                         
    2   Nebraska A&M                            W 49-44                         
    3   #13 Michigan                            L 66-29                         
    4   @ Vanderbilt                            L 59-23                         
    5   @ Air Force                             W 48-13                         
    6   @ UNLV                                  L 42-38                         
    7   Colorado State                          W 26-21                         
    8   @ #14 Brigham Young                     L 53-44                         
    9   Utah                                    W 38-35                         
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 70-17                         
    11  Wyoming                                 W 46-28                         
    12  Auburn                                      L 57-50              Independence Bowl
    NSU would fall backwards again the next season, finishing at 5-6, punctuated by a 76-14 thrashing at the hands of Ole Miss. The game stands as the worse defeat in team history.
    Code:
    Final Record: 5-6, 4-3 MWC
    Final Ranking: NR
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #2 Nebraska A&M                       L 35-31                         
    2   Brigham Young                           L 49-42                         
    3   San Jose State                          W 39-38                         
    4   @ #8 Florida                            L 35-9                          
    5   Air Force                               W 35-9                          
    6   @ New Mexico                            W 38-10                         
    7   @ UNLV                                  W 42-41                         
    8   Utah                                    L 49-41                         
    9   @ Ole Miss                              L 76-14                         
    10  @ Colorado State                        L 57-53                         
    11  @ Wyoming                               W 52-32                         

    Season 6 would see a reversal of fortune for the Prairie Dogs as NSU broke through with an 11-2 record and the team’s first Top 10 finish at #8. Damien Lord would establish himself as one of the best players in NSU history. The dual-threat senior quarterback burned the competition with 3,651 yards passing and another 883 yards rushing. Lord tossed 34 touchdown passes against just nine picks and scored eight touchdowns rushing. Lord won the Heisman for his performance and was the first Prairie Dog to have his jersey retired.

    Code:
    Final Record: 11-2, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #8
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   #17 Nebraska-Omaha                      W 38-19                         
    2   @ Air Force                             W 37-0                          
    3   @ SMU                                   L 47-36                         
    4   #10 Nebraska A&M                        W 39-36                         
    5   @ New Mexico                            W 39-20                         
    6   @ Brigham Young                         W 59-34                         
    7   @ North Carolina                        W 45-28                         
    8   @ #2 East Carolina                      L 48-19                         
    9   Colorado State                          W 27-21                         
    10  Utah                                    W 28-23                         
    11  UNLV                                    W 51-48                         
    12  Wyoming                                 W 58-13                         
    13  Southern Miss                           W 50-34             Liberty Bowl
    Report generated by AViD Dynasty Manager Copyright© 2004-2006

  4. #4




    Season 7 saw a new quarterback in Sanders filling in for the great, but graduated Damien Lord. Sanders wasn�t too shabby in his own right, throwing for over 2,600 yards with a 24-5 TD to INT ratio. But a second straight MWC title wasn�t in the cards as losses to BYU and Utah tarnished an otherwise grand season for the Prairie Dogs.
    Code:
     Final Record: 9-3, 5-2 MWC
    Final Ranking: #11
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Syracuse                              W 28-27 OT                      
    2   @ New Mexico                            W 38-31                         
    3   Fresno State                            W 31-17                         
    4   Air Force                               W 61-7                          
    5   @ UNLV                                  W 55-8                          
    6   Brigham Young                           L 35-30                         
    7   @ #24 Utah                              L 52-39                         
    8   Oklahoma State                          W 20-13                         
    9   @ Texas Tech                            W 24-21                         
    10  @ Colorado State                        W 24-21                         
    11  Wyoming                                 W 33-13                         
    12    
    16  Nebraska aTm                            L 24-17 EA Sports Bowl
    Season 8 got NSU back on track as the team ran through the conference slate with a perfect 7-0 record. But the highlight of the season came in Week 1 as the Prairie Dogs traveled east to face in-state rival Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. A packed house saw a high-scoring affair, but the eventual national champions proved to have too much firepower for NSU. Nebraska took the first-ever meeting 43-38 on their way to winning the school�s sixth national championship. The schedule didn�t get any easier for the Prairie Dogs as NSU fell to 0-2 to start the season with a 23-18 loss to eventual #4 UCLA. NSU ran off 11 consecutive wins to finish at 11-2 and a final ranking of #6.
    Code:
    Final Record: 11-2, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #6
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #1 Nebraska                           L 43-38                         
    2   @ #4 UCLA                               L 23-18                         
    3   Arizona State                           W 30-14                         
    4   @ Bethune-Cookman                       W 35-23                         
    5   @ Air Force                             W 33-14                         
    6   UNLV                                    W 62-13                         
    7   @ Brigham Young                         W 27-21                         
    8   Utah                                    W 49-27                         
    9   @ Ole Miss                              W 34-21                         
    10  Colorado State                          W 41-14                         
    11  @ New Mexico                            W 37-11                         
    12  Wyoming                                 W 42-9                          
    13   
    16  S. Miss                                 W 33-21 Liberty Bowl
    Season 9 began with a supreme high, only to follow with the lowest low�all in the first game of the season. NSU traveled down to Tallahassee to take on the Florida State Seminoles. Building an incredible 42-14 lead with 5:00 left in the third quarter, the Prairie Dogs collapsed as FSU rallied to take an amazing 48-45 lead with under a minute to go. Not to be outdone, NSU drove the length of the field with it�s potent Prairie Dog Option offense. Facing 4th and goal with three seconds left, NSU�s Shannon missed an 18-yard field goal that capped the greatest collapse in NSU history. Shannon would redeem himself and become one of the best kickers in school history. NSU floated to a 10-3 record after that, claiming another unblemished conference record to finish the season ranked #5 with a 29-23 loss to Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl, NSU�s first premier bowl berth.
    Code:
     Final Record: 10-3, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #5
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #18 Florida State                     L 48-45                         
    2   @ #3 Virginia                           L 38-31                         
    3   Brigham Young                           W 24-21                         
    4   @ Utah                                  W 40-10                         
    5   Air Force                               W 39-7                          
    6   @ UNLV                                  W 45-35                         
    7   New Mexico                              W 31-24                         
    8   #4 Nebraska                             W 29-14                         
    9   @ Colorado State                        W 51-25                         
    10  @ Houston                               W 37-14                         
    11  Washington State                        W 50-27                         
    12  @ Wyoming                               W 51-20                         
    13    
    16  Nebraska                                 L 29-23 Fiesta Bowl
    Season 10 proved the Prairie Dogs was among the national elite in just a decade of play. Despite a defensive battle with eventual #7 Rice, the Prairie Dogs edged the Owls 13-10 in overtime and cruised the rest of the way, earning another conference title and playing in the school�s second major bowl. NSU dominated the Gators of Florida 30-14 to finish 12-0. But Virginia Tech and Wisconsin also finished unblemished and those two teams squared off for the national championship, denying the Prairie Dogs of its first championship. The Hokies took the title and NSU finished behind a one-loss Badger club at #3.
    Code:
     Final Record: 12-0, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #3
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   Colorado State                          W 52-28                         
    2   @ #22 Notre Dame                        W 27-15                         
    3   #7 Rice                                 W 13-10 OT                      
    4   Grambling State                         W 54-22                         
    5   @ Air Force                             W 36-15                         
    6   
    7   UNLV                                    W 76-13                         
    8   @ Brigham Young                         W 56-7                          
    9   Utah                                    W 31-6                          
    10  Toledo                                  W 48-0                          
    11  @ New Mexico                            W 37-27                         
    12  @ Wyoming                               W 65-20                         
    13   
    16  Florida                                 W 30-14 Sugar Bowl
    Season 11 saw NSU take down the defending national champs at their place in the first game of the season. The 31-14 win over the Hokies powered NSU to a second straight undefeated season (including an 80-7 blowout of BYU). This time, the Prairie Dogs wouldn�t be denied a spot in the national championship game. Facing legendary program Notre Dame, NSU lead late in the fourth quarter after a career long (and school record) 57-yard field goal by Shannon. But the luck of the Irish proved to be in full effect. A six-play drive saw Notre Dame score a touchdown with just over a minute remaining. The two-point conversion failed but the Irish D stopped the Prairie Dogs at mid-field and claim the national championship. Super Sophomore JP Morgan rushed over 2,000 yards and won the school�s second Heisman Trophy as NSU finished the season #2 with a 12-1 record.

    Code:
    Final Record: 12-1, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #2
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Virginia Tech                         W 31-14                         
    2   @ UNLV                                  W 58-30                         
    3   New Mexico                              W 63-15                         
    4   #25 Fresno State                        W 42-9                          
    5   Air Force                               W 59-3                          
    6   Northwestern                            W 43-0                          
    7   @ Utah                                  W 35-21                         
    8   Brigham Young                           W 80-7                          
    9   Wyoming                                 W 48-17                         
    10  @ Colorado State                        W 58-19                         
    11  @ Middle Tennessee State                W 22-3                          
    12  @ Syracuse                              W 55-25                         
    13    
    16  Notre Dame                              L 26-25 Sugar Bowl
    Season 12 was the culmination of the founder�s goal. NSU was dominant throughout the season and won the schools first National Championship with a 33-16 win over Texas Tech in the Orange Bowl. NSU averaged 48 pts/gm and allowed just 15 a game. The Prairie Dogs took out in-state rivals Nebraska-Omaha and (the now defunct) Nebraska aTm and routed its MWC foes to extend its conference win streak to 37 games. Allen Jobes provided a new weapon to the NSU offense. The prototype tight end caught 57 passes for 1,226 yards and 15 TDs. Morgan was �held� to just 1,698 yards, but the junior scored 21 TDs and scored five more times receiving. Morgan finished the season with nearly 500 yards catching.

    Code:
    Final Record: 12-0, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #1
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #6 Nebraska A&M                       W 59-26                         
    2   #14 Nebraska-Omaha                      W 34-28                         
    3   @ Air Force                             W 73-13                         
    4   UNLV                                    W 38-10                         
    5   @ Brigham Young                         W 38-6                          
    6   Utah                                    W 63-25                         
    7   @ #10 Wisconsin                         W 26-14                         
    8   Colorado State                          W 44-20                         
    9   Kansas State                            W 68-19                         
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 45-8                          
    11  @ Wyoming                               W 55-0                          
    12   
    16  Texas Tech                              W 33-16 Orange Bowl
    Season 13 was almost a disappointment from the get go. Facing Virginia Tech on the road following a heated race for three recruits in the off-season. The bad blood provided a good game as the Prairie Dogs overcame a late deficit to stun the #2 Hokies in Blacksburg 15-14 as Kelly kicked a 31-yard field goal with no time remaining. The win propelled the preseason #1 team to another great win over the Coyotes of Nebraska aTm. But the highlight of the season came much later. With visiting Notre Dame looking to spoil the bid to repeat, the NSU-Irish game became the stuff of legends. With the game in the balance, NSU�s Mike Deese tipped a two-point conversion at the goal line that prevented a wide open Irish receiver from extending an already record game as Nebraska State won by the incredible score of 89-87 in a record 9 overtimes. The game was tied at 35 after the Irish rallied for three TDs in the fourth quarter. NSU logged 54 points in the overtime periods with ND scoring 87. The game also marked the first time the fans flooded the field. NSU would go on to win their second consecutive National Championship with a 38-13 win over Nebraska-Omaha in the Rose Bowl. Sanctions would force UNO back into DII and would stall a budding rivalry for several years.
    Code:
    Final Record: 13-0, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #1
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   #7 Virginia Tech                        W 15-14                         
    2   Air Force                               W 20-0                          
    3   #8 Nebraska A&M                         W 37-20                         
    4   @ Houston                               W 51-31                         
    5   Brigham Young                           W 45-0                          
    6   @ UNLV                                  W 42-0                          
    7   @ Utah                                  W 55-20                         
    8   New Mexico                              W 21-6                          
    9   @ Wisconsin                             W 26-0                          
    10  @ Colorado State                        W 36-8                          
    11  #22 Notre Dame                          W 89-87 OT                      
    12  Wyoming                                 W 27-21 OT                      
    13   
    16  Nebraska-Omaha                          W 38-13 Rose Bowl
    Report generated by AViD Dynasty Manager Copyright� 2004-2006

  5. #5


    Season 14 saw a new era for the NSU Prairie Dogs. The two-time defending champions was stunned in it�s first game, 38-31 to an Arizona State team that finished the season 4-8. NSU would fair little better the next week, dropping to 0-2 after a 43-34 loss to eventual National Champion Illinois. Another loss, this time to Arizona, dropped the Prairie Dogs to 0-3 to start the new era. NSU would defeat Oregon State and open the MWC with a 44-21 win over Utah. But a 56-41 loss at BYU snapped a 45-game conference winning streak that spanned six full seasons. BYU would stumble down the stretch and a 20-16 win over Colorado State gave NSU the tie-breaking win for the conference title, its 7th straight. The Prairie Dogs would go on to win the rest of its games en route to an 8-4 record that included a 45-7 rout of Southern Miss in the Liberty Bowl.

    Code:
    Final Record: 8-4, 6-1 MWC
    Final Ranking: #20
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   Arizona State                           L 38-31                         
    2   #1 Illinois                             L 43-34                         
    3   @ Arizona                               L 38-37                         
    4   @ Oregon State                          W 30-27                         
    5   Utah                                    W 44-21                         
    6   @ Brigham Young                         L 56-41                         
    7   #18 Colorado State                      W 20-16                         
    8   @ New Mexico                            W 44-40                         
    9   @ Air Force                             W 64-20                         
    10  UNLV                                    W 47-42                         
    11  Wyoming                                 W 58-29                         
    12   
    16  Southern Miss                           W 45-7 Liberty Bowl
    Season 15 opened in dramatic fashion as NSU notched a 39-29 win over Nebraska in Lincoln. NSU�s offense was stalled little during the season as the Prairie Dog�s potent option offense scored 72, 61 and 70 in the next three contests. NSU would average 52.5 points this season, but that wasn�t enough as Louisville stunned NSU 36-35 in overtime. The Cardinals win was more remarkable as Louisville ended the season with just four wins. Outside of that loss, NSU was rarely tested during the season, including a 94-23 thrashing of New Mexico. Another conference title and a trip to the Liberty Bowl capped NSU�s season at 12-1 and ranked #4 with a 27-24 win over East Carolina. Prairie Dog quarterback Lincoln won the Heisman after tossing 2303 yds with a 30-7 TD to INT ratio. The junior also collected 1030 yds and 15 TDs on the ground during the season.
    Code:
    Final Record: 12-1, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #4
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #10 Nebraska                          W 39-29                         
    2   Norfolk State                           W 72-29                         
    3   @ UNLV                                  W 61-51                         
    4   @ Utah                                  W 70-14                         
    5   @ #20 Colorado State                    W 46-31                         
    6   Air Force                               W 56-23                         
    7   Brigham Young                           W 58-14                         
    8   @ Louisville                            L 36-35 OT                      
    9   @ #8 Ole Miss                           W 51-27                         
    10  New Mexico                              W 94-23                         
    11  @ Houston                               W 36-7                          
    12  @ Wyoming                               W 38-28                         
    13  
    16  East Carolina                           W 27-24 ot Liberty Bowl
    Season 16 saw NSU as a favorite for the National Championship once again. Beginning at #6, NSU routed Alabama 45-31 but a 45-42 win over lowly Akron almost derailed those high hopes. NSU�s Lincoln had a marvelous day at QB. The senior threw for 275 yds and three TDS, but he shined on the ground game. Behind the Prairie Dog Option, Lincoln broke free 16 times for 175 yds and a score. Not to be outdone, Akron�s HB#28 ran all over NSU�s defense. HB#28 rushed 26 times for an outstanding 305 yd day that including scoring runs of 82, 81 and 78 yds. Scoring was not a problem again for the Prairie Dogs. NSU scored 60+ in four games and 78 in a lopsided win over a hapless UNLV team. Despite a perfect regular season, NSU was left out of the National Championship picture as a one-loss Virginia Tech team leapfrogged into the title game against #1 Wisconsin. None of that would matter in the end as VT defeated the Badgers 42-21 and NSU was upset by an Ole Miss touchdown with :37 left in the game. The 35-31 loss left NSU at 11-1 and #5 and Lincoln claimed his second Heisman trophy, but no ring.
    Code:
    Final Record: 11-1, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #5
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   #21 Alabama                             W 45-31                         
    2   Arizona State                           W 63-32                         
    3   Akron                                   W 45-42                         
    4   @ New Mexico                            W 63-29                         
    5   @ Air Force                             W 68-6                          
    6   Utah                                    W 50-29                         
    7   #12 Colorado State                      W 27-14                         
    8   Louisville                              W 36-35                         
    9   @ Brigham Young                         W 63-37                         
    10  UNLV                                    W 78-29                         
    11  @ Wyoming                               W 45-10                         
    12  
    16  Ole Miss                                L 31-35 Sugar Bowl
    Season 17 NSU was again a top choice for champions but an upstart SMU team would spoil that on opening day. Unranked, the Mustangs held their home field for a 43-41 win over NSU. The win propelled SMU to an 11-1 record and #11 ranking. Needing to be dominant the rest of the way, NSU almost stumbled again, this time against a 2-9 Louisville squad. NSU was able to outrun the Cardinals but in the end NSU would prevail 58-45. The sloppy game dropped NSU in the polls again. The Prairie Dog option was potent again to the tune of 48.8 points a game, but the defense struggled and gave up 38 of its own, leading to some closer than normal games, some against subpar teams. But a convincing 42-23 win over previously unbeaten Colorado State team at the end of the season gave NSU its 9th consecutive conference title and a #5 ranking. A trip to the prestigious Rose Bowl awaited NSU at season�s end against unbeaten Stanford, who was left out of the National Championship race against eventual champion Ole Miss (13-0) and 11-1 Wisconsin. It was a nail biter throughout the contest but NSU pulled ahead with a late field goal to put NSU up 38-37. The Prairie Dogs intercepted a late Stanford pass and was determined to run out the clock. But a fumble by Heisman winning running back Blackwell (NSU�s third straight winner) gave the Cardinal one more chance. With time for just one play, Stanford connected on a 74-yard pass with no time left for a 43-38 win. The loss stunned Nebraska State and left NSU 11-2 and ranked #6 on the season.
    Code:
    Final Record: 11-2, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #6
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #11 SMU                               L 43-41                         
    2   @ Louisville                            W 58-45                         
    3   @ Washington State                      W 48-31                         
    4   @ New Mexico State                      W 51-48                         
    5   Air Force                               W 35-25                         
    6   Wyoming                                 W 79-42                         
    7   @ Utah                                  W 43-38                         
    8   @ UNLV                                  W 42-41                         
    9   @ Memphis                               W 53-26                         
    10  Brigham Young                           W 51-21                         
    11  New Mexico                              W 54-22                         
    12  @ #9 Colorado State                     W 42-23                         
    13  
    16  Stanford                                L 38-43 Rose Bowl


    Season 18 gave NSU its fourth straight Heisman winner with Blackwell running the ball for NSU. Despite rushing for 300 yds less, the senior still collected 1761 yds and 18 TDs and another 378 yds and 5 TDs receiving. Starting the season out at #7, NSU rolled to a 2-0 record before being upset 46-36 by a 5-6 UNLV team. Despite the loss, NSU ran through the rest of the conference schedule to set up another showdown with conference leading Colorado State. CSU kept the pressure on the entire night and pulled out the dramatic 45-42 win in Ab-Linc. The loss snapped NSU�s nine-year stranglehold on the Mountain West Conference championship, but fate would give NSU another shot at the Rams a few weeks later as CSU and NSU were matched in the Fiesta Bowl. Using revenge as its motive, the Prairie Dogs systematically dominated the Rams this time around, earning a 41-16 win, leaving both teams at 9-2 on the season. NSU finished ranked #8, switching spots with CSU which fell to #11.

    Code:
    Final Record: 9-2, 5-2 MWC
    Final Ranking: #8
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Air Force                             W 52-6                          
    2   @ New Mexico                            W 41-35                         
    3   UNLV                                    L 46-36                         
    4   Penn State                              W 41-18                         
    5   @ Wyoming                               W 39-37                         
    6   Utah                                    W 55-14                         
    7   @ Brigham Young                         W 48-16                         
    8   @ Colorado                              W 35-28                         
    9   South Carolina                          W 49-8                          
    10  #11 Colorado State                      L 45-42 OT                      
    11  
    16  Stanford                                L 38-43 Rose Bowl
    Report generated by AViD Dynasty Manager Copyright� 2004-2006

  6. #6



    Season 19 began with a huge game for NSU as the Prairie Dogs traveled down to Coral Gables with a date with the Hurricanes. Miami entered the opening game ranked #3 but it was all NSU from the opening kick. NSU quarterback Bass set a new school record with a 302.6 passing rating with a 17-22, 436 yd 4 TD performance against the Canes. NSU added another 200+ yards rushing as the P-Dogs cruised to a 55-15 throttling of Miami. NSU rolled off seven straight wins before falling flat against Memphis in a 38-31 home defeat. The next weekend, NSU went between the hedges at Georgia was limped home after a 51-32 loss to the Bulldogs, which would end the season at #3. Gunning for another conference title, a familiar foe stood in the way. The Rams of CSU were unbeaten and controlled the contest from start to finish despite pulling out a 36-30 win over NSU. The win left CSU 11-0 but a total of four teams finished the regular season unblemished. CSU would knock off Ohio State 24-14 but saw Texas win the National Championship over Ole Miss. NSU would settle with downing a budding rival in Southern Miss in the Liberty Bowl, 31-19 to end at 9-3 and #14.

    Code:
    Final Record: 9-3, 6-1 MWC
    Final Ranking: #14
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ #17 Miami                             W 55-15                         
    2   Wyoming                                 W 66-15                         
    3   Brigham Young                           W 45-33                         
    4   @ UNLV                                  W 68-14                         
    5   @ Northwestern                          W 34-31                         
    6   Air Force                               W 42-27                         
    7   @ Utah                                  W 37-35                         
    8   Memphis                                 L 38-31                         
    9   @ #3 Georgia                            L 51-32                         
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 52-37                         
    11  @ #2 Colorado State                     L 36-30                         
    12  
    16  Southern Miss                           W 31-19 Liberty Bowl
    Season 20 saw several new faces on the field after heavy graduation losses for NSU. The result was a learning season as the Prairie Dogs slipped to 7-5 and unranked for the first time in 14 seasons. NSU was blasted 42-3 in the opening week of the season by Arizona State but a 23-10 upset of Illinois the next week left NSU feeling some hope for the future. The P-Dogs finished 0-2 against the state of Arizona after the Wildcats claimed a 45-41 win just two weeks later. Conference was also tougher for NSU as Wyoming stunned Nebraska State for its first win over the Prairie Dogs in conference play, 17-5. BYU and Air Force also handed losses to NSU as five of eight teams finished 4-3 and atop the conference charts. By way of tie breaker, NSU should have earned the trip to the Liberty Bowl as conference representative with a deciding win over rival Colorado State in the season finale. Despite the tie, CSU earned the trip and NSU was left with Boston College in the Independence Bowl. In a defensive battle, NSU held off the Eagles 16-8 to finish unranked. As a note, no NSU players finished on any award list for the first time in several seasons.

    Code:
    Final Record: 7-5, 4-3 MWC
    Final Ranking: unranked
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   #23 Arizona State                       L 42-3                          
    2   #19 Illinois                            W 23-10                         
    3   @ Arizona                               L 45-41                         
    4   @ Oregon State                          W 37-36                         
    5   Wyoming                                 L 17-5                          
    6   Utah                                    W 30-22                         
    7   @ Brigham Young                         L 42-38                         
    8   @ New Mexico                            W 25-6                          
    9   @ Air Force                             L 38-13                         
    10  UNLV                                    W 32-26                         
    11  Colorado State                          W 39-20                         
    12  
    16  Boston College                          W 16-8 Independence Bowl
    Season 21 little improvement over NSU�s record but it was clear the Prairie Dogs were reloading. Despite starting the season 0-2, NSU played well against eventual #2 Tennessee in Knoxville before falling 31-13. NSU ran off two straight wins, including knocking off #15 LSU 27-14 at home. But a 37-34 setback to CSU gave NSU�s its third loss before midway through the season. NSU would drop another conference game 42-35 to New Mexico. The loss left NSU 4-3 in the MWC, but this time the Prairie Dogs had to settle for 4th place, its lowest finish. For the second time in four seasons, NSU had to settle playing a conference foe in the bowl game. The EA Sports Bowl matched NSU and Air Force in its game. The P-Dogs routed Air Force 31-0 in the third week. The Falcons put up more of a fight, but fell this time 28-16. The win pushed NSU to the #23 ranking and a second consecutive 7-5 season.

    Code:
    Final Record: 7-5, 4-3 MWC
    Final Ranking: #23
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Brigham Young                         L 24-16                         
    2   @ #2 Tennessee                          L 31-13                         
    3   @ Air Force                             W 31-0                          
    4   #15 LSU                                 W 27-14                         
    5   Colorado State                          L 37-34                         
    6   UNLV                                    W 58-7                          
    7   Utah                                    W 30-20                         
    8   @ New Mexico                            L 42-35                         
    9   SMU                                     L 28-21                         
    10  @ Indiana                               W 30-21                         
    11  @ Wyoming                               W 21-7                          
    12  
    16  Air Force                               W 28-16 EA Sports Bowl
    Season 22 put NSU back at the forefront of college football. Starting the season ranked #17, NSU stumbled out of the gates with a 28-19 loss at 5-7 Pittsburgh. That was all the wake-up call the team needed. NSU rolled off 11 straight wins to finish 11-1 and 7-0 in conference, winning the title for the first time in five seasons. The story of the season was the lack of competition the Prairie Dogs faced. NSU faced just three teams with winning records with bowl foe Louisville having the best at 9-3. No opponent was ranked at the end of the season and combined, NSU�s opponents finished a dismal 59-78 in all other games. In spite of the low competition, NSU�s Wood took charge. The senior running back gouged foes for 2427 yds and 23 tds. He added 483 yds receiving and an additional 3 tds. The effort earned Woods the Heisman and helped put Nebraska State back in the Top 10 (#5) and set the stage for another run at a championship.

    Code:
    Final Record: 11-1, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #5
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Pittsburgh                            L 28-19                         
    2   @ Wyoming                               W 24-10                         
    3   @ Air Force                             W 28-23                         
    4   Clemson                                 W 51-41                         
    5   @ New Mexico                            W 40-3                          
    6   @ Brigham Young                         W 53-21                         
    7   @ Duke                                  W 45-6                          
    8   Maryland                                W 57-0                          
    9   Utah                                    W 52-15                         
    10  UNLV                                    W 51-8                          
    11  Colorado State                          W 48-20                         
    12  
    16  Louisville                              W 37-34 2ot Liberty Bowl
    Season 23 was dotted with eight away games, but that was of little concern for John Edwards and his Prairie Dogs. Behind the record 3,673 yds passing by White and the 1,852 yds from receiver Wyatt, NSU cruised relatively unscathed during the regular season. NSU dominated several teams, but none more surprising that NSU�s 70-25 rout over a down USC team. White used that game to springboard into contention for season end awards. The senior was unstoppable against the leaky Trojans. White fired 20-38 passes for 415 yards and 9 touchdowns, setting an almost unbreakable school record. Wyatt was on the receiving end, catching 9 balls for 169 yards and 4 scores. The duo would team up again two weeks later to rewrite the history books against CSU. White completed 24-35 passes for a school record 520 yards and 4 tds. Wyatt shattered school receiving records with 12 receptions for 307 yds and three tds. Wyatt would edge out his teammate for the Heisman at season�s end, marking the first time NSU finished 1-2 in Heisman voting. The Prairie Dogs were pitted against unbeaten Virginia Tech in the Orange Bowl for the National Championship. A surprising offensive explosion in the first half gave Va. Tech a 35-27 halftime lead. Defenses then took over in the second half as NSU shut out the Hokies in the final 30 mins to pull of a 43-35 win to earn the school�s third National Championship.

    Code:
    Final Record: 12-0, 7-0 MWC
    Final Ranking: #1
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    1   @ Missouri                              W 65-37                         
    2   @ Wyoming                               W 43-29                         
    3   @ Idaho                                 W 61-27                         
    4   @ Air Force                             W 42-14                         
    5   UNLV                                    W 40-10                         
    6   @ Brigham Young                         W 26-0                          
    7   Utah                                    W 29-16                         
    8   @ Georgia Tech                          W 56-7                          
    9   USC                                     W 70-25                         
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 29-23                         
    11  @ Colorado State                        W 45-31                         
    12  
    16  Virginia Tech                           W 43-35 Orange Bowl
    Report generated by AViD Dynasty Manager Copyright� 2004-2006

  7. #7







    Season 24 was another era for NSU. With changes to the NCAA football world, NSU fell on rough times that saw the team start 0-3 including a 56-13 loss in the season opener to eventual champion Florida. The Prairie Dogs split its next two games to begin the Season 24 1-4. With the start of conference, NSU was still the team to beat in the Mountain West. The Prairie Dogs extended its conference win streak to 20 before falling to rival Colorado State at Ab-Linc. Even with the conference win streak gone, NSU won the conference and was the league representative in the Liberty Bowl where the Prairie Dogs fell to Southern Miss 51-35.

    Code:
    Final Record: 8-6, 6-1 MWC
    
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   @ #1 Florida                            L 56-13                         
    
    2   @ #5 Colorado                           L 21-14                         
    
    3   Arizona State                           L 31-22                         
    
    4   @ Idaho                                 W 50-26                         
    
    5   #16 UCLA                                L 31-7                          
    
    6   Utah                                    W 25-14                         
    
    7   @ Wyoming                               W 28-16                         
    
    8   UNLV                                    W 35-14                         
    
    9   @ Brigham Young                         W 41-17                         
    
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 42-28                         
    
    11  Colorado State                          L 38-31                         
    
    12  @ Air Force                             W 64-28                         
    
    13  @ Hawaii                                W 48-14                         
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  Liberty Bowl                            L 35-51 Southern Miss
    Season 25 was similar to the previous season as NSU finished 8-5. The Prairie Dogs went 3-2 in the non-conference, falling to ranked Tennessee and Ohio State. The wins were impressive, however, as NSU knocked off Fresno State, Kansas and an exciting overtime win over UCLA. NSU would finish with two conference losses and failed to win the MWC for the first time in four seasons. A resurgent Utah team blasted the Prairie Dogs 52-15 and 3-8 New Mexico stunned NSU 28-24. A pasting of Pittsburgh in the San Francisco Bowl ended the season on a high note.

    Code:
    Final Record: 8-5, 5-2
    
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   Fresno State                            W 38-25                         
    
    2   #19 Ohio State                          L 38-24                         
    
    3   @ #2 Tennessee                          L 42-27                         
    
    4   Kansas                                  W 55-38                         
    
    5   @ UCLA                                  W 38-32 OT                      
    
    6   Wyoming                                 W 48-24                         
    
    7   @ #21 Utah                              L 52-15                         
    
    8   @ UNLV                                  W 23-14                         
    
    9   Brigham Young                           L 17-7                          
    
    10  New Mexico                              L 28-24                         
    
    11  @ Colorado State                        W 24-7                          
    
    12  Air Force                               W 27-21                         
    
    13  
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  San Fran Bowl                           W 41-14  Pittsburg
    Season 26 was a showcase for NSU�s developing offensive power. The Prairie Dogs fell flat against Texas in the opener, falling 41-14 but the offense rolled up 115 points in its next two games. NSU pounded Arizona for 60 points and amazingly lost to Colorado despite scoring 55 on the Buffs. Alabama State was throttled 73-14 in the fourth game of the season. NSU destroyed a rebuilding Utah club 73-7 to avenge the previous season�s loss. The Prairie Dogs also scored at will against Colorado State and hit the 70-point plateau for the third time against hapless Air Force. The scoring explosion continued as the Prairie Dogs returned to the Liberty Bowl and trounced Conference USA champion TCU 65-20. Aaron Blazer won the Heisman for his efforts in NSU�s 10-3 season. The 65 points still stands as a NSU bowl record for points.

    Code:
    Final Record: 10-3, 7-0
    
    Final Ranking: #14, #6
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   @ #8 Texas                              L 41-14                         
    
    2   Arizona                                 W 60-35                         
    
    3   #21 Colorado                            L 69-55                         
    
    4   @ #4 Illinois                           L 21-20                         
    
    5   Alabama State                           W 73-14                         
    
    6   @ Wyoming                               W 38-22                         
    
    7   Utah                                    W 73-7                          
    
    8   UNLV                                    W 41-31                         
    
    9   @ Brigham Young                         W 35-28                         
    
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 45-28                         
    
    11  Colorado State                          W 55-3                          
    
    12  @ Air Force                             W 70-13                         
    
    13  
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  Liberty Bowl                            W 65-20 TCU
    Season 27 saw NSU slip to 7-5 and for the first time in team history, NSU failed to have a winning conference record. Fresno State routed the Prairie Dogs 34-14 in the season opener. But the focus of the season was on Week 3 as NSU traveled to Lincoln for a showdown with Nebraska. The game proved as good as advertised as NSU clawed out an exciting 36-29 overtime win over the Cornhuskers. A convincing 65-7 win over Troy led many to think NSU was on its way to another double-digit win season. But that wasn�t the case. Wyoming stunned NSU 35-22 to earn its second conference win over the Prairie Dogs, snapping a 25-year streak. Utah added insult to injury the following weak. The Utes and Prairie Dogs split the previous two games in blowout fashion. Utah kept the trend by blowing out NSU 70-13 and handing NSU its worse conference defeat. UNLV and New Mexico would also pick up rare wins and ensure NSU of its first losing conference season. A quirk in bowl alignments pitted NSU against fellow MWC Wyoming in a rematch. The Cowboys luck wouldn�t hold up as NSU slipped past Wyoming 24-21 for a Nevada Bowl win.

    Code:
    Final Record: 7-5, 3-4
    
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   Fresno State                            L 34-14                         
    
    2   Penn State                              W 24-20                         
    
    3   @ Nebraska                              W 36-29 OT                      
    
    4   @ Troy                                  W 65-7                          
    
    5   Wyoming                                 L 35-22                         
    
    6   @ Utah                                  L 70-13                         
    
    7   @ UNLV                                  L 22-17                         
    
    8   Brigham Young                           W 52-10                         
    
    9   New Mexico                              L 23-19                         
    
    10  Colorado State                          W 37-17                         
    
    11  Air Force                               W 42-14                         
    
    12  
    
    13  
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  Nevada Bowl                             W 24-21 Wyoming
    Season 28 saw NSU struggle for eight wins as Purdue and #6 Miami handed NSU early season losses. Wyoming proved once again to be a tough team to put away, but NSU edged the Cowboys 39-31 and NSU�s continued to struggle putting teams away, notching a rough 51-45 overtime win over South Florida. NSU ended the blowout stage for Utah, but the Utes proved once again to be too tough for NSU in a 13-8 win that gave Utah a rare two-game winning streak in the series. BYU also upended the Prairie Dogs, which left NSU in third place in the MWC. NSU faced off with Syracuse in the San Fran Bowl with the Orangemen rallying for a 20-13 win as NSU finished 8-5 on the season.

    Code:
    Final Record: 8-5, 5-2
    
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   @ East Carolina                         W 27-17                         
    
    2   Purdue                                  L 30-14                         
    
    3   @ #6 Miami                              L 38-13                         
    
    4   @ Louisville                            W 24-14                         
    
    5   @ Wyoming                               W 39-31                         
    
    6   South Florida                           W 51-45 OT                      
    
    7   #12 Utah                                L 13-8                          
    
    8   UNLV                                    W 45-28                         
    
    9   @ Brigham Young                         L 28-21                         
    
    10  @ New Mexico                            W 45-7                          
    
    11  Colorado State                          W 29-14                         
    
    12  @ Air Force                             W 41-18                         
    
    13  
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  San Fran Bowl                           L 13-20 Syracuse
    Season 29 ended an era for NSU. After another two consecutive 8-5 and third place conference seasons, longtime Prairie Dog coach John Edwards stepped down after 30 seasons. Edwards left with an overall record of 262-84 (.757) and a 155-27 (.852) conference record. NSU played hard at times during the final season of Edwards�s illustrious say at NSU. The Prairie Dogs played hard but fell to eventual champion Ohio State 34-17. Ohio State had been in the previous three National Championship games, winning two of those games. The Buckeyes would win five of six title games in this stretch. NSU would fall for just the second time to Wyoming in conference play, but many point to a third consecutive loss to Utah as the deciding point for Edwards. NSU would reward Edwards with a six-game winning streak to end his career and included a Nevada Bowl win over SMU.

    Code:
    Final Record: 8-5, 5-2
    
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    
    WK  Opponent                Date/Time       Result          COV             
    
    1   @ Akron                                 W 45-17                         
    
    2   #1 Ohio State                           L 34-17                         
    
    3   @ Indiana                               W 41-14                         
    
    4   Kansas                                  L 51-37                         
    
    5   Wyoming                                 L 34-20                         
    
    6   @ Ole Miss                              L 47-31                         
    
    7   @ Utah                                  L 30-3                          
    
    8   @ UNLV                                  W 41-14                         
    
    9   Brigham Young                           W 28-10                         
    
    10  New Mexico                              W 46-42                         
    
    11  @ Colorado State                        W 35-21                         
    
    12  Air Force                               W 32-8                          
    
    13  
    
    14  
    
    15  
    
    16  Nevada Bowl                             W 41-14 SMU
    Report generated by AViD Dynasty Manager Copyright� 2004-2006

  8. #8






    Season 30 ushered in a stage for NSU football. William Smith had been hired from the NFL to lead the Prairie Dogs despite most fans wanting someone familiar with the program. Nonetheless the season began with a blowout win over downtrodden Arizona to open the Smith Era. While competitive, the Prairie Dogs fell to ranked Colorado and at Fresno State. The season included a blowout loss to the ranked Utes and Cougars. A win in the season finale over Air Force allowed NSU to travel to the San Francisco Bowl where Pittsburg handed the Prairie Dogs a 41-32 loss to end the season at 6-6, NSU�s first non-winning season in 24 seasons.

    Code:
    Season 30
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    6-6, 5-2 MWC
    
    51	Arizona		21
    
    17	Colorado	35
    
    28	@Fresno St.	52
    
    17	@UCLA		21
    
    34	@Wyoming	17
    
    17	Utah		42
    
    25	UNLV		14
    
    27	@BYU		38
    
    38	@New Mexico	31
    
    27	Colorado St.	24
    
    40	@Air Force	13
    
    San Francisco Bowl
    
    32	Pittsburgh	41
    
    Final Ranking: #48


    Season 31 saw a rapid rebound for the program. Despite an opening weekend loss to Fresno State, the Prairie Dogs never lost again to finish 11-1 and ranked 11th and 9th in the polls. The season looked promising after a 28-11 win over 24th Troy and included an upset over Utah and a 20-point win over BYU. After cruising past New Mexico, Colorado State and Air Force, NSU dispatched TCU in the Liberty Bowl.

    Code:
    Season 31
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    11-1, 7-0 MWC
    
    20	Fresno St.	27
    
    48	Penn St.	32
    
    26	Miami, OH	22
    
    28	@Troy St.	11
    
    32	Wyoming		18
    
    28	@Utah		16
    
    37	@UNLV		13
    
    30	BYU		10
    
    31	New Mexico	11
    
    49	@Colorado St.	 3
    
    33	Air Force	14
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    35	TCU		14
    
    Final Ranking: #11


    Season 32 could have opened with a thought of a national championship but instead a showdown with Virginia overshadowed such thoughts. Former NSU coach John Edwards had taken a position with Virginia and the Week 2 match-up held headlines all summer long. After a win over Fresno State in the opener, NSU overpowered Virginia as Edwards remained silent with no interviews on the game. NSU moved quickly past the game and eased past in four straight games. A 40-26 setback at the hands of Utah and a stunning loss to 3-9 rival Colorado State handed the MWC title to BYU, a team the Prairie Dogs had defeated earlier in the season. NSU earned the invite to the Nevada Bowl, but fell to the Bruins of UCLA 24-17 to end the season at 10-3 and unranked at season�s end.

    Code:
    Season 32
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    10-3, 5-2 MWC
    
    29	@Fresno St.	26
    
    28	Virginia	10
    
    31	Kansas		10
    
    48	@Louisville	10
    
    38	@Wyoming	17
    
    58	USF		17
    
    24	Utah		40
    
    30	UNLV		13
    
    43	@BYU		36
    
    42	@New Mexico	 3
    
    14	Colorado St.	20
    
    20	@Air Force	14
    
    Nevada Bowl
    
    17	UCLA		24
    
    Final Ranking: #14


    Season 33 yet again opened with a game against Fresno State. The Bulldogs rallied late to drop NSU to 0-1 before what looked like a showdown with Top 5 Ohio State. The game was anything but a showdown as NSU powered through the Buckeyes and pick up a 33-10 win. OSU would rebound and not lose again, finishing ranked 3rd in the nation. Utah continued to have NSU�s number as the 5-6 Utes toppled the Prairie Dogs 28-20. A 17-point win over BYU ensured NSU of the MWC title though New Mexico and Colorado State gave scares to NSU�s title hunt. The season closed at 10-3 with a 34-20 loss to TCU in the Liberty Bowl. NSU finished ranked 15th.

    Code:
    Season 33
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    10-3, 6-1 MWC
    
    20	Fresno St.	27
    
    33	Ohio St.	10
    
    30	@Arizona St.	21
    
    36	Kansas  	0
    
    28	@UCLA		21
    
    41	Wyoming		17
    
    33	@Utah		10
    
    20	@UNLV		28
    
    34	BYU		14
    
    22	New Mexico	17
    
    31	@Colorado St.	17
    
    23	Air Force	16
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    20	TCU		34
    
    Final Ranking: #15


    Season 34 saw NSU open the season with a win over Arizona, but close a close loss to 18th Colorado. A 24-7 loss to 5th ranked Fresno State dropped NSU to 1-2 to start the season. NSU finally outlasted the Utes in a 30-3 win and handed BYU a 45-24 loss to take control of the MWC. The battle-tested Prairie Dogs were ready for tough task of taking on undefeated TCU in the Liberty Bowl. In a back and forth game, the Horned Frogs kept their season unblemished with a 32-29 win over NSU. The Prairie Dogs ended the season at 9-3 and ranked 21st in the polls.

    Code:
    Season 34
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    9-3, 7-0 MWC
    
    45	Arizona		12
    
    14	Colorado	21
    
     7	@Fresno St.	24
    
    51	@UCLA		15
    
    59	@Wyoming	14
    
    30	Utah		 3
    
    30	UNLV		20
    
    45	@BYU		24
    
    42	@New Mexico	 3
    
    27	Colorado St.	17
    
    28	@Air Force	14
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    29	TCU		32
    
    Final Ranking: #21


    Season 35 was a virtual carbon copy of Season 31 as NSU fell to Fresno State, who would lose only in one of two national championship games at the end of the season. NSU would play close all game long, but fell three-points shy in the end. NSU would storm through its games up to week 9 when a match-up with highly ranked BYU awaited. NSU would hold on taking the three-point win and survive the next week by the same margin against New Mexico. NSU would cruise the rest of the season, dismantling Alabama-Birmingham in the Liberty Bowl to end at 12-1 and ranked 10th in both season-ending polls. Middle Tennessee State and Ohio State would share the national championship at season�s end.

    Code:
    Season 35
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    12-1, 7-0 MWC
    
    27	@Fresno St.	30 ot
    
    30	@Purdue		10
    
    51	Kansas		10
    
    49	@Louisville	33
    
    57	@Wyoming	 3
    
    27	USF		10
    
    38	Utah		21
    
    34	UNLV		10
    
    24	@BYU		21
    
    17	@New Mexico	14
    
    45	Colorado St.	10
    
    42	@Air Force	24
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    41	UAB		14
    
    Final Ranking: #10


    Season 36 opened with another close loss to 7th ranked Fresno State and an upset at the hands of Miami of Ohio. A close win over 3-9 rival Colorado State would ensure a two-game conference cushion that set-up a match-up between NSU and a tough once defeated Southern Miss team. The Golden Eagles proved to worth the hype as USM took an early lead and held on for the 42-34 win to finish 12-1 and ranked 3rd in the nation. NSU ended at 9-3 and ranked 16th in one poll but unranked in the coaches.

    Code:
    Season 36
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    9-3, 7-0 MWC
    
    28	Fresno St.	35
    
    22	Penn St.	3
    
    34	@Miami, OH	38
    
    51	@Troy St.	17
    
    24	Wyoming		14
    
    29	@Utah		17
    
    27	@UNLV		 7
    
    45	BYU		17
    
    51	New Mexico	 7
    
    35	@Colorado St.	30
    
    24	Air Force	20
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    34	Southern Miss	42
    
    Final Ranking: #16



    Season 37 saw NSU open against two Top 5 teams and 0-2 to start the season after losses to Fresno State, ranked 2nd, and Ohio State, ranked 4th. NSU narrowly escaped with a one-point win over 4-7 Kansas but wins over ranked Utah and UNLV gave the Prairie Dogs the inside track to the conference chase. A tough challenge by Air Force nearly handed the title to UNLV, but late score and stop put NSU into the Liberty Bowl for the fifth straight season. Facing national power TCU, the Prairie Dogs put forth a good effort, but eventually fell shy, 31-24 to end at 10-3 and ranked 11th and 13th in the nation.

    Code:
    Season 37
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    10-3, 7-0 MWC
    
    28	Fresno St.	49
    
    13	Ohio St.	41
    
    34	@Arizona St.	14
    
    35	Kansas		34
    
    43	@UCLA		 7
    
    38	Wyoming		 3
    
    27	@Utah		21
    
    34	@UNLV		20
    
    35	BYU		21
    
    21	New Mexico	 7
    
    43	Colorado St.	23
    
    17	Air Force	10
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    24	TCU		31
    
    Final Ranking: #11


    Season 38 began with a 59-10 shellacking of Arizona before a close loss to 12th ranked Colorado ended what some had thought to be a national championship season. The P-Dogs rallied and knocked off 8th ranked pseudo-rival Fresno State 28-24. NSU would put down fights from 17th ranked UNLV and 16th ranked BYU to cap another conference title. NSU crushed the remaining conference slate but ran into juggernaut Southern Miss in the Liberty Bowl. The 5th ranked Golden Eagles were too tough for NSU as the 33-17 loss ended the season at 10-2 and rankings of 10th and 11th. The biggest news of the season however took place in the days following the bowl loss. William Smith resigned and took a job in the NFL, leaving Nebraska State looking to fill the head coaching job for just the third time in the school�s 39-year history.

    Code:
    Season 38
    
    William Smith, Coach
    
    10-2, 7-0 MWC
    
    59	Arizona 	10
    
    21	Colorado 	27
    
    28	@Fresno St.	24
    
    35	@UCLA		26
    
    37	@Wyoming	16
    
    32	Utah		10
    
    23	UNLV		20
    
    41	@BYU		16
    
    45	@New Mexico	 7
    
    40	Colorado St.	 7
    
    28	@Air Force	16
    
    Liberty Bowl
    
    17	Southern Miss	33
    
    Final Ranking: #10

  9. #9



    Season 39 was a welcoming home of sorts for NSU. After the departure of Coach Smith, NSU hired John Edwards, Jr., son of the famed initial coach for Nebraska State. Edwards quickly established the setting similar to what his father had started and that translated immediately on the field. NSU opened the season with a 24-14 win over 7th ranked Kent State and after surviving a scare against Troy State, NSU was poised for a national title run. And after convincing wins of ranked conference foes UNLV and BYU it turned into a fever pitch. But an inexplicable 56-29 loss to 4-8 Air Force in the regular season finale left Prairie Dog Nation stunned. The team had the tie-breaker over BYU and earned the spot in the Liberty Bowl, where the Prairie Dogs trounced 20th ranked TCU 33-14 to finish the season at 12-1 and ranked 12th and 14th.
    Code:
    Season 39
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    12-1, 6-1 MWC
    24    Kent St.        14
    45    @Minnesota    23
    34    Virginia        23
    42    @Ole Miss     7
    24    @Troy St.        21
    52    Wyoming        22
    37    @Utah         7
    34    @UNLV        17
    60    BYU        42
    56    New Mexico     7
    41    @Colorado St    14
    29    @Air Force    56
        Liberty Bowl
    33    TCU        14
    Final Ranking: #12
    Season 40 opened with five straight road games, beginning with a 68-43 shoot-out loss to Ohio State. NSU rebounded with seven straight wins, including a domination of foe Utah 80-24. Following the Utah game, the Prairie dogs had to slip past a staunch 11-1 UNLV team 39-35. But a loss to BYU the following week pushed NSU out of the national championship picture. NSU would win out the rest of the season, earning the conference bid to the Liberty Bowl where the Prairie Dogs dispatched Conference USA #2 team Southern Miss 42-7 as TCU took the national championship. The season ended at 11-2 and rankings of 8th and 6th for NSU.
    Code:
    Season 40
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-2, 6-1 MWC
    43    @Ohio St        68
    42    @New Mexico St    40
    63    @Purdue        28
    43    @Kansas St     7
    45    @Wyoming     7
    52    Iowa         7
    80    Utah        24
    39    UNLV        35
    28    @BYU        42
    44    @New Mexico    28
    52    Colorado St    31
    34    @Air Force    29
        Liberty Bowl
    42    Southern Miss     7
    Final Ranking: #8
    Season 41 had a lot of buzz for another national title run with several returning starters and a Top 6 preseason ranking. NSU began with an 845-14 thrashing of DI-AA Texas Southern and a 10-point win over Ohio State. National title hopes were dashed with a six-point loss at Notre Dame the following week. The Prairie Dogs ripped through the MWC conference schedule, taking out ranked UNLV and BYU to easily win the conference and a third straight Liberty Bowl bid. NSU established a team record for points in a bowl with a surprising 63-21 win over previously undefeated UAB. The 12-1 season placed NSU 5th in the media poll and 3rd in the coaches� poll at the end of the season.
    Code:
    Season 41
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    12-1, 7-0 MWC
    85    Texas Southern    14
    17    Ohio St         7
    31    @Notre Dame    37
    73    Wisconsin        14
    52    @Texas A&M    34
    63    Wyoming        10
    63    @Utah        31
    32    @UNLV        14
    49    BYU        13
    70    New Mexico    21
    66    @Colorado St    10
    58    Air Force        17
    Liberty Bowl
    63    UAB        21
    Final Ranking: #5
    Season 42 saw the Prairie Dogs start at the 5th ranked team in the nation. NSU backed up that high ranking with a sweep in its first five non-conference games. NSU throttled Marshall 52-24 in Week 3 and laid 70+ points in consecutive weeks against Wyoming and Grambling. NSU would score 78 against UNLV and narrowly escaped a trip to BYU to go 11-0 with one game to go. NSU hosted 7th ranked Illinois but in the end the Illini pulled out a 10-point win to end NSU�s national title aspirations. Facing another tough Southern Miss team in the Liberty Bowl, NSU found itself on the receiving end of a 66-31 loss to the 3rd ranked, 12-1 Golden Eagles. The game stands as the worst bowl defeat as NSU stumbled to 8th and 10th in the polls with an 11-2 record.
    Code:
    Season 42
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-2, 7-0 MWC
    35    Boston College    21
    41    Colorado         7
    52    @Marshall    24
    71    @Wyoming    21
    77    Grambling          3
    41    Utah        38
    78    UNLV        28
    38    @BYU        35
    21    @New Mexico    17
    59    Colorado St    14
    51    @Air Force      7
    17    Illinois        27
        Liberty Bowl
    31    Southern Miss    66
    Final Ranking: #8
    Season 43 was a virtual carbon copy of the past few seasons for NSU. The team opened 2-0 before falling to 14th ranked Rice that cooled any chance at a breakout season. The Prairie Dogs ran through the MWC conference schedule with big wins against ranked UNLV and BYU. But this time there would be no Liberty Bowl bid. This time NSU had impressed bowl officials and the Orange Bowl matched NSU against ninth-ranked Virginia. The Cavs proved worthy of the bowl bid as Virginia took down the Prairie Dogs 41-35. The season ended at 10-2 with a ranking of 8th in both polls.
    Code:
    Season 43
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    10-2, 7-0 MWC
    43    Central Michigan    14
    47    Miami, Ohio    28
    44    @Rice         50
    58    Wyoming        21
    45    @Miss St        24
    52    @Utah        45 ot
    69    @UNLV        21
    34    BYU        17
    62    New Mexico    21
    49    @Colorado St    12
    55    Air Force         7
    Orange Bowl
    35    Virginia        41
    Final Ranking: #8
    Season 44 set up well for NSU. A high preseason ranking combined with several returning starters made the fans feel the team was ready for greatness. They got their wish right off the bat as NSU trounced 24th ranked Iowa State 70-14. NSU would top the 70-point plateau the next two weeks against Ohio and at Louisville and again win Week 4 at Washington. With the Prairie Dog Option working to perfection, NSU ran over, through and over the top of opponents all season long. The team, led by Heisman winner running back Fisher, tallied 346.3 yards rushing per game. The closest regular season game was a 20-point win over New Mexico. NSU�s 12-0 record set up a rematch with Illinois in the Fiesta Bowl for the National Championship. The Prairie Dogs didn�t miss a beat as NSU ran over the Illini 51-13 to hand Illinois its only loss and dropped them to fourth overall in the final polls. The running back duo of Fisher and Nash helped NSU to an amazing 61.2 points per game and the school�s 3rd National Championship.
    Code:
    NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
    Season 44
    John Edwards, Jr.
    13-0, 7-0 MWC
    70    Iowa St        14
    70    Ohio        10
    77    @Louisville    31
    58    @Wyoming    13
    72    @Washington    14
    48    Utah        10
    57    UNLV         7
    55    @BYU        17
    62    @New Mexico    42
    65    Colorado St     6
    63    @Air Force     7
    48    Western Michigan    13
    Fiesta Bowl
    51    Illinois        13
    Final Ranking: #1
    Season 45 had hopes of another back-to-back national title run. After slipping by Top 10 ranked Ohio State by three and crushing lowly Idaho 91-21 things were looking like a repeat was in the works. NSU survived scares from 4-8 Utah and 5-6 New Mexico but finished the regular season unblemished with a bid to the national title game in the Sugar Bowl. The opponent this time was unbeaten and high scoring Marshall. A high scoring game was predicted and it didn�t disappoint. Marshall built an impressive lead heading into the fourth quarter, but a rejuvenated Nash and his NSU teammates weren�t going to go quietly. NSU scored 32 points in the fourth quarter but in the end it wasn�t enough as Marshall ended NSU�s 25-game win streak to claim the National Championship. Nash ended his Heisman winning season by rewriting NSU�s record book. The senior rolled up 2,483 yards rushing with 25 touchdowns with a gaudy 8.9 yards per carry.
    Code:
    Season 45
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    12-1, 7-0 MWC
    48    Toledo        19
    38    Ohio St        35
    48    @Arizona St     0
    58    @Syracuse    23
    91    Idaho        21
    57    Wyoming        28
    30    @Utah        27
    48    @UNLV        10
    38    BYU        24
    42    New Mexico    38
    54    @Colorado St    18
    45    Air Force        10
    Sugar Bowl
    40    Marshall        48
    Final Ranking: #3
    Season 46 saw NSU open in impressive fashion. The Prairie Dogs scorched Texas 76-21 in the season opener as NSU began the season as the #2 team. That ranked was confirmed with a sound beating of 4th ranked Ohio State in the Horseshoe. In Week 3 NSU completely crushed Florida State to the tune of a 70-0 rout. The season came to an abrupt halt when NSU suffered a stunning 48-35 loss at Wyoming and again two weeks later by 8th ranked UNLV. The loss to the Rebels snapped a 19-game home winning streak for NSU which also ended any hopes of another conference crown. NSU would go on to win out, ending with a 35-0 shutout of Nevada in the Nevada Bowl. Despite the stunning loss to 5-7 Wyoming, NSU still finished in the Top 10 at #9 in both polls and an 11-2 record.
    Code:
    Season 46
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-2, 5-2 MWC
    76    Texas        21
    42    @Ohio St        28
    70    @Florida St     0
    41    Iowa        24
    35    @Wyoming    48
    26    UNLV        34
    44    @BYU        42
    41    @New Mexico    10
    54    Colorado St    22
    35    @Air Force    14
    49    Indiana         7
    Nevada Bowl
    35    Nevada         0
    Final Ranking: #9
    Season 47 opened with four straight ranked opponents. NSU needed overtime to get past 16th ranked Fresno State at home before running over 17th ranked North Carolina. NSU handed Middle Tennessee State its only loss of the season with an eight-point win. The following week the Prairie Dogs snuck past UAB to start the season 4-0. Nebraska State would take out 15th ranked Utah before suffering a 41-37 loss to eventual league champion BYU. Despite the loss, NSU was still very much in the national title race with its impressive non-conference wins. After winning out in the regular season 3rd ranked NSU had to wait to see what the computers would decide. When the dust settled, NSU would fall .07 short of another national title game. With the national championship out of their hands, NSU also had to watch as BYU was skipped over for a major bowl bid and land in the Liberty Bowl, which pushed Nebraska State to the Nevada Bowl. The team made the best of the situation by dispatching TCU 49-30 to end the season 11-1 with a ranking of 3rd and 6th in the nation. Middle Tennessee State, a team NSU had defeated in the early season, won the national title by defeating Notre Dame in the Rose Bowl.
    Code:
    Season 47
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-1, 6-1 MWC
    38    Fresno St        35 ot
    52    North Carolina     7
    24    Mid Tenn St    16
    55    @UAB        49
    24    Wyoming        14
    48    @Utah        21
    62    @UNLV        24
    37    BYU        41
    80    New Mexico    14
    45    @Colorado St     0
    51    Air Force        17
        Nevada Bowl
    49    Rice        30
    Final Ranking: #3
    Season 48 saw a highly anticipated match-up as NSU traveled down I-80 to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers for just the sixth time. The visiting Prairie Dogs upstaged the Cornhuskers with a 49-24 win. NSU faced another Big 12 foe in Kansas State, slipping by with a three-point win. After a 5-0 start, NSU faced three straight ranked conference opponents. NSU slammed 18th ranked Utah 62-21 and notched a 24-13 win over 11th ranked UNLV. But 10th ranked BYU was too tough to crack as the Cougars claimed a hard fought 35-31 win. Following the loss, NSU put the hammer down on the remaining opposition. NSU scored 42 points in its win over New Mexico and tallied a 63-21 win over Colorado State, 62-10 rout of Air Force and ended the season with an incredible 62-0 massacre of 7-5 Western Michigan in the Nevada Bowl. The Prairie Dogs ended the season at 11-1 and 5th and 6th in the polls.
    Code:
    Season 48
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-1, 6-1 MWC
    49    @Nebraska    24
    58    @Purdue        28
    41    Kansas St        38
    47    @Louisville     7
    42    @Wyoming     7
    62    Utah        21
    24    UNLV        13
    31    @BYU        35
    42    @New Mexico    21
    63    Colorado St    21
    62    @Air Force    10
        Nevada Bowl
    62    Western Michigan     0
    Final Rankings: #5

  10. #10



    Season 49�s high expectations quickly were doused early in the season. After crushing the Sycamores of Indiana State 69-14, NSU were on the wrong end of a 54-22 thrashing at the hands of #2 Ohio State in Columbus. The Prairie Dogs suffered a hangover the following week with a near-death experience against Western Kentucky. In a high scoring shootout, NSU had just enough to outlast the Hilltoppers 54-52. That followed an embarrassing 30-24 home loss to 3-9 Vanderbilt. Despite the early stumbles, NSU won its first five conference but fell at UNLV and a resurgent Colorado State team 35-25 to finish tied for second in the conference after posting a win against 10-3 Air Force. With just two bowl tie-ins, NSU at 8-4 had to take a wait and see approach to continuing its bowl streak. It wasn�t to happen as the Prairie Dogs saw its 46 consecutive bowl bid streak end.
    Code:
    Season 49
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    8-4, 5-2 MWC
    69    @Indiana St    14
    22    @Ohio St        54
    54    Western Kentucky    52
    24    Vanderbilt        30
    38    @The Citadel    14
    19    BYU         7
    45    @Utah        14
    52    New Mexico    17
    41    Wyoming        14
    14    @UNLV        27
    25    @Colorado St    35
    42    Air Force        19
    Final Ranking: unranked
    Season 50 opened with a renewed determination to begin another bowl streak. NSU came out firing on all cylinders as they opened the 50th Season of NSU football with a resounding 62-7 thumping of Montana and a 42-3 win at Indiana. The season almost derailed against Iowa, but Groza nominee Ewing connected on a short field goal on the final play following a 12-play drive to preserve a 12-10 win. NSU crushed 22nd Arkansas 52-14 and won its first four conference games. NSU narrowly escaped #24 Wisconsin prior to a showdown with unbeaten Colorado State. Despite the long rivalry, never before had both teams entered the game unbeaten this late in the season. Turnovers turned out to be the key as NSU jumped on the Rams and coasted to the 26-10 win to hand CSU its only loss of the season. With a national title bid on the line, NSU had to use overtime to defeat Air Force. That game cost the Prairie Dogs a shot at the national championship, but a bowl bid to the Fiesta was waiting at season�s end. NSU failed to contain the Sooner running game as Oklahoma took the bowl 38-29 as NSU finished at 12-1 and ranked #8 in both polls.
    Code:
    Season 50
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    12-1, 7-0 MWC
    62    Montana         7
    42    @Indiana        13
    12    Iowa        10
    52    Arkansas        14
    55    @BYU        27
    44    Utah         0
    63    @New Mexico    20
    30    @Wyoming     6
    48    Wisconsin        45
    37    UNLV         6
    26    Colorado St    10
    31    @Air Force     24 ot
        Fiesta Bowl
    29    Oklahoma    38
    Final Ranking: #8
    Season 51 opened against highly ranked Florida State. Ranked #5 in the preseason NSU entered as a slight favorite but the home Seminoles had just enough to hold off the P-Dogs 20-17. NSU would cruise following that game on the backs of a solid defense that would end 5th in total defense and first in scoring D at season�s end. The Prairie Dogs met 17th ranked CSU in Fort Collins for the final time as conference foes. NSU struck first and handed the Rams a 37-14 defeat. The final MWC game for NSU was a convincing 44-14 win over 9-4 Air Force at Ab-Linc. NSU finished the season with a narrow 28-26 loss to Texas in the Fiesta Bowl. The 9th ranked Prairie Dogs ended the season at 11-2. Following the season, the Big 12 offered a conference invite to Nebraska State to replace departed Texas Tech. After long deliberations, NSU opted to take the invite and leave the Mountain West Conference, its home for 49 seasons.
    Code:
    Season 51
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-2, 7-0 MWC
    17    @Florida St    20
    49    @Wisconsin    26
    52    Northern Illinois     7
    33    Illinois        14
    63    East Washington    12
    66    BYU        14
    41    @Utah        19
    44    New Mexico    16
    38    Wyoming         7
    34    @UNLV         0
    37    @Colorado St    14
    44    Air Force        14
        Fiesta Bowl
    26    Texas        28
    Final Ranking: #9
    Season 52 opened with many questions as to how NSU would fair in a large conference. But before those questions could be answered, NSU hosted its long time rival Colorado State in what could be considered the series best. A missed extra point cost the Rams dearly as NSU held on for a 27-26 win in the back and forth game. NSU handled Minnesota the next week before shocking Michigan in a 62-31 game. A 70-7 win over Tulsa was mainly overlooked as Big 12 loomed. In its first Big 12 test, NSU fought hard against league favorite Texas aTm but couldn�t top the Aggies in a 31-27 loss. NSU would even its conference record to 1-1 after defeating Iowa State, but NSU suffered a 42-35 loss to 4-8 Oklahoma State. The P-Dogs lost the following week at Missouri 41-28 but tacked on wins against Colorado and Baylor. Facing the league�s second toughest opponent, Texas, the defense that shined the previous year had no answers for the Longhorns as Texas claimed the 49-33 win. A win over Oklahoma landed NSU in the Independence Bowl where NSU fell to Florida 33-21 to end the season at 8-5 and just 4-4 in conference.
    Code:
    Season 52
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    8-5, 4-4 Big 12 (South)
    27    Colorado St.    26
    45    Minnesota        30
    62    @Michigan    31
    70    Tulsa         7
    27    @Texas A&M    31
    28    @Iowa St.        14
    35    Oklahoma St.    42
    28    Missouri        41
    45    @Colorado     3
    66    Baylor        13
    33    Texas        49
    46    @Oklahoma    39
        Independence Bowl
    21    Florida        33
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    Season 53 had several returning offensive players, including stand-out running back Todd. Todd entered on most Heisman finalist ballots and he didn�t disappoint. The All-American lead NSU to routs of Alabama and at Boston College before hitting a road block at Colorado State. The highly ranked Rams were ready for Todd and limited him to just a tad over 100 yards but it was enough as NSU held on for a another classic. NSU�s 14-10 win propel the Prairie Dogs to a renewed confidence level. NSU�s potent offense scored 40 or more in the next seven of eight games. Although Texas had dropped significantly from the season before, they had plenty of fight for NSU. In what looked like a huge upset, Weber saved NSU�s season with a 55-yard field goal on the game�s final play as the Prairie Dogs snuck past the Horns, 41-38. NSU handed league favorite Oklahoma its only loss then took down North champion Kansas State 30-10 to win the Big 12 title in NSU�s second year. The win gave #2 Nebraska State a chance at the National Championship against top-ranked Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl. The dream season was left incomplete as the Razorback defense stymied the Prairie Dogs offense in a 21-10 win that dropped 13-1 NSU to fourth in the polls. Todd ended his season as the Heisman winner and stunned everyone by opting to return to NSU for a chance at becoming a national champion.
    Code:
    Season 53
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    13-1, 9-0 Big 12 (South)
    52    Alabama        29
    52    @Boston College    24
    14    @Colorado St.    10
    51    Texas Tech    17
    46    Texas A&M    21
    50    Iowa St.        14
    60    @Oklahoma St.     7
    27    @Missouri    23
    63    Colorado        21
    61    @Baylor        28
    41    @Texas        38
    27    Oklahoma        14
    Big 12 Title Game
    30    Kansas St.        10
        Sugar Bowl
    10    Arkansas        21
    Final Ranking: #4, #4
    Season 54 was full of hype. The Prairie Dogs started the season as the third ranked team with the nation�s best running attack. Despite a slow start against Mississippi State, NSU cranked out the offense to overpower 24th Miami 42-7. But it was Auburn that showed the fire against NSU. The Tigers took the lead at halftime which burned the visiting P-Dogs. In a history-making quarter, NSU rallied for 49 third-quarter points to bury and stun Auburn 87-35. From that point on NSU was virtually unstoppable on either side of the ball. NSU annihilated Iowa State and Oklahoma State by a combined 132-0 and allowed just a total of 16 points against Missouri, Colorado and Baylor. NSU sent 8th ranked Texas reeling 38-24 and blasted 16th ranked OU 40-14. In one of the most anticipated Big 12 championship games, NSU crushed rival Nebraska 52-6 to earn a berth in the national championship game against a familiar foe. As for most of the teams� history, NSU slapped Air Force 48-14 to win the school�s fifth National Championship. Todd earned his second Heisman award by helping NSU to 328 yards rushing a game while the defense led the nation in total defense and scoring defense. Todd ended his career at NSU with an amazing 9,112 yards rushing with 118 yards. In all, Todd accounted for 10,883 total yards and 125 touchdowns to go with six tackles on defense.
    Code:
    NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
    Season 54
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    14-0, 9-0 Big 12 (South)
    73    Northern Illinois    14
    20    Mississippi St     7
    42    @Miami         7
    87    @Auburn        35
    41    @Texas A&M    20
    67    @Iowa St         0
    65    Oklahoma St     0
    57    Missouri         7
    57    @Colorado     3
    65    Baylor         6
    38    Texas        24
    40    @Oklahoma    14
        Big 12 Title Game    
    52    Nebraska         6
        Orange Bowl
    48    Air Force        14
    Final Ranking: #1, #1
    Season 55 opened with NSU ranked #1 in one poll and #3 in another. That changed immediately as rival Colorado State ended NSU�s winning streak 34-28. CSU would use that game to propel them to the national title game where they fell to Penn State. In another top game, NSU outlasted eventual #2 USC 49-30 to hand the Trojans their only loss of the season. After two no-contest wins to open conference play, NSU suffered an upset at the hands of the Cowboys of Oklahoma State, 38-35. NSU cruised again until a match-up with the Horns. In close bout throughout, the Prairie Dogs held off Texas 33-31, meaning the winner of the NSU-Oklahoma game would win the Big 12 South. The Sooners held the advantage the entire game and seemed to seal the deal when a fourth down attempt by NSU was short with just 0:33 left. Running the clock out, Oklahoma fullback House was stripped of the ball with NSU recovering the ball. With no time outs, NSU converted a 10-yard pass out play then set-up for a desperation heave. With just two seconds remaining, NSU QB Brewster fired a Hail Mary to Lacey. Lacey caught the ball just over the outstretched arms of the OU DB and sprinted the final 20 yards to the end zone as NSU stole the Big 12 title from OU and celebrated the longest final play in NSU history. NSU would face in-state rival Nebraska for the second straight year in the Big 12 title game and won going away, 45-27 to earn a bowl bid to the Orange Bowl, where NSU shut-out Florida State 10-0 to cap a 12-2 season and #3 ranking.
    Code:
    Season 55
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    12-2, 8-1 Big 12 (South)
    28    Colorado St    34
    49    @USC        30
    47    @Oregon St    14
    42    Notre Dame    24
    54    Texas A&M     0
    73    Iowa St         7
    35    @Oklahoma St    38
    56    @Missouri    14
    37    Colorado         3
    59    @Baylor         0
    33    @Texas        31
    37    Oklahoma        35
        Big 12 Title Game    
    45    Nebraska        27
        Orange Bowl
    10    Florida St         0
    Final Ranking: #3, #3
    Season 56 was hoping to see NSU pick up a third championship in three years. That seemed to be in order when NSU was unveiled as the preseason favorite in both polls. The season kicked off in good fashion as NSU defeated #17 Tennessee 39-10 before hosting Pitt. The Panther�s stunned the Ab-Linc Stadium by defeating the top-ranked Prairie Dogs 42-36. NSU took the next two non-conference games, including one against ranked Auburn. NSU wiped the first part of the conference schedule and geared up for a match-up with ranked Texas. In what many thought would be a tough game for the P-Dogs, it quickly turned into a laugher, knocking the Horns around in a 67-14 final. The game may have awaked fans in Oklahoma; it didn�t faze the Sooner players. In tough bout, Oklahoma dethroned the two-time Big 12 champs 22-16 to win the South. NSU fell to the Holiday Bowl where they downed 15th ranked UCLA 57-21 to end the season 11-2 and ranked #6 and #7.
    Code:
    Season 56
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-2, 7-1 Big 12 (South)
    39    @Tennessee    10
    36    Pittsburg         42
    58    @Michigan    24
    46    Auburn        27
    40    @Texas A&M    14
    66    @Iowa St         7
    52    Oklahoma St    20
    53    Missouri        14
    57    @Colorado    14
    77    Baylor        42
    67    Texas        14
    16    @Oklahoma    22
        Holiday Bowl
    57    UCLA        21
    Final Ranking: #6, #7
    Season 57 featured a strong offensive team and solid defensive team which gave hope to NSU fans hungering for another championship run. NSU made short work of its non-conference slate, including a 65-7 thumping of ranked Southern Miss. The following week NSU pounced on fallen Texas aTm 69-21 and took the next two games. A resurgent Missouri team had no answers but plenty of turnovers for NSU as the Top 10 Tigers fell 57-0. To cap the regular season, NSU had to go through three ranked conference foes. The Prairie Dogs dismantled Texas then outscored Oklahoma 45-38 to win the South Division. North Champion Kansas State provided a great test for NSU as the Prairie Dogs held on to defeat K-State 41-38 and advance to the National Championship against USC. In what was thought to be a defensive game, NSU countered everything USC answer and found victory after a 42-40 shootout win, giving NSU its sixth National Championship and second in the decade. Both Penn State and Air Force ended the season also unbeaten but neither could steal a share of the title.
    Code:
    NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
    Season 57
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    14-0, 9-0 Big 12 (South)
    24    Indiana         6
    24    @Pittsburg     0
    42    @West Virginia    17
    65    Southern Miss     7
    69    Texas A&M    21
    48    Iowa St        24
    31    @Oklahoma St     0
    57    @Missouri     0
    52    Colorado        17
    59    @Baylor        10
    34    @Texas         9
    45    Oklahoma        38
        Big 12 Title Game    
    52    Kansas St        38
        Sugar Bowl
    42    USC        40
    Final Ranking: #1, #1
    Season 58 looked as if NSU would successful defend their title after NSU opened up the season with a sound 28-10 win over highly ranked Arkansas and a thumping of ranked Auburn. But the wheels suddenly came off as NSU suffered defeats at the hands of aTm, Iowa State and near defeats from downtrodden Oklahoma and Colorado. Baylor picked a key win over NSU for its season and Texas manhandled the Prairie Dogs 30-7. For the first time in many seasons, NSU had the chance to play spoiler as they handed National Championship game contender Oklahoma out of the title chase with a 44-19 win. The season pitted NSU and Florida State in the Tangerine Bowl. NSU defeated the Noles to cap the season at 9-4 and ranked #17 in both polls.
    Code:
    Season 58
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    9-4, 4-4 Big 12 (South)
    28    @Arkansas    10
    51    @Mississippi St     7
    52    @Arizona St     20
    42    @Auburn        14
    31    @Texas A&M    34
    14    @Iowa St        28
    31    Oklahoma St    25
    42    Missouri        17
    30    @Colorado    27
    28    Baylor        27
     7    Texas        30
    44    @Oklahoma    19
        Tangerine Bowl
    49    Florida St        31
    Final Ranking: #17, #17
    Season 59 began on a sour note as Air Force sent the visiting Prairie Dogs home with a 27-7 defeat. NSU squeaked out wins over Indiana and Toledo before hammering aTm in the conference opener for both schools. Oklahoma State rebounded from its losing ways and drilled NSU by 20. Colorado also showed up the Prairie Dogs in a 34-9 easy win. NSU snuck past Texas before once again stunning the sixth ranked Sooners 31-28. Receiving the Alamo Bowl bid, NSU drew Ohio State and defeated the Buckeyes 41-24 to finish 10-3 and ranked as high as 7th and as low as 9th in the nation.
    Code:
    Season 59
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    10-3, 6-2 Big 12 (South)
     7    @Air Force    27
    38    @Indiana        31
    27    Toledo        24
    52    Appalachian St     7
    45    Texas A&M     7
    41    Iowa St        17
    21    @Oklahoma St    41
    13    @Missouri     7
     9    Colorado        34
    55    Baylor        14
    21    @Texas        18
    31    Oklahoma        28
        Alamo Bowl
    41    Ohio St        24
    Final Ranking: #7, #9
    Season 60 opened with two ranked opponents in SMU and Miami. SMU ponied up a 42-20 thrashing of NSU but the Hurricanes couldn�t stop the P-Dogs� offense in a 31-13 win for NSU. Texas aTm highlighted its 3-9 season in the first game of the conference season, defeating NSU 33-24. The Prairie Dogs managed to edge out the rest of the down Big 12 conference to put itself in a position to steal the Big 12 South. Standing in the way was Top 10 Oklahoma. Despite the animosity from the last two defeats, the Sooners� coaching staff was stunned again as NSU trumped Oklahoma 21-17 to win the South and again deny the Sooners of a possible national title opportunity. The win set up the third Big 12 CCG match-up between Nebraska and Nebraska State. A win would put the once beaten Cornhuskers into the national championship game while NSU was seeking to play spoiler again. Nebraska struck first and held the narrow lead the entire game. But with just 0:18 left, NSU scored on an 18-yard touchdown pass to tie the game with the PAT. Nebraska held the ball first in OT and scored in just two plays. NSU was shutdown completely as the Prairie Dogs watched their in-state rival take the Big 12 Championship and later the National Championship over Louisville. The season ended at 11-3 with a ranking of #11 for NSU.
    Code:
    Season 60
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    11-3, 7-2 Big 12 (South)
    20    @SMU        42
    31    Miami        13
    48    @Michigan    17
    69    Youngstown St    17
    24    @Texas A&M    33
    35    @Iowa St        24
    58    Oklahoma St    28
    27    Missouri        24
    31    @Colorado    10
    37    Baylor        14
    35    Texas        30
    21    @Oklahoma     17
        Big 12 Title Game
    24    Nebraska        31 ot
        Cotton Bowl
    45    Ole Miss         7
    Final Ranking: #11, #11
    Season 61 opened with national runner-up Louisville cruising past the host Prairie Dogs 52-34 to open the season at 0-1 for NSU. The Prairie Dogs would rebound with wins over Boston College and Purdue and took a high scoring shootout from Florida State, 65-55. After a 2-0 start in conference play, Oklahoma State once again bit NSU then the P-Dogs fell to 12th ranked Missouri. Wins against Colorado and Baylor ensured NSU of another non-losing conference record, but Texas tripped up NSU and Oklahoma exacted years of frustration on NSU, pummeling the Prairie Dogs 59-21. At season�s end, the Houston Bowl pitted NSU and UAB. The Blazers were overmatched as NSU demonized UAB 58-10 to finish 8-5 with another 4-4 conference record which left NSU unranked for the first time in nine seasons.
    Code:
    Season 61
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    8-5, 4-4 Big 12 (South)
    34    Louisville        52
    31    @Boston College    20
    48    @Purdue        14
    65    Florida St        55
    58    Texas A&M    21
    49    Iowa St         0
    21    @Oklahoma St    35
    24    @Missouri    45
    35    Colorado        21
    36    @Baylor        14
    27    @Texas        45
    21    Oklahoma        59
        Houston Bowl
    58    UAB        10
    Final Ranking: NR, NR
    Season 62 opened with a pair of dominating road wins against Mississippi State and Florida. But longtime foe Colorado State took the first game of the season in Ab-Linc 41-31. Despite the loss, NSU looked to return to the conference title game and opened the league slate up with four straight. But 8-5 Colorado knocked off the Prairie Dogs 28-24 in Boulder. After taking out Texas and Baylor, NSU just needed to defeat Oklahoma to win the South title. OU won the first half convincingly to lead 24-7 at the break. NSU came out blazing in the third, scoring 24 points but the Sooner tacked on 21 of their own. Keeping the pressure on, NSU scored 28 in the final quarter to take the lead and looked to once again spoil the Sooners� season. But with 84-yard to go, OU�s Smith captured a Hail Mary and raced untouched for the 84-yard touchdown. The PAT put the game into overtime where all of a sudden the defenses woke up. Nebraska State went for a touchdown on 4th and goal at the one but was stuffed. OU ran three straight plays and kicked the game-winning field goal to post a 62-59 win. The game featured NSU�s Montgomery passing for 721 yards with 255 going to Hutchins. OU countered with 602 yards passing. NSU tallied 975 total yards while the Sooners accounted for 801 yards. The season ended with NSU capturing a thrilling 35-34 win over 11th ranked Georgia in the Cotton Bowl. Following the win, Head Coach John Edwards, JR. announced his retirement.
    Code:
    Season 62
    John Edwards, Jr., Coach
    10-3, 6-2 Big 12 (South)
    49    @Mississippi St     7
    42    @Florida         7
    31    Colorado St    41
    49    Maine        27
    48    @Texas A&M    24
    48    @Iowa St        10
    31    Oklahoma St    21
    38    Missouri        21
    24    @Colorado    28
    51    Baylor        37
    50    Texas        27
    59    @Oklahoma     62 ot
        Cotton Bowl
    35    Georgia         34
    Final Ranking: #12, #12

  11. #11



    Season 63 welcomed a new coach to the NSU fold. A former Prairie Dog player, Fritz Kreig was named the program�s fourth head coach. His debut was a solid one as his NSU team manhandled Chattanooga 73-17 as the Prairie Dog running attack steamrolled. The next two contests produced similar results but the NSU freight train hit a brick wall in Week 4 against Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles were decisive in their 54-16 win over NSU. During the off-season, NSU had been moved to the Big 12 North as Texas Tech was once again added to the South when Iowa State optioned to drop down to DI-AA. A change of divisions didn�t seem to matter as NSU finished 5-3 and second in the North behind Missouri. This season also saw the start of a continuing series with rival Nebraska as NSU edged the Huskers 19-16 in Ab-Linc. NSU concluded Season 63 8-5 and a 30-13 loss to Oregon in the Holiday Bowl and out of the Top 25.

    Season 64 was a mix bag for NSU fans. Pre-season prognosticators pegged the Prairie Dogs as a middle of the Big 12 team. That seemed about right as NSU split its first two games of the seasons after being upset at Iowa. The game of the year was an exciting 40-34 overtime win against Nebraska in the I-80 Showdown. That game set the pace for NSU as it cruised past a down North contingent on its way to the Big 12 title game with a perfect conference record. The Sooners also entered the contest unblemished in league play and proved to be too much on that day, recording a 24-14 win. NSU at 10-2 faced a 6-5 Mississippi State team in the Cotton Bowl where the Prairie Dogs ran away with a 38-10 win to end the season at #10 and #7 in the polls.

    Season 65 unveiled a tedious schedule that saw NSU play nine ranked teams by season�s end. NSU�s opponents would finish the season at 101-55. The first game of the season was a 29-27 win over Georgia, but it was Buffalo that stole the spotlight as the Bulls knocked off NSU in Ab-Linc 51-28. NSU would split games against Top 10 foes Iowa and Texas before once again stealing a two-point win over the Huskers. The following week saw NSU edge OU in overtime but a 13-9 loss to resurgent Kansas State put NSU�s North Division title on the line. Narrow wins over Colorado and Missouri allowed the Prairie Dogs to meet Texas again, this time for the conference crown. This time around the offense was clicking, but the defense surrendered 31 points to the Horns as Texas nipped NSU 31-29, putting NSU once again in the Cotton Bowl. In a weird twist, NSU played Georgia again and came away with similar results, a hard-fought 19-14 win over the Bulldogs. NSU would end the season at 9-4 and ranked #15 and #13.

    Season 66 saw a lot of promise for NSU. The Prairie Dogs began the season at #5 in the country and didn�t disappoint out of the gate. NSU traveled to Baton Rogue and socked the Tigers 39-0. NSU looked anything like a title contender the next week as NSU struggled to get by 2-9 Purdue, 24-21. Hope was again raised in Week 3 as NSU traveled the two hours to Lincoln and won its third straight against Nebraska, this time in a defensive 17-5 win. NSU picked up a critical 24-20 win over Texas but a three-point loss to Kansas State ended the national title hopes. NSU was able to salvage the North and a rematch with Texas in the CCG. The Prairie Dogs cruised past the Horns this time around to the tune of 31-17 to win the Big 12 Championship. The win set up a match against Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl. The Rebels offense proved to be too much for NSU to overcome as Ole Miss ran away with the 38-28 win. NSU ended the season at 12-2 and ranked the same as the pre-season poll, #5 and #6. For his effort during the season, Kreig was named Coach of the Year, his first award.

    Season 67 was a tumultuous time for NSU. High expectations were all around the program as NSU entered into the season again in the Top 10. But behind the scenes the program�s foundation was crumbling. For the first time in program history, Nebraska State was slapped with three years of probation and 15 lost scholarships. National Coach of the Year Fritz Kreig was put under a microscope as was his program, which seemed to be slipping on the field as well. After an 8-0 start, the weight of the NCAA investigation began to show. Nebraska crushed NSU 30-7 and the Prairie Dogs lost to 7-5 Kansas State and Missouri to go from a Top 5 standing to the Independence Bowl. There the Prairie Dogs again lost to a 7-5 team, this time Auburn, 30-23 to end the season 8-4 with a four game skid. Kreig would be cleared of any personal wrongdoing, but the writing was on the wall.

    Season 68 saw NSU ranked #12 to start the season, but lofty goals would be brought down to earth early, and often. NSU managed a split again Big 10 foes Penn State and Iowa, but for the second straight season, Nebraska won the I-80 Showdown and NSU would fall to 5-6 Missouri two weeks later. NSU would attempt to salvage the season with a upset of Top 5 Texas aTm, but the Prairie Dogs were crushed by Kansas State a week later, 41-15. Known for most of its history for offensive teams, the next week was hard to swallow. For the first time in its 68 years of existence, NSU never had been shutout. That ended as Colorado defeated NSU 7-0 in Ab-Linc. Another crushing blow came two weeks later as a 5-6 Notre Dame team throttled NSU 45-13, again another home disappointment for NSU and its fans. The season came to an unceremonious end in the Houston Bowl as Alabama put the final nail in Fritz Kreig�s career at NSU with a 14-3 win. NSU finished Season 68 at 6-7, the first losing record since Season 5�a span of 64 seasons. Kreig was let go in the days following the bowl loss.

    Season 69 welcomed another Prairie Dog legend, Bert Todd. The program�s leading rusher returned to restore faith in the NSU program, but the Probation Dogs (a nickname given to NSU by fans) needed work themselves and Season 69 proved a lot was needed. Todd won is opener as coach, defeating Minnesota 20-7 and had his team play valiantly, but fell to a Top 5 Iowa team. It took 68 years for NSU to be shutout, but it took just under a year before it would happen again, this time at the hands of Texas, 27-0. A win over downtrodden Nebraska and an upset of Oklahoma couldn�t shift attitudes enough to make the season successful. NSU would win just one game against North opponents (4-7 Nebraska) and just 3-5 in the Big 12. NSU would cap the season with a win over Central Michigan but a 5-6 season kept the Prairie Dogs home for the first time in 21 years.

    Season 70 was a year of redemption by two teams. NSU and Minnesota were a combined 11-12 the previous season. What a difference a year makes. Despite being a running back during his career, Todd took the Prairie Dogs to the air in Season 70 with astounding results. NSU knocked off three ranked opponents in the first four weeks (including a 35-23 win over Nebraska) and escaped a 59-56 overtime shootout with Texas Tech. Heads turned when NSU downed league favorite Oklahoma 42-28. The Prairie Dogs slipped past Kansas State and Colorado and picked up wins over Kansas and USF to win the North and more surprisingly, head to the CCG undefeated a year after going 5-6. NSU handed surprise South winner Texas aTm a 21-14 loss as NSU clinched a spot in the National Championship game. The opponent was the Golden Gophers of Minnesota, who came back from a 6-6 record to also finish unbeaten. Unfortunately, the wheels had to come off one of these two teams� dream season and it turned out to be NSU. The Gophers defense came up huge when they needed too as Minnesota defeated NSU 19-0 to win the national title. NSU ended ranked #5 at 12-1 in a rebuilding season.

  12. #12




    Season 71 would prove to be a reality check for NSU and its fans. After what can only be described as a dream season, everyone awoke the next season back to reality. NSU dropped its first two contests of the season and suffered big losses to 3-8 Texas aTm and 5-6 Missouri. The Prairie Dogs threw everything in its rivalry game against #6 Nebraska, but fell late 18-17. With a potential bowl bid on the line, NSU was drubbed in the season finale against Air Force 46-17. The loss left NSU 5-6 and unranked and home once again for the holidays.

    Season 72 saw things get worse for NSU faithful. The program was still stinging from probation but it saw some bright moments during the season. NSU upset an Iowa team that would end the season ranked, 27-17. The Prairie Dogs also scored another win against Nebraska who would finish ranked #14. But losses to 5-6 Baylor and senior-laden league champion Missouri followed. A three-point win over 3-8 Oklahoma State in Week 6 proved to be the last. NSU would drop games against ranked K-State and Texas aTm, but also followed was a 24-14 loss to 3-8 Kansas. When the smoke cleared on Season 72, NSU would see its worst record at 3-8.

    Season 73 would provide no magic for NSU despite another stunning upset over a ranked Iowa team in Week 1. Texas crushed NSU in Week 2, 41-6, and Nebraska would take back the Corn-Dog Trophy in easy fashion, 51-19 in Ab-Linc. NSU would claim wins against 4-9 Texas Tech and 3-9 rebuilding Missouri. But losses to teams with losing records would haunt NSU again as Colorado and Wyoming helped to drop the once proud Prairie Dogs to their second consecutive 3-8 record.

    Season 74 would show progress for Bert Todd�s NSU team, but the talent level differences were still apparent. NSU once again stymied Iowa and came close to knocking off rival Nebraska, but in turn NSU would suffer mind-blowing losses to teams like 4-7 Missouri, a 48-21 winner. The Prairie Dogs would also struggle against 2-9 Kansas and suffered a blowout loss to 7-5 Navy. The team would end at 4-7 and just 2-6 in Big 12 play. Despite the recent setbacks, fans were happy with Bert Todd and respected his legendary status, but at the same time fans hungered to see a return of championship football in central Nebraska. Feeling this, Todd resigned as coach but remained loyal to the program. At 32-36 overall, Todd was the only coach in NSU history to have a losing record for his career.

    Season 75 welcomed yet another home grown talent in Damien Nash as head coach. Nash, another former running back great at NSU, was the third straight former NSU player to take the helm as the Prairie Dogs coach. To aid Nash in his first season, NSU put together an easier schedule for the first-time head coach. That seemed to help as NSU opened the season with wins over big schools that had been struggling also in Clemson and Illinois. That momentum helped NSU to pull out wins over mediocre teams in Oklahoma State, Texas aTm, Colorado and Baylor. The first real test for Nash was the I-80 Showdown against Nebraska. Despite the surprising 8-0 record, NSU had no answers for the 7-6 Huskers as Nash was punished in his rivalry debut as Nebraska routed NSU 59-10, the most lopsided Nebraska win in series history. NSU fell out of the conference race the following week in a 35-15 loss to Kansas State. Wins over Missouri and Utah put NSU back into a bowl game against Arkansas State. NSU took advantage of the mismatch to win the Houston Bowl to end the season at 11-2 and ranked #11.

    Season 76 saw a mediocre NSU team face against plenty of other mediocre teams. The Prairie Dogs opened with wins over Temple and North Carolina, but a five-point loss to Army. The Battle for the Corn-Dog Trophy didn�t play a factor in the conference race, but it did provide some entertainment as NSU clipped the Huskers 18-17 to end a three-game skid in the rivalry series. A powerful Baylor team crushed NSU 41-20 as did Missouri. NSU limped through the rest of the season but managed to qualify for the Tangerine Bowl against ranked Virginia Tech. Defense played a key role in NSU�s 16-7 win over the Hokies. The Prairie Dogs ended their season at 7-5 but ranked #18 and #21 in the nation. The best news of the season was announced after the bowl game when the NCAA released NSU from probation.

    Season 77 opened the season with a shocking rout of famed Notre Dame, 45-14 (Norte Dame would tumble to an 0-11 season record) but then the offense stalled in losses to Navy and Minnesota, but 11 points were enough to nip Texas by six to open conference play. In another nail-biter, NSU edged Nebraska 30-28 and ripped 2-9 Oklahoma 52-21. NSU was upset by Texas Tech, but one point wins over Colorado and Missouri won the North for the Prairie Dogs. Playing its third ranked team in as many weeks, NSU ran out of gas late in a 19-16 loss to Texas aTm in the CCG. Despite the loss, NSU found its way to the Cotton Bowl and a match-up with Auburn. The Tigers would edge NSU and bump the 8-5 Prairie Dogs out of the national rankings. News got worse as NSU was placed back on probation for two seasons for failing to comply with requirements from the last probation period. The Probation Dogs moniker was once again back in the limelight.

    Season 78 once again saw high expectations crushed on opening day. The #7 NSU Prairie Dogs hosted Eastern Michigan and saw their guests leave with a 17-12 win. The players vowed a renewed sense of purpose following that game and it showed in the next two weeks. NSU crushed San Jose State 62-7 and placed 70 points up in the first half against Elon before backing off for the easy 77-0 win. The offense kept scoring against Nebraska, Texas Tech and Texas but it could only muster 12 points in a loss to Oklahoma, the team NSU would rally from 17 down to defeat in the Big 12 CCG. But the story of the year was the defensive turnaround for the program. NSU shutout six teams during the season, including a 28-0 Fiesta Bowl win over Arkansas, which set a new team record. NSU would finish 12-2 and ranked #7 and #10 at season�s end.

    Season 79 has NSU eyeing a potential National Championship as the Prairie Dogs start the season ranked #5 and #3 in the polls. But yet again, an opening day lost would prove costly for NSU. A 35-28 set-back from 9-3 North Texas wasn�t a season killer, but two weeks later 7-6 Florida State ended a title dream with a 30-23 win. A rebuilding defense that allowed just 9.2 ppg a season ago now allowed 30+ in each of its first three games. With Nebraska�s 21-20 win, all three of NSU�s losses came to teams not ranked at season�s end. One of the highlights of the season was a 60-7 rout of #15 Kansas State, which allowed NSU to claim the North Title, where the Prairie Dogs went on to defeat Texas aTm 37-29 in the CCG. The other highlight for the Prairie Dogs was a 24-point second half comeback against Missouri. NSU would top Houston in the Fiesta Bowl and end 11-3 and ranked #8 and #7. In Season 79, nine teams would end with 11 wins with seven of those teams ending at 11-1.


    Season 80 provided a similar story for NSU, but a vast different ending. Beginning the season as the top-ranked team in the nation and national title hopes once again was once more followed by a loss on opening day, this time to 10-2 Miami. Determined not to see their season end in another also-ran bowl, NSU became more focused. NSU defeated Nebraska in a Week 2 match-up then up-ended 17th ranked Baylor 24-21. In a down year for the Big 12, NSU met all challenges and pulled through the conference slate unscathed for another chance at the National Championship. NSU took down Baylor in the CCG and waited for the BCS dust to settle before learning they had enough points to edge out Navy to face Houston for the National Championship. NSU�s DE Tinsley and WR McGuire took control of the Rose Bowl from the opening kickoff. The NSU record holder for sacks punished the Houston QB and McGuire was unstoppable on offense as the senior wideout caught five passes for 232 yards and three touchdowns. NSU shook off the opening week lost to win its next 12 games and win the National Championship 24-10 over Houston. Damien Nash was named the nation�s top coach.

    Season 81 set up to be a carbon copy of the previous season, but the Prairie Dogs were determined not to fall in the first week of the season. RB Teague made sure that didn�t happen. The sophomore sensation at running back made his first start memorable by galloping for 312 yards and three touchdowns on 37 carries as NSU edged Georgia in Week 1 40-37. A balanced mix of offense and defense, the Season 81 edition of the NSU Prairie Dogs was tough to beat. Despite that, many teams aimed for the target on NSU�s back and came to play. NSU brushed off close calls from UNLV and Texas and handed Nebraska a 17-6 defeat. The season almost became derailed in Boulder as NSU needed overtime to dismiss the Buffs in a 30-27 win. The biggest test of the season was 16th ranked Texas aTm in the Big 12 title game. Behind Teague and fellow Heisman finalist LB Taylor, NSU completely shutdown the Aggies in a 58-7 rout to earn a repeat shot at the national title. The undefeated Prairie Dogs faced Maryland in the Fiesta Bowl for the National Championship. NSU scored early and never slowed in a 31-14 win. NSU survived two last second wins (UGA and UNLV) to post a 25-game winning streak (second longest in team history). Taylor tied NSU great Hawkins for most sacks in a season at 23 and a record of 101 tackles. Teague end the year with 349 carries for 2,404 yards and 20 touchdowns. For guiding NSU to its second straight title, Nash won back-to-back Coach of the Year Awards.

  13. #13




    Season 82 was a major disappointment after heavy graduation, especially on both lines and defense. After setting a new NSU record for consecutive wins at 26 with a win over Illinois State in the season opener, the Prairie Dogs fell flat. After crushing losses to eventual #2 Iowa and a 56-10 pounding from in-state rival Nebraska, NSU would never recover. After setting a record for consecutive wins, NSU would establish another career streak?consecutive losses. NSU would lose seven straight games, all in conference play. They also lost in crushing fashion, allowing 50+ points five times throughout the season en route to a career worst 43.9 ppg defensively. Only a 28-7 beating of Kansas in the final week of the season stopped the streak. At 1-7, NSU for the first time finished last in conference play.


    Season 83 was a rebounding year for NSU. With several young players getting experience the season before, NSU?s offense re-established themselves while the defense still struggled. It didn?t get much worse for the Prairie Dog D in a late season game against Missouri. The Tigers? HB#20 ripped NSU for an NCAA record 444 yards rushing on just 21 attempts. The senior scored on runs of 61, 74. 80, 78 as Missouri tallied 435 yards on the ground on 35 attempts. Defense was also responsible for the team getting into a 33-10 halftime deficit against UCLA in the Holiday Bowl. But determined to right the ship, NSU rallied in the third and fourth quarters to stun the Bruins 57-54. Teague would run for 2,724 yards and score 31 TDs on the season, but finished just second in Heisman voting.


    Season 84 started quickly for the Prairie Dogs with four straight wins, including a dramatic 25-21 win over eventual #3 Nebraska in Lincoln. NSU would win just four more conference games as losses to Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Kansas State outshined the win of ranked Texas. Finishing third in the North, did allow NSU to qualify for the Alamo Bowl to face the Wolverines of Michigan. Michigan grabbed an early lead to took the game 34-21 to drop NSU to 8-4 overall and ranked #19 and #20. Nash received a two-year contract extension. Pope also made highlight reels as the senior return man ended his career with nine special team touchdowns (99-954yds, 6 tds ? punt return; 98-2,814, 3 tds ? kick return).


    Season 85 turned out to be the darkest season for NSU. Despite having quality players dotted throughout the roster, very little went right for the Prairie Dogs. It started with an upset to 5-7 Central Michigan in the season opener. After knocking off San Diego State and falling in a close one to #13 Tennessee, the wheels fell completely off. The defense once again allowed 43.9 ppg as the offense couldn?t keep up. The only other win of the season came in a shootout 56-49 win over 2-9 Kansas. Concluding the season was three consecutive losses that left NSU 2-10, the worse record ever for the program. Interesting enough, coach Damien Nash was supported by 76% of the fan base in an on-line survey and his job remained secured. But the pressure to rebuild was more than the former NSU All-Time great wanted and Nash resigned following the season.


    Season 86 was a season of re-invention for NSU. Moving away from hiring a former player as coach, NSU went to the NFL and plucked Jarrett Lombardi from the Green Bay Packers. The young offensive coordinator brought with him his version of the West Coast Offense, a drastic change for the powerful Prairie Dog Option that the program had used for several seasons. With a new philosophy , there were some achievements and growing pains for the Prairie Dogs. NSU opened with three straight wins over teams that went 9-25 over the course of the season before a 66-28 loss at Nebraska. With the new offense, the main beneficiary turned out to be running back Poole. The junior scorched Temple for 441 yards of total offense and recorded 3,190 all purpose yards and 28 touchdowns on the season. NSU would defeat Miami in the Champ Sports Bowl to finish 9-4 and #16 and #17.


    Season 87 saw more ranked teams on the schedule, which translated to more losses in Lombardi?s second season. Six of NSU?s seven losses were to ranked teams, including Top 10 Ohio State, Oklahoma and national championship participant Colorado. The 6-7 season was a disappointment, but the year was golden for Poole. The Texas Longhorn transfer set records in his final season at NSU. Poole gained 4,019 total yards of offense and 28 TDs in his final season. In his career, Poole netted 4,264 rushing, 124 passing, 730 receiving, 1,431 on kick returns and 1,229 on punt returns. He also shined against Missouri, capturing records for most carries at 50 attempts and total yards (552 ? 3 passing, 282 rushing, 35 receiving, 52 kick return, 162 punt return= 5 tds.) Poole won the Heisman for his effort and had his jersey retired quickly thereafter.


    Season 88 saw a drop in the number of ranked teams on the schedule and increase in the win column for NSU. The Prairie Dogs balanced attack opened with three wins, including an 87-3 annihilation of Norfolk State. A certain win against Nebraska turned heartbreaking in Week 4 as the Huskers stunned NSU 53-50 on a 75-yard hail mary pass on the game?s final play. A loss later to Colorado shutout NSU from the league title game and a trip instead to the Cotton Bowl against Auburn. NSU?s offense downed the Tigers 41-27 with running back Carter taking home the Heisman Trophy for NSU.

  14. #14




    Season 89 was another big change for NSU as changes to the college football world again left the Prairie Dogs scrambling to recover. After blitzing in-state school Creighton 78-3 in the opener, NSU dropped three straight including huge losses to Iowa and Texas. Highly ranked Nebraska scorched the Prairie Dogs 73-28, scoring the most points ever in the rivalry. NSU came back to stun the Sooners 24-0 but the lacking defense surrendered 65 and 69 the next two weeks against Texas Tech and Kansas State. NSU fizzled out to a 3-9 record due in large part to 59 turnovers.

    Season 90 NSU took to the air more often with drop-back passer Bodiford winging the ball to Adam Ruffin. Ruffin set new records for receiving at NSU during the season. He caught 15 passes against Texas Tech to establish the record, but that was reset again against Kansas as the junior wideout caught 16 passes for 233 yards. Ruffin also set the standard for catches in a season at 104 and yards 1,879 and 18 touchdowns. Not to be outdone, RB Franklin record a 2,000 yard season.

    Season 91 was another defensive let down for NSU as the Prairie Dogs allowed 40.1 ppg during the 5-7 campaign. Despite the defensive collapse, Ruffin was tagged as an early Heisman favorite. The senior caught 82 passes for 1,726 yards and 14 touchdowns. For his career, Ruffin caught 309 passes for 6,085 yards and 50 tds. He was a lone standout in a 69-21 thrashing at the hands of Nebraska. Ruffin took eight passes for 232 yards and all three of NSU?s touchdowns. In a mutual agreement, Jarrett Lombardi went back to the NFL and NSU hired another NFL guy, this time a defensive coordinator, in Ryan Ditka to take charge of NSU.

    Season 92 saw some improvements, especially on defense. NSU lost its fifth straight against Nebraska in a 35-10 decision in a season of weird ups and downs. Minnesota ran over NSU in a 45-17 win, the Golden Gophers only win of the season. Later in the season, NSU would play spoiler to Texas aTm in a 41-38 win that handed the Aggies their only loss of the season and a shot at the national title. Ending the season at 7-5, NSU was able to qualify for the Gator Bowl against 10-3 Clemson, which crushed outmanned NSU 53-21 as NSU finished unranked for the fourth straight season.

    Season 93 saw Ditka?s team come together for the first time as NSU ripped off a 11-3 record. A loss to UTEP in the season opener left NSU undeterred en route to the Big 12 North title as the Prairie Dogs ended their recent skid against Nebraska in a 31-24 game. NSU would fall to both Oklahoma schools, the last to the Cowboys in the Big 12 Championship Game. NSU would go on to defeat a talented Arkansas squad in the Cotton Bowl to end ranked at #18 in both polls.

    Season 94 would trade off a long standing tradition of strong running for an air-it-out approach with mixed results. QB Lane flung the ball all over the field to the tune of 3,595, third most in NSU history. Receiving those passes were possession receiver Garrett (82 catches, 1,142 yards) and deep-threat Nicholson (78 catches, 2,027 ?new single season record). NSU would again have trouble stopping the Cornhuskers but defensive woes against Texas Tech and Oklahoma placed NSU in an also-ran status in the conference race. The end result was a trip to the Houston Bowl, where NSU got past Tulane 27-14 to end at 8-5 and unranked.

    Season 95 opened with three impressive wins, but conference losses to Oklahoma State and Nebraska damaged NSU?s North run. A 39-33 upset loss to 3-9 Kansas ended all hope for NSU, but with the season ended with a trip to the Alamo Bowl and a match-up with Wisconsin. In a close battle throughout, NSU held on to oust the Badgers 34-28 to reach double digits in wins and a ranking of #25 and #25. NSU?s Nicholson, the Heisman winner, set the career record for receiving yards at 6,569 yards with 57 touchdowns.

    Season 96 saw QB Lane explode over the course of the season. The senior signal caller helped NSU tally 45.7 ppg during an 11-2 season. NSU averaged 371.6 yards passing a game as Lane shattered the single season mark with 4,352 yards with 41 td passes. Nebraska State fell in shoot-out losses to Nebraska and league champ Texas aTm. NSU would land in the Gator Bowl where the Prairie Dogs knotted a 24-21 win over NC State and a ranking of #14 and #12.

    Season 97 opened with a good omen. Despite falling to Cal by one in the season opener, history has shown a good season to follow. After getting by a solid Western Michigan team in Week 2, NSU took out North favorite Nebraska 44-28 and went on a scoring binge against Texas Tech (70-17) Kansas State (66-0) and Kansas (89-21) before suffering a setback in Boulder to the Buffs. NSU would travel to highly ranked Notre Dame in a Game-of-the-Week match-up to end the regular season. The game was back and forth all day with Notre Dame taking a 36-31 lead late in the fourth. A long pass to WR Davis was caught at the 15 yard line, but Notre Dame defenders got to Davis near the end zone and stopped the play at the one-yard line to preserve the Irish win. NSU would take close games against aTm in the Big 12 title game and LSU in the Fiesta Bowl to finish 12-2 and #6 and #7 in the country.

    Season 98 had the markings of something big with plenty of returning starters and a bulked up defense. NSU also scheduled Rice at the right time. In a rare rebuilding year for the Owls, NSU ended Rice?s 40-game win streak (which netted no national championships) in a 35-0 rout. Rice would fall to 8-5 on the season. The Prairie Dogs would upend Nebraska in a thrilling 29-28 win in Lincoln and hold off 3-9 Texas Tech the following week. NSU would cruise during the next four weeks before edging a tough Colorado team, 31-24 to clinch a spot in the Big 12 title game. NSU would jump on 12-2 Oklahoma State 20-0 before holding on for a 20-16 win to put the Prairie Dogs into the National Championship Game against unbeaten Virginia Tech. In a dog fight, NSU would prevail for the program?s ninth national championship.

    Season 99 saw NSU start as the top ranked team in the nation and that was solidified with a 37-31 triple overtime win over #2 West Virginia in the opening week. NSU took a close game against Iowa before knocking off 11-2 Wisconsin 30-26. NSU would grow its win streak in the following weeks into the I-80 Showdown with Nebraska (read game report here). In a highly competitive game, NSU and NU would battle into double overtime. A late pick secured the win for the Prairie Dogs to push NSU?s unbeaten streak to 25-games. That ended the following week as national championship title game participant Auburn shocked NSU in a surprising 63-37 rout. Two more wins put NSU back into the national title picture and into the Big 12 title game. A tough aTm team outlasted NSU 25-20 to leave NSU in the Cotton Bowl, where the P-Dogs netted a 36-27 win for a 12-2 season and a national ranking of #8.

    Season 100 was a season of celebration. Years of prep led up to this season with several NSU players returning and old rivalries renewed. NSU hosted old MWC foe Colorado State to Ab-Linc where NSU picked up a 37-7 win. A huge rally allowed NSU to defeat Liberty Bowl rival Southern Miss 35-24. But shocking losses to Buffalo and Baylor left fans stunned and disappointed that no national championship was to be had in the centennial season. A loss to Nebraska was sandwiched in between the loss. NSU would recover to upset top-ranked Texas aTm and ranked Colorado and Notre Dame. But a loss in the Alamo Bowl to Iowa soured the 9-4 season. You can view the Season 100 dynasty report here.


    Season 101 started another downward tumble for NSU. Losses to ranked Big 10 teams Iowa and Michigan left NSU just 2-2 to begin the season. A pair of three point losses to Texas and Nebraska to open conference play put NSU out of the conference race as well. The skid would continue for two more weeks as NSU dropped games to Oklahoma and Texas Tech. In the Tech contest, the Raiders? Wilson abused the Prairie Dog defense for 762 yards passing and 9 touchdowns in 32 completions (all records) in a 67-60 TTU win. NSU would earn wins against 2-10 Kansas State and Kansas before splitting the final two games that left NSU 5-7 on the season.


    Season 102 saw NSU return to the skies with QB Stephens completing 298 passes out of 498 for 4,252 and 41 touchdowns. Heisman runner-up Ruud was a beast for NSU, taking 78 passes for 1,621 yards and 18 receiving TDs. But Ruud proved he wasn?t a one-trick pony. Ruud took back three punts for scores and added another 718 yards on kick returns. Also benefiting from the pass, TE Castorani made the position relevant again by snagging 50 passes, the most since Bell in Season 99 and third highest all-time for tight-ends. The season provided an 8-5 record that pitted NSU in the Alamo against Penn St. The game resulted in NSU?s worse bowl performance in a 48-3 Penn St. win.

    Season 103 started 0-2 for NSU with road losses to Florida State and Hawaii before the final game against Nebraska-Omaha gave the Prairie Dogs their first win of the season. NSU played tough against Top 10 foes Oklahoma State and Texas aTm, but the losses gave NSU an 0-2 start in conference play. A sound defeat from Nebraska helped the Huskers to the National Championship game appearance and NSU finished Big 12 play at 4-4. At 6-6, NSU limped into the Gator Bowl against NC State where the Wolfpack provided a second straight bowl thumping in a 54-17 rout of NSU, dropping the Prairie Dogs to 6-7 on the season.

  15. #15







    Season 104 saw NSU coming off a losing season with hopes for a better year. Turned out much the same. The Prairie Dogs opened the season up a 3-0 and 5-1 with a loss to former MWC foe UNLV stuck in between. The conference slate was tough for NSU, who dropped games against Nebraska, Texas aTm and Colorado. The P-Dogs were crushed by Missouri 69-31 and fell flat against 6-7 Kansas. The six wins were enough for a bowl bid as NSU traveled to the school's first International Bowl where the Prairie Dogs defeated Western Michigan 59-24 to finish the season at 7-6.




    Season 105 was one of those seasons where the ball bounced the right way for NSU. The Prairie Dogs won its first seven games, which included wins over ranked Nebraska, Texas Tech, Texas and Oklahoma...all in a row. NSU's luck would run out against the Tigers of Missouri before rebounding and knocking off K-State and ranked Colorado. NSU faltered against Kansas, but managed the Big 12 North crown after Nebraska upset Colorado. NSU continued its lucky streak with a 52-48 upset of Texas aTm in the Big 12 title game. The win sent the Prairie Dogs to the Fiesta Bowl against the once beaten TCU Horned Frogs. TCU proved to be too much for NSU in a 44-35 win that left NSU 11-3 on the season and ranked 18th, the first final poll ranking for NSU in five seasons.




    Season 106 held some promise after a BCS bowl berth the previous season, but those promises were broken early with a loss to FAU in the schools' first meeting. NSU would start 2-0 in conference play, but a three-game skid ended any chance of a repeat North crown. NSU salvaged a win over the Cornhuskers, but a two-game skid to end the season, including a 57-21 loss to Missouri, left NSU at 3-5 in the conference. Despite a 6-6 season, the conference mark kept the Prairie Dogs home for the holidays for the first time in four seasons.




    Season 107 was a turbulent season for NSU. For the first time since its inaugural season, NSU felt defeat from a DI-AA team after Hofstra stunned NSU at Ab-Linc 55-52. NSU lost the Corn-Dog Trophy to a resurgent Nebraska squad that set off a six-game losing streak, the school's second longest in history. NSU ended the skid against Kansas State, but lost its final three games to end the season at 3-9 and just 1-7 in conference play. Ryan Ditka resigned at season's end, opting to join the school's front office. Weber State's Rob 'Pistol' Wahkan joined the staff as the school's new head coach.




    Season 108 began with a bang as Coach Wahkan unleashed his pistol offense to Prairie Dog Nation. NSU exploded for 323 points in its first five games, an average of over 64 ppg. NSU came back down to earth in the I-80 Showdown, but had enough to edge Nebraska 27-17. Defense remained an issue for NSU as Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Kansas St. outgunned the Prairie Dogs to give NSU a three-game losing streak. On the season, NSU allowed 370 yards per game through the air, an all-time low. NSU came close to upending Colorado and fell for the fifth straight time to Missouri, 37-17 to end the regular season at 7-5. NSU received an invite from the New Mexico Bowl where the Prairie Dogs ripped the rival Rams of Colorado State 58-7. The win put NSU at 8-5, but unranked in the final polls.



  16. #16




    Season 104 saw NSU coming off a losing season with hopes for a better year. Turned out much the same. The Prairie Dogs opened the season up a 3-0 and 5-1 with a loss to former MWC foe UNLV stuck in between. The conference slate was tough for NSU, who dropped games against Nebraska, Texas aTm and Colorado. The P-Dogs were crushed by Missouri 69-31 and fell flat against 6-7 Kansas. The six wins were enough for a bowl bid as NSU traveled to the school's first International Bowl where the Prairie Dogs defeated Western Michigan 59-24 to finish the season at 7-6.


    Season 105 was one of those seasons where the ball bounced the right way for NSU. The Prairie Dogs won its first seven games, which included wins over ranked Nebraska, Texas Tech, Texas and Oklahoma...all in a row. NSU's luck would run out against the Tigers of Missouri before rebounding and knocking off K-State and ranked Colorado. NSU faltered against Kansas, but managed the Big 12 North crown after Nebraska upset Colorado. NSU continued its lucky streak with a 52-48 upset of Texas aTm in the Big 12 title game. The win sent the Prairie Dogs to the Fiesta Bowl against the once beaten TCU Horned Frogs. TCU proved to be too much for NSU in a 44-35 win that left NSU 11-3 on the season and ranked 18th, the first final poll ranking for NSU in five seasons.


    Season 106 held some promise after a BCS bowl berth the previous season, but those promises were broken early with a loss to FAU in the schools' first meeting. NSU would start 2-0 in conference play, but a three-game skid ended any chance of a repeat North crown. NSU salvaged a win over the Cornhuskers, but a two-game skid to end the season, including a 57-21 loss to Missouri, left NSU at 3-5 in the conference. Despite a 6-6 season, the conference mark kept the Prairie Dogs home for the holidays for the first time in four seasons.


    Season 107 was a turbulent season for NSU. For the first time since its inaugural season, NSU felt defeat from a DI-AA team after Hofstra stunned NSU at Ab-Linc 55-52. NSU lost the Corn-Dog Trophy to a resurgent Nebraska squad that set off a six-game losing streak, the school's second longest in history. NSU ended the skid against Kansas State, but lost its final three games to end the season at 3-9 and just 1-7 in conference play. Ryan Ditka resigned at season's end, opting to join the school's front office. Weber State's Rob 'Pistol' Wahkan joined the staff as the school's new head coach.


    Season 108 began with a bang as Coach Wahkan unleashed his pistol offense to Prairie Dog Nation. NSU exploded for 323 points in its first five games, an average of over 64 ppg. NSU came back down to earth in the I-80 Showdown, but had enough to edge Nebraska 27-17. Defense remained an issue for NSU as Oklahoma, Texas Tech and Kansas St. outgunned the Prairie Dogs to give NSU a three-game losing streak. On the season, NSU allowed 370 yards per game through the air, an all-time low. NSU came close to upending Colorado and fell for the fifth straight time to Missouri, 37-17 to end the regular season at 7-5. NSU received an invite from the New Mexico Bowl where the Prairie Dogs ripped the rival Rams of Colorado State 58-7. The win put NSU at 8-5, but unranked in the final polls.


    Season 109 saw the Prairie Dogs attempting to continue to improve and seek attendance back in the Top 25. The potent NSU offense blasted its four out-of-conference foes to the tune of 66, 76, 73 and 70 points. The only team in that span with a winning record would be 8-5 Wyoming. But Nebraska provided the reality check for NSU as the defense was exposed again in a 51-41 loss in the I-80 Showdown and conference opener. Texas Tech knocked off the P-Dogs the following week. Despite the defensive lapses, the offense provided the spark to upset ranked foes Texas and Oklahoma before traveling to Columbia with a date with the defending North Champions Missouri. In a back and forth game, the Prairie Dogs ended a five-game skid against the Tigers 29-28. NSU won close games against Colorado and Kansas to wrap up the North title for the first time in five seasons. But Texas Tech would keep NSU for reclaiming in a 49-28 Raider win. The loss landed the Prairie Dogs in the Cotton Bowl where NSU ripped Kentucky 39-14 to end the season 11-3 and ranked #25 and #23 in the National Polls.



    Season 110 saw NSU ranked #23 in the preseason poll and once again the main challenger to Missouri for the North title. NSU struggled to put away #13 ranked TCU and survived against #18 Michigan in the Big House. NSU survived against Colorado in league play and later edged rival Nebraska. The season came down a final showdown between the Prairie Dogs and the Tigers of Missouri. NSU lacked the needed fire power to stay with Missouri and fell 34-22 as the Tigers claimed the North title. The loss cost the Prairie Dogs the Big 12 North title, but it wasn�t enough to keep NSU out of the BCS and a match-up with fellow once-beaten LSU. In a defensive struggle, NSU held off for the 14-13 win over the Tigers.


    Season 111 held a lot of optimism for NSU. All that was lacking from a potent offense was a serviceable defense. In Season 111, NSU found that defense. NSU allowed just 16.7 ppg while scoring just under 36 per game en route to a 14-0 record and the National Title. Freshman Gary Bean led the offense with his arm and his legs while Neil Davis was chasing his Heisman dreams (Davis finished 4th in voting). But the real progress was made in the defensive area led by Young, who took home the Bednarik and Thorpe trophies at the end of the season. Against Illinois, NSU was actually out-gained 258-202 but held a commanding 11 minute edge in time of possession to hold off the Illini 17-7 for the championship.


    Season 112 featured a strong offensive NSU team but the departure of half the defense led to more questions as NSU took to the path of defending its National title. Everything fell into place early as NSU scorched its first five opponents, including sound defeats of #14 Texas and Nebraska. Oklahoma showed its muscle against the top ranked team, but NSU prevailed 24-23. Texas Tech again threw a monkey wrench into the Prairie Dog engine in a 48-29 win. The Big 12 North title was still in sight, however, as NSU cruised past the Kansas� schools. But Colorado stopped NSU 38-28 to put each team at 4-1 in division play with Colorado owning the tie-breaker. Out of the Big 12 race, NSU still had the ability to affect the National Championship chase with a game against unbeaten LSU. A 79-yard drive resulted in a tying field goal with under a minute to play capped a 24-6 4th quarter rally for NSU. LSU started overtime with an interception leaving the Prairie Dogs in the driver�s seat. Davis, who set the NSU record for rushing touchdowns in a game at six against Pine Bluffs, scored in two plays to knock off the #2 ranked Tigers. The win led to a Holiday Bowl win over Cal and an 11-2 record and a ranking of #10 and #11 in the polls.


    Season 113 started off with a road trip to #1 and defending National Champion Arizona. The Prairie Dogs wilted in the desert under a strong Wildcat offense in a 43-33 opening game loss for NSU. NSU almost stumbled against DI-AA foe Montana but rebounded to earn its fifth straight win against the in-state rival Cornhuskers, 33-10. But back-to-back-to-back losses against Texas Tech, Texas and Oklahoma put NSU out of the rankings. An upset loss to 3-9 Kansas secured NSU would not win the North title. The Prairie Dogs would pick up a shutout over Notre Dame and earn a berth in the PapaJohns Bowl against the Hurricanes of Miami. NSU handed the Canes a 23-3 defeat to finish the season at 8-5 but just 4-4 in conference play and well out of the national polls.


  17. #17





    Season 114 began another era for NSU football with a refurbished Ab-Linc Stadium built around the old stadium with a more manageable 50,000-seat capacity. NSU opened the season against newcomer Georgia Southern for the first time in program history. The Eagles held tough early, but the play of Gary Bean and Jonathan Garcia was too much as NSU rolled to a 44-17 win. A near trip over Kent State would show that NSU still needed some work, but the Prairie Dogs opened the season 8-0 after a seven-point win over Nebraska. From there the season got tougher and three straight losses to conference foes put NSU almost out of the North race. A late field goal against Missouri and a Colorado loss put 4-4 Prairie Dogs into the Big 12 title game. Top-ranked Oklahoma had little trouble with NSU in a 27-14 win that sent NSU to the Insight Bowl against Michigan State. NSU rolled the Spartans to finish 10-4 and ranked #21 and #22 at season�s end.

    Season 115 saw a new backfield after the departure of Bean and Garcia. It also witnessed head coach Rob Wahkan step away from the playcalling and the Pistol offense. With new QB Teppen and RB Hall, NSU had some growing pains with the new personnel and new spread offense. NSU did open 3-0 with the help of a double-overtime win over Utah in game three. But a loss to Texas and a one-point loss to Nebraska sent the Prairie Dogs reeling to a four-game skid, the last coming in an overtime loss to Texas Tech. NSU knocked off both Kansas schools in back-to-back weeks, but a one-point loss to the Buffalos of Colorado ensured NSU of a losing conference record. With a win over Mizzou NSU was able to nab a bowl bid despite falling to a 5-7 Tulsa team in the final week of play. NSU faced Ohio in the International Bowl and defeated the Bobcats by nine to seal a winning record of 7-6 and 3-5 in conference play.

    Season 116 was an odd season for a few reasons. NSU opened the season against mediocre South Carolina but the lack of the Prairie Dog defense made the Cocks look like all-stars. USC QB Carter recorded one of the best days ever for a NSU opposing QB by completing 21 of 24 passes for 475 yards and 6 scores to 0 ints en route to a 54-35 win. The following week NSU would travel and upset Boise State but another huge home loss to Florida State damped the season that even wins over Nebraska and Texas Tech wouldn�t overcome. Optimism would resume after NSU upset Texas then the unthinkable. Top 5 ranked Oklahoma crushed the Prairie Dogs to the tune of 73-20 and handing NSU its worse home loss in history. It marked the first ever blocked punt for a touchdown against the Prairie Dogs as well. NSU would suffer another major home defeat to conference foe Colorado 44-16, making for one of the worst home stands in NSU history. While Ab-Linc was to friendly, the Prairie Dogs remained perfect on the road going 8-4 overall. The record was good enough for a Cotton Bowl trip which was as odd as the home season for NSU. The Prairie Dogs routed the 8-4 Razorbacks 70-14 for the school�s most bowl points. Despite the home disasters, NSU finished ranked #23 and #25 at the end of the season.

    Season 117 began on a high note as NSU started the season 3-0 including a win over in-state rival Creighton. But a sobering 48-15 loss at Stillwater would prove the defense still was not up to par. NSU would improve its record to 7-1 before a late season collapse. NSU would fall to rival Nebraska but it was the school�s first loss to lowly Idaho that opened eyes to NSU�s defensive woes. Those fears were confirmed in a 69-34 loss to Missouri in the season�s final contest that included an insult-to-injury touchdown of 96 yards by Mizzou�s Faqua on the game�s final play. Coach Wahkan would suffer just his second bowl defeat in a 38-31 loss to Wisconsin in the Insight Bowl. The Prairie Dogs would find themselves unranked at the end of an 8-5 season.

    Season 118 opened with a solid win over neighboring Iowa, but a 56-28 loss at Tennessee left NSU 1-1 on the season. NSU would take a close win over ECU but lost to Nebraska for consecutive times after winning five straight against their in-state rivals. NSU would regain its footing and win the next three conference games, but a five-point loss to Texas aTm would cost NSU the North title again. The Prairie Dogs would close out the season with five straight wins, including a surprisingly defensive 17-7 win over USC in the Holiday Bowl. The season was a highlight reel for standout recruit Lincoln Schoenrock. The star player played sparingly as a freshman but an injury forced him to redshirt his sophomore season. Schoenrock threw for over 3,000 yards with a 24-7 td to int ratio. As fans looked forward to seeing the SO(RS), the QB had other ideas and entered the pro draft. Strong safety Davis tied a school record for tackles in a season with 101 with 12 tfls and two picks, one of which he took back 102 yards for a score.



    Season 119 was a good season for new QB Franklin. The Prairie Dog signal caller made huge strides during the season as NSU opened 3-0. But losses to resurgent Indiana (thanks to 8 NSU interceptions) and Nebraska made fans realize that he defense still had issues to address. On the offensive side of the ball, Franklin and his teammates were able to score an overtime win over ranked Oklahoma and Texas Tech in consecutive weeks. A high-scoring upset from Kansas State left NSU out of the conference championship game which went to 8-5 Nebraska. Against K-State, NSU�s final drive ended inside the five-yard line but the coaches were unable to get a timeout called in time to make a play in the end zone. NSU responded with a solid 45-3 thumping of Alabama in the Cotton Bowl as the Prairie Dogs jumped to #11 in both polls after the win that left NSU 10-3 on the season.


  18. #18
    Administrator JBHuskers's Avatar
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    Prairie Dogs....never heard of them

    Glad the TGT is home to the dynasty and have some old and hopefully some new onlookers to the storied franchise!

  19. #19
    Hall of Fame steelerfan's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JBHuskers View Post
    Prairie Dogs....never heard of them
    Maybe you should look at the All-Time series record in the legendary Corn-Dog matchup.

  20. #20
    Varsity HawkFan's Avatar
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    Yes!!! One of my favorite dynasties of all time has been started at this site!! If you keep this going for the new game I for one will be reading.

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