2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Huskers Set for New Year's Day Bowl Game Nebraska Set for First AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Appearance in 27 Seasons Husker Football Notables 2007 At&T Cotton Bowl Classic Broadcast Information 4 Five national championships Television—Fox (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997) Pat Summeral–Play-by-Play Brian Baldinger–Analyst 4 43 conference championships Krista Voda–Sideline 4 Three Heisman trophies 4 Eight Outland trophies Radio—Husker Sports Network 51-Station Network 4 Four Lombardi awards Jim Rose—Play-by-Play 4 106 All-Americans Adrian Fiala—Color 4 803 all-time victories (fourth all-time) Randy Lee–Booth Matt Davison—Sideline 4 Nation-leading 86 academic All-Americans vs. Internet: Huskers.com 4 NCAA-record 282 consecutive sellouts in Satellite Radio: Sirius, Channel 144 Memorial Stadium National Radio–Westwood One Radio 4 44 all-time bowl appearances–fifth in NCAA Nebraska Auburn Brad Sham–Play-by-Play 4 22 all-time bowl victories Terry Bowden–Color (9-4, 6-2) (10-2, 6-2) 4 Fourth appearance in the Cotton Bowl 4 Fourth all-time meeting with Auburn Date: Monday, Jan. 1, 2007 Time: 10:40 a.m. NU in AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic 4 12-3 bowl record against SEC opponents Site: Dallas, Texas Fourth Appearance Stadium: Cotton Bowl 4 31st all-time January bowl game Surface: Natural Grass Capacity: 72,262 Previous Appearances Rankings: NU (AP-22, Coaches-22) 1965–Arkansas 10, Nebraska 7 Auburn (AP-10; Coaches-10) 1974–Nebraska 19, Texas 3 Series Record: Nebraska leads, 3-0 1980–Houston 17, Nebraska 14 Last Meeting: Nebraska 41, Auburn 7 Oct. 2, 1982 at Auburn Huskers Set to Make 44th All-Time Postseason Bowl Appearance Following a season highlighted by capturing its first Big 12 North Division title in seven seasons, Nebraska returns to the New Year’s Day bowl menu in 2007. The Huskers will be making their first appearance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic in 27 seasons, taking on Auburn in the traditional New Year’s Day bowl. Game time for the matchup between Nebraska and the Tigers is set for 10:40 a.m. CST. The game will be televised by Fox. This year’s appearance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic marks Nebraska’s first bowl game on New Year’s Day since a victory over Miami in the 1995 Orange Bowl. The Huskers have played their bowl game in January four times since that Orange Bowl, but have not played on New Year’s Day in 11 seasons.The appearance in the Cotton Bowl marks Nebraska’s 44th all-time bowl appearance, the fifth-most in college football. Nebraska is familiar with the state of Texas for recent bowl appearances, but has not been in Dallas for the holidays for nearly three decades. The Huskers’ trip to the Lone Star State will be Nebraska’s fourth bowl game in the state of Texas in the past seven seasons, joining Alamo Bowl trips in 2000, 2003 and 2005. However, Nebraska last played in the Cotton Bowl following the 1979 season when the seventh-ranked Huskers were knocked off by Houston. The Huskers are coming off a tough loss to Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game on Dec. 2. The setback dropped Nebraska to 9-4 overall, after finishing Big 12 Conference play as the North Division champions with a 6-2 league record. Despite the loss, Nebraska remained in the final regular-season national rankings, checking in at No. 22 in both the Associated Press and USA Today coaches polls.The Huskers have the opportunity to record the 25th 10-win season in school history with a victory in the Cotton Bowl. Auburn enters the Cotton Bowl with a 10-2 overall record and finished 6-2 in the rugged Southeastern Conference, good for a tie for second place in the West Division. The Tigers were ranked as high as second in early October and are 10th in both polls entering bowl action. Auburn has posted the nation’s third-best record over the past three seasons, boasting a 32-5 record, including a perfect 13-0 record in 2004. The matchup with the Tigers continues a tough 2007 slate for Nebraska. Auburn will be the fourth Husker opponent ranked in the top 10 at game time, joining USC, Texas and Oklahoma. The game will mark just the fourth meeting between the two schools, but the second in postseason play. The Huskers defeated Auburn, 13-7 in the 1964 Orange Bowl. Nebraska also won two regular-season meetings between the two schools, knocking off the Tigers in Lincoln in 1981 and winning at Auburn the following season.

 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic NATIONAL POLLS 2006 Nebraska Season Recap Associated Press (Dec. 3) Nebraska opened the 2006 season with the goal of reaching the Big 12 Conference Championship Game and No. Team (1st) Record Points collecting the school’s first Big 12 title since 1999. The Huskers reached the first portion of that goal, sweeping 1. Ohio State (65) 12-0 1,625 their North Division opponents to earn a trip to Kansas City in early December, and fell just short of grabbing 2. Florida 12-1 1,529 the conference crown in a title game loss to Oklahoma. 3. Michigan 11-1 1,526 The Huskers showed their explosiveness on offense and 4. LSU 10-2 1,365 Huskers in the 2006 Polls an improved running game in rolling past Louisiana Tech (49- Date A C H Results 5. Louisville 11-1 1,333 10) and Nicholls State (56-7) to open the season. Nebraska Pre. 20 22 – def. La. Tech, 49-10 6. Wisconsin 11-1 1,255 9-5 21 21 – def. Nicholls St., 56-7 7. Oklahoma* 11-2 1,232 totaled 584 yards of offense against Louisiana Tech, including 252 on the ground, then posted 496 yards against Nicholls 9-10 19 19 – lost to USC, 28-10 8. USC* 10-2 1,182 9-17 23 24 – def. Troy, 56-0 9. Boise State 12-0 1,097 State, with 261 of those yards by rush. 9-24 21 21 21 def. Kansas, 39-32 (ot) 10. Auburn* 10-2 1,020 Nebraska’s first big test of 2006 came at No. 4 USC. 10-1 22 22 21 def. Iowa State, 28-14 11. Notre Dame 10-2 939 While the Trojans posted a comfortable 28-10 victory, 10-8 21 20 19 def. Kansas State, 21-3 12. Arkansas 10-3 867 it was evident Nebraska had the ability to stand toe-to- 10-15 17 16 16 lost to Texas, 22-20 13. West Virginia 10-2 865 toe with the nation’s best teams in 2006. The Huskers 10-22 20 20 20 lost to Okla. St., 41-29 14. Virginia Tech 10-2 798 completed non-conference play with a complete effort in 10-29 RV RV RV def. Missouri, 34-20 15. Wake Forest 11-2 766 11-5 RV 25 25 def. Texas A&M, 28-27 16. Rutgers 10-2 631 a 56-0 whitewashing of eventual Sun Belt champ Troy in 11-12 24 22 23 idle 17. Tennessee 9-3 576 Lincoln. The Huskers amassed nearly 600 yards of offense, 11-19 23 19 22 def. Colorado, 37-14 18. Texas* 9-3 564 including 316 rushing yards. 11-26 19 18 20 lost to Oklahoma, 21-7 19. Brigham Young 10-2 436 Big 12 Conference play began with a dramatic 39-32 12-3 22 22 22 20. California 9-3 390 overtime win over Kansas. The Huskers jumped to a quick A=Associated Press; C-Coaches; H-Harris 21. Texas A&M* 9-3 379 17-0 lead, but KU was resilient, taking the lead in the fourth 22. Nebraska 9-4 193 23. Boston College 9-3 179 quarter. However, quarterback Zac Taylor threw his third touchdown pass of more than 75 yards late in the 24. Oregon State 9-4 112 game to force overtime. In the extra session, Nebraska scored first, then held on defense for the victory. Nebraska picked up a pair of solid road victories in Ames and Manhattan, ending losing streaks at both sites. 25. TCU 10-2 80 Brandon Jackson and Cody Glenn both topped 100 yards on the ground in Nebraska’s 28-14 victory at Iowa USA Today Coaches (Dec. 3) State, the Huskers’ first in Ames since 2000. A week later, the Huskers jumped to an early lead, then watched No. Team (1st) Record Points the defense dominate Kansas State in a 21-3 win, ending a streak of four straight losses in Manhattan. 1. Ohio State (62) 12-0 1,550 2. Florida 12-1 1,470 Any remaining questions about Nebraska’s ability to compete with the best were answered a week later 3. Michigan 11-1 1,444 against defending national champion Texas in Lincoln. Trailing 16-7 entering the fourth quarter, Nebraska forged 4. LSU 10-2 1,299 a 20-19 lead with less than five minutes left. The Longhorns pulled out a dramatic 22-20 victory with a field goal 5. Wisconsin 11-1 1,263 in the final 30 seconds, but Nebraska was confident it was on the right track. A week later, Nebraska ran into a 6. Louisville 11-1 1,223 fired-up Oklahoma State team on the road. The Huskers could not hold a 16-0 first-half lead, as the Cowboys’ 7. USC* 10-2 1,173 explosive offense controlled the rest of the day in a 41-29 loss. 8. Oklahoma* 11-2 1,115 The Huskers showed their mettle after the two-game losing streak. Nebraska returned home for the biggest 9. Boise State 12-0 1,053 North Division game of the season against Missouri. The Huskers quickly erased any doubt about which team 10. Auburn* 10-2 1,000 11. Notre Dame 10-2 923 would grab control of the division. Nebraska jumped to a 17-0 lead early in the second quarter and led 27-6 at 12. West Virginia 10-2 800 halftime en route to a 34-20 win and full control of the Big 12 North. 12. Arkansas 10-3 798 While Nebraska was in the division lead after its win over Missouri, the Huskers needed one more victory to 14. Virginia Tech 10-2 781 close out the division. The Huskers got just that a week later at Texas A&M, but it did not come easy. Nebraska 15. Wake Forest 11-2 745 appeared to be in full control, leading 21-7 early in the second quarter. However, the Aggies rallied in front of 16. Texas* 9-3 582 their home crowd to take a 27-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter. After a blocked field goal, the Nebraska 17. Rutgers 10-2 567 offense got one last chance and made the most of it, as Taylor capped an 11-play, 75-yard drive with a nine-yard 18. Tennessee 9-3 500 19. California 9-3 436 touchdown pass to Maurice Purify with 21 seconds remaining to pull out a 28-27 win. 20. Brigham Young 10-2 369 The Huskers completed a perfect run through the Big 12 North with a 37-14 win over Colorado. The Buffs 21. Texas A&M* 9-3 303 did not go quietly, tying the game at 14 in the third quarter, but Nebraska got big plays from its offense, defense 22. Nebraska 9-4 242 and special teams to put the game away, marking its seventh straight win against North opponents. 23. Boston College 9-3 175 Oklahoma used an opportunistic defense that forced five Nebraska turnovers to hold off the Huskers in the 24. TCU 10-2 95 Big 12 title game. Nebraska again matched up well with a top-10 opponent, holding the Sooners to just 42 25. Oregon State 9-4 72 rushing yards, 82 yards fewer than OU’s previous 2006 rushing low. Georgia Tech 9-4 72 A Closer Look at the 2006 Nebraska Football Schedule Date...... Opponent...... Time/Result...... TV...... Series...... Last Meeting (Site)/Notes Sept. 2...... Louisiana Tech...... W, 49-10...... FSN...... NU, 2-0...... Nebraska records 21st straight season-opening victory; Taylor 22-33, 287, 3 TD Sept. 9...... Nicholls State...... W, 56-7...... None...... NU, 1-0...... Taylor throws career-high 4 TD passes; Nicholls State 0-3, zero yards passing Sept. 16.....at USC...... L, 28-10...... ABC...... USC, 2-0-1...... Third-largest crowd ever to see Nebraska (92,000)/Bradley team-high 10 tackles Sept. 23.....Troy...... W, 56-0...... FSN PPV...... NU, 4-0...... Huskers pitch first shutout since 2003/NU rolls up 597 yards, most since 2001 Sept. 30.....Kansas...... W, 39-32 (ot)...... FSN...... NU, 88-22-3...... NU wins 19th straight vs. KU in Lincoln; Taylor 395 yards, 4 TD; NU 5-0 in OT Oct. 7...... at Iowa State...... W, 28-14...... ABC...... NU, 83-16-2...... Huskers out-rush ISU 251-53; Glenn 19-148-2 TD, Jackson 22-116-1 TD Oct. 14...... at Kansas State...... W, 21-3...... FSN PPV...... NU, 74-15-2...... Huskers snap four-game skid in Manhattan; Rushing yards–NU 190, KSU 22 Oct. 21...... Texas...... L, 22-20...... ABC...... UT, 7-4...... UT hits game-winning FG with 23 seconds left/Second loss to top five team in ‘06 Oct. 28...... at Oklahoma State...... L, 41-29...... ABC...... NU, 36-4-1...... Jackson 21-182-2 TD rushing; Carriker 3 TFL; OSU wins 2nd straight vs. NU in Stillwater Nov. 4...... Missouri...... W, 34-20...... ABC...... NU, 63-34-3...... Huskers win 15th straight over Tigers in Lincoln; Jackson 32 carries, 111 yards Nov. 11...... at Texas A&M...... W, 28-27...... ABC...... NU, 10-2...... Taylor breaks career passing record, guides game-winning two-minute drill Nov. 24...... Colorado...... W, 37-14...... ABC...... NU, 46-17-2...... Taylor 19-28, 249 yards, 2 TD/Jackson 190 all-purpose (41 att.); Carriker 2 sacks Big 12 Championship Game (Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.) Dec. 2...... Oklahoma*...... L, 21-7...... ABC...... OU, 43-37-3...... Huskers hold OU to 42 rushing yards; Five turnovers hurt Nebraska chances

44th All-Time Bowl Appearance  2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Huskers, Tigers in NCAA Rankings Scouting the Auburn Tigers Nebraska Auburn has spent the majority of the 2006 season ranked among the nation’s top 10 and Team enters the Cotton Bowl listed 10th in both major polls. The Tigers’ success has continued Auburn Rushing Offense, 175.6 ypg (25th) Passing Offense, 253.2 ypg (18th) an impressive run over the past three seasons in which Auburn has a 32-5 overall record, Total Offense, 428.8 ypg (9th) the third-best mark in the country over that time, trailing only USC and Texas. • Bowl History Scoring Offense, 31.9 ppg (13th) The Tigers rose to as high as No. 2 in the national rankings early this season, before o 33rd all-time bowl appearance (17-13-2) Net Punting, 37.2 ypp (22nd) a loss to SEC West Champion Arkansas on Oct. 7. Following that setback, Auburn got o Seventh straight season in a bowl game Passing Efficiency, 154.9 rating (10th) Individual back into the SEC and national race before a 37-15 loss to Georgia on Nov. 11. Auburn Zac Taylor, Pass Efficiency, 149.4 rating (19th) is the only team to defeat second-ranked Florida this season, knocking off the Gators, 27-17, at Auburn on Oct. Auburn 14. The Tigers also own a victory over BCS bowl participant LSU, posting a 7-3 victory on Sept. 16 at home. Total Defense, 297.5 ypg (25th) Offensively, Auburn has relied on a solid running attack that ranks 43rd nationally and fourth in the SEC, Scoring Defense, 13.9 ppg (7th) averaging 155 yards per game. The Tigers are 68th nationally in total offense at 332.8 yards per game and rank Net Punting, 38.9 ypp (4th) Kickoff Returns, 25.8 ypr (6th) 87th in passing offense. The strength of the Auburn offense has been its success in the Red Zone. The Tigers Pass Defense, 171.7 ypg (20th) have converted 36-of-42 trips inside the 20 into scores, including 23 touchdowns and 13 field goals. Individual Running back Kenny Irons paces the Auburn running game, ranking 37th nationally and third in the SEC at Tristan Davis, Kickoff Returns, 26.4 ypr (14th) 82.1 rushing yards per game. A 5-11, 203-pound senior, Irons has three 100-yard rushing games this season John Vaughn, Field Goals, 1.58 pg (7th) and has totaled better than 2,100 career rushing yards. Junior quarterback Brandon Cox is in his second season Quentin Groves, Sacks, 0.79 pg (16th) as the Auburn starter and has led his team to an 18-5 record. Cox ranks 30th nationally in passing efficiency Previous NU-Auburn Bowl Matchup and has four 200-yard passing games this season. Cox has completed 61 percent of his passes, with 13 1964 Orange Bowl–Nebraska 13, Auburn 7 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Nebraska gave Head Coach Bob Devaney his second The Tiger receivers are led by Courtney Taylor, who has a team-high 48 receptions, and Rodgeriquis Smith, bowl win in as many tries with a 13-7 win over Auburn in its second Orange Bowl appearance. Husker quarterback Dennis who averages 17.4 yards per catch and has four touchdown catches. The Tiger offensive line is a veteran unit Claridge set the tone for the game on Nebraska’s second play with four senior starters. from scrimmage, racing 68 yards down the sideline to put NU Auburn has relied on a stout defense for much of the season. The Tigers rank 25th nationally in total defense ahead 7-0, the longest in Orange Bowl history at the time. Dave at 297.5 yards per game, and are seventh nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 13.9 yards per game. The Theisen kicked a pair of first-half field goals to give the Huskers Tigers have posted two shutouts and held two other opponents to single digits. Auburn opponents have found a 13-0 halftime edge. Auburn quarterback Jimmy Sidle scored on a 13-yard third-quarter run to slice the lead to 13-7, then put the going difficult inside the 20, scoring on just 20-of-32 Red Zone opportunities, including 12 touchdowns. the Tigers in position to win late. However, NU linebacker John Senior linebacker Will Herring is the veteran leader of the defense with 65 tackles and 7.5 tackles for Kirby batted down a fourth down pass at the goal line with less loss. Herring has made 47 consecutive starts for the Tigers and spent the previous three seasons at safety. than three minutes remaining to preserve the Nebraska win. Defensive end Quentin Groves has 9.5 sacks to rank 16th nationally in sacks per game, and has 12 tackles Game Recap for loss. Auburn has a mix of youth and experience on defense, with four senior starters, but also three redshirt Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final freshman starters. Nebraska 10 3 0 0 13 Place-kicker John Vaughn highlights the Auburn special teams. He has connected on 19-of-23 field goals Auburn 0 0 7 0 7 this season, including 2-of-3 from beyond 50 yards. The Tigers rank fourth nationally in net punting, averaging Statistics NU AU 38.9 yards per punt and are seventh nationally in kickoff returns at 25.8 yards per attempt. First Downs 11 17 Net Rushing 204 126 Passes Att.-Comp.-Int. 9-4-0 27-14-1 Auburn Head Coach Tommy Tuberville Net Passing 30 157 Coach Tommy Tuberville (Southern Arkansas, 1976) is in his eighth season as the head coach of the Auburn Total Offense 234 283 program and has compiled a 70-29 record with the Tigers. Tuberville owns a 95-49 overall record as a college Leading NU Rusher: Dennis Claridge, 108 yards, TD head coach, serving four seasons as the head coach at Ole Miss before moving on to Auburn. Leading NU Passer: Claridge 4-of-9, 30 yards Tuberville has guided the Tigers to nine wins five times in eight seasons, including each of the past three Attendance: 72,647 years, highlighted by a perfect 13-0 campaign in 2004. The Cotton Bowl appearance marks the seventh straight Game Statistics from Nebraska-Auburn year Tuberville has guided the Tigers to a bowl game, including three straight January bowl games. Before Regular-Season Matchups becoming a head coach, Tuberville served as an assistant at Arkansas State, Miami and Texas A&M. Tuberville Nebraska 17, Auburn 3, Oct. 3, 1981 in Lincoln faced Nebraska twice in bowl games while at Miami, helping the Hurricanes to Orange Bowl wins over the Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final Huskers following the 1988 and 1991 seasons. Auburn 3 0 0 0 3 Nebraska 0 0 10 7 17 Nebraska-Auburn Series...Fourth All-Time Meeting...Nebraska Leads, 3-0 Statistics AU NU The 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic will mark the fourth all-time meeting between Nebraska and Auburn, First Downs 12 16 Rushing Yards 55 257 with the Huskers holding a 3-0 series advantage. The first meeting occurred in the 1964 Orange Bowl with Passing Yards 95 50 Nebraska posting a 13-7 victory (summary in left margin). The Huskers Total Offense 150 307 also posted back-to-back victories over Auburn in 1981 and 1982, winning Nebraska-Auburn Series Turnovers 7 4 17-3 in Lincoln and 41-7 at Auburn. Games: 3 Leading NU Rusher: Roger Craig, 22-87, TD In the 1981 game in Lincoln, Nebraska and Auburn combined for 11 Standing: Nebraska leads, 3-0 Attendance: 76,423 turnovers on a rainy day. Auburn led 3-0 at halftime, as two Husker drives At Lincoln: Nebraska leads, 1-0 Nebraska 41, Auburn 7, Oct. 2, 1982 in Auburn ended inside the Tiger 10. Nebraska turned to sophomore quarterback At Auburn: Nebraska leads, 1-0 Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final In Orange Bowl: Nebraska leads, 1-0 Nebraska 7 7 7 20 41 Turner Gill at halftime and he guided the Huskers to 17 second-half Auburn 7 0 0 0 7 points, including an eight-yard fourth quarter run to ice the game. Auburn Date Site Result 1-1-1964 Miami NU, 13-7 Statistics NU AU managed just 150 yards of offense and committed seven turnovers. The win evened Nebraska’s record at 2-2. 10-3-1981 Lincoln NU, 17-3 First Downs 31 13 10-2-1982 Auburn NU, 41-7 Rushing Yards 342 171 A year later at Auburn, the Huskers broke free from a 14-7 halftime Passing Yards 162 116 lead with 27 second-half points in a 41-7 victory. The Huskers rolled up Series Scoring Total Avg. Total Offense 504 287 342 rushing yards and 504 yards of total offense to control the contest, Nebraska 71 23.7 Turnovers 3 4 Auburn 17 5.7 Leading NU Rusher: Mike Rozier, 24-88, TD giving Nebraska its first-ever road win against an SEC opponent. Attendance: 73,900 10 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska in Bowl Games (22-21) Husker Bowl History NU/Opp. Year Bowl Opp. AP Rank Result AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Appearance Marks Nebraska’s 37th Bowl in 38 Years (Biff Jones 0-1) Nebraska will participate in its 44th all-time bowl game with this year’s appearance in the AT&T Cotton 1941* Rose Stanford 7/2 L, 13-21 Bowl Classic. The Huskers missed a bowl game in 2004, but have played in the postseason in 37 of the past (Bill Glassford 0-1) 38 seasons, including last year’s 32-28 Alamo Bowl victory against Michigan. Nebraska’s 35 straight bowl 1955* Orange Duke –/14 L, 7-34 appearances from 1969 to 2003 is an NCAA record. (Bob Devaney 6-3) The 44 all-time bowl appearances overall is fifth best, trailing Alabama's 54, Tennessee and Texas with 46, 1962 Gotham Miami –/– W, 36-34 1964* Orange Auburn 6/5 W, 13-7 and USC with 45. Nebraska played the first of its 44 bowls in the Rose Bowl, when No. 7 Nebraska lost to No. 1965* Cotton Arkansas 6/2 L, 7-10# 2 Stanford, 21-13, following the 1940 season. Nebraska's 35 consecutive bowls began with a 45-6 win over 1966* Orange Alabama 3/4 L, 28-39# Georgia in the 1969 Sun Bowl, and ended with its appearance in the 2003 Alamo Bowl. The Huskers are 22-21 1967* Sugar Alabama 6/3 L, 7-34 all-time in bowl games, including a 1-2 mark in the Cotton Bowl. The Huskers have been successful in recent 1969 Sun Georgia 14/– W, 45-6 years, winning eight of their last 11 bowl games since the 1994 season. 1971* Orange Louisiana St. 3/5 W, 17-12# 1972* Orange Alabama 1/2 W, 38-6# Nebraska’s Cotton Bowl opponent, Auburn, ranks 16th in all-time bowl appearances with 33 and will be making its All-Time Bowl Appearances (Tom Osborne 12-13) 1. Alabama 54 1973* Orange Notre Dame 9/12 W, 40-6 seventh straight bowl appearance this season. Auburn is 17- 2. Tennessee 46 1974* Cotton Texas 12/8 W, 19-3 13-2 in its 32 previous bowl appearances, including an 0-1 Texas 46 1974* Sugar Florida 8/18 W, 13-10 record in the Cotton Bowl. The Tigers last appeared in Dallas 1975 Fiesta Arizona State 6/7 L, 14-17 4. USC 45 1976 Astro-BB Texas Tech 13/9 W, 27-24 for New Year’s in 1986, losing to Texas A&M, 36-16. Auburn 5. Nebraska 44 1977 Liberty North Carolina 12/14 W, 21-17 is 3-5 against Big 12 Conference schools in bowl games, most 1979* Orange Oklahoma 6/4 L, 24-31 Top 20 Bowl Appearances recently the 1986 Cotton Bowl loss to Texas A&M. Consecutive 1980* Cotton Houston 7/8 L, 14-17 School All-Time Most Current 1980 Sun Miss. State 8/17 W, 31-17 NU to Make Fourth Cotton Bowl Appearance 1982* Orange Clemson 4/1 L, 15-22# 1. Alabama 54 25 3 1983* Orange Louisiana St. 3/13 W, 21-20 Nebraska's visit to Dallas for the 2007 Cotton Bowl marks 2. Tennessee 46 16 1 1984* Orange Miami 1/5 L, 30-31# the Huskers’ fourth trip to the bowl game. Nebraska made its Texas 46 11 9 1985* Sugar Louisiana State 4/12 W, 28-10 first appearance in the Cotton Bowl Classic following the 1964 4. USC 45 8 6 1986* Fiesta Michigan 7/5 L, 23-27 season, losing a 10-7 decision to second-ranked Arkansas. 5. Nebraska 44 *35 2 1987* Sugar Louisiana State 6/5 W, 30-15 The Huskers returned to Dallas following the 1973 season, 6. Georgia 42 10 10 1988* Fiesta Florida State 5/3 L, 28-31 marking the first of 25 straight bowl trips for Tom Osborne- 7. Oklahoma 40 8 8 1989* Orange Miami 6/2 L, 3-23 8. Penn State 39 13 2 1990* Fiesta Florida State 6/5 L, 17-41 coached Nebraska teams. The Huskers evened their Cotton 9. Michigan 38 32 32 1991* Citrus Georgia Tech 19/2 L, 21-45# Bowl record with a 19-3 victory over Southwest Conference Ohio State 38 15 7 1992* Orange Miami 11/1 L, 0-22# champ Texas. Louisiana State 38 7 7 1993* Orange Florida State 11/3 L, 14-27 Nebraska’s last trip to the Cotton Bowl came following the 12. Arkansas 36 6 1 1994* Orange Florida State 2/1 L, 16-18# Georgia Tech 35 10 10 1995* Orange Miami 1/3 W, 24-17# 1979 season when No. 8 Houston scored in the game’s final Florida State 35 25 25 1996* Fiesta Florida 1/2 W, 62-24# minute to defeat the seventh-ranked Huskers, 17-14. 1996* Orange Virginia Tech 6/10 W, 41-21 The Cotton Bowl is one of 13 bowl games Nebraska has 15. Florida 34 16 16 1998* Orange Tennessee 2/3 W, 42-17# participated in during its illustrious football history. The Huskers’ 16. Auburn 33 9 7 17. Mississippi 31 15 – (Frank Solich 2-3) most frequent holiday destination has been the Orange Bowl, 1998 Holiday Arizona 14/5 L, 20-23 18. Miami 31 12 9 2000* Fiesta Tennessee 3/6 W, 31-21 where NU owns a 7-9 record in 16 trips to Miami. 19. Texas Tech 30 7 7 2000 Alamo Northwestern 9/18 W, 66-17 4 The trip to Dallas is Nebraska's 10th bowl game in the state 20. Washington 29 8 – 2002* Rose Miami 4/1 L, 14-37# of Texas. In addition to its previous appearances in the Cotton *NCAA record 2002 Indepen. Mississippi –/– L, 23-27 Bowl, Nebraska has played in three Alamo Bowls (2000, 2003, (Bo Pelini, Interim) 2005), two Sun Bowls (1969, 1980) and the 1976 Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. 2003 Alamo Michigan St. 22/– W, 17-3 (Bill Callahan, 1-0) 2005 Alamo Michigan –/20 W, 32-28 Nebraska Hopes to Maintain Winning Bowl Record 2007* Cotton Auburn 22/10 Following a dramatic, 32-28 Alamo Bowl win over Michigan last season, Nebraska owns a 22-21 all-time # winner won or shared national championship record in 43 bowl appearances. The Huskers have won eight of their last 11 bowl games since 1994 to move * year is when game was played–not season over the .500 mark in their bowl won-loss record. By coach in bowl games, Nebraska was 0-1 under Biff Jones, Bold indicates conference champion teams 0-1 under Bill Glassford, 6-3 under Bob Devaney, 12-13 under Tom Osborne, 2-3 under Frank Solich, 1-0 under NU Bowl Summary interim coach Bo Pelini and 1-0 under Bill Callahan. 43 Bowls (fifth all-time): 22-21 Five of Nebraska’s nine bowl games from 1993 to 2001 were for at least a share of the national title, with the 13 National Championship Bowl Games: 5-8 Huskers on the winning end in three of those games. vs. Auburn: 1-0 (1964 Orange Bowl) vs. SEC Opponents in bowls: 12-3 Huskers to Face 10th-Ranked Auburn NU in the Bowls Nebraska enters the Cotton Bowl ranked 22nd in both major national polls. Auburn enters the contest ranked Alamo: 3-0 10th in both major polls, continuing a trend of Nebraska playing difficult competition in the postseason. Auburn Astro Bluebonnet: 1-0 was ranked as high as No. 2 in both polls earlier this season. The Huskers’ matchup with the Tigers will mark Cotton: 1-2 the 40th ranked opponent Nebraska has faced in 44 bowl games. Fiesta: 1-4 4 Florida Citrus: 0-1 Auburn is the first Nebraska bowl opponent since the 2001 season to enter the postseason ranked in the top Gotham: 1-0 10. However, Nebraska has faced a top-10 opponent in 17 of its past 21 bowl games. Holiday: 0-1 4Nebraska has faced the AP’s top-ranked team in a bowl game four times since the 1981 season, while Independence: 0-1 entering the bowl game No. 1 four times in school history. The Huskers have faced a higher-ranked team in Liberty: 1-0 13 of their past 20 bowl games. Orange: 7-9 Rose: 0-2 Sun: 2-0 Sugar: 3-1 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 11 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Big 12 Conference Places Eight Teams Huskers Hope to Continue Success Against SEC in Bowl Action in 2006 Bowl Games The Nebraska matchup with Auburn will mark the 16th bowl game against a Southeastern Conference For the fourth time in the past five seasons, the Big 12 opponent for the Huskers. Nebraska has had great success against the SEC in bowl games, winning 12 of 15 has placed eight teams in bowl games. Auburn is one of a previous meetings. Nebraska’s first bowl matchup against an SEC opponent was a 13-7 victory over Auburn in nation-leading nine SEC teams in bowl games, while the Big the 1964 Orange Bowl. 12 and ACC each have eight bowl representatives. The Huskers lost to Ole Miss, 27-23, in the 2002 Independence Bowl, ending a streak of 11 straight victories Big 12 Champion Oklahoma leads the Big 12 parade into over the SEC in bowl action. Between the 1969 Sun Bowl and the 2000 Fiesta Bowl the Huskers were 11-0 the postseason, as the Sooners will match up with Boise State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Other Big 12 teams in bowl action against the SEC in bowl action, posting victories over LSU (4), Tennessee (2), Florida (2), Georgia, Alabama include Texas (Alamo), Texas A&M (Holiday), Missouri (Sun), and Mississippi State. Before the 2002 Independence Bowl loss, Nebraska had defeated its previous five SEC Texas Tech (Insight), Oklahoma State (Independence) and bowl opponents by an average of 21.2 points. Kansas State (Texas). Kansas (6-6) was also bowl eligible, Prior to the 2002 loss to Ole Miss, Alabama was the only team to defeat Nebraska in bowl action, knocking but is not playing in the postseason. off the Huskers in the 1966 Orange Bowl and the 1967 Sugar Bowl. Nebraska’s 12-3 bowl record against the Nebraska squared off against eight bowl teams in 2006, SEC does not include a loss to Arkansas in the 1965 Cotton Bowl. The Razorbacks were a member of the including six games against Big 12 opponents. The Huskers Southwest Conference at the time. finished the season with a 4-4 record against bowl opponents, Bowl games have provided the majority of Nebraska’s matchups against the Southeastern Conference. defeating Troy, Kansas State, Missouri and Texas A&M, while 4 losing to USC (Rose), Texas, Oklahoma State and Oklahoma. In regular-season action, Nebraska last faced a current member of the SEC in 1986 and 1987 when it defeated Auburn has faced six bowl teams, and posted a 4-2 record South Carolina, who was an independent at the time. The Huskers’ last meetings with an SEC foe at the time against those teams. of the game were victories over Auburn in the 1981 and 1982 seasons. 4Nebraska is 19-5-1 overall against current members of the Southeastern Conference, including a 7-1-1 Big 12 Teams in 2006 Bowl Games regular-season record. Independence Bowl Thurs., Dec. 28 Oklahoma State vs. Alabama, 3:30 p.m. Nebraska vs. SEC in Bowl Games (12-3) Texas Bowl Year* Bowl Opponent AP Ranks Result NU Coach Thurs., Dec. 28 Kansas State vs. Rutgers, 7 p.m. 1964 Orange Auburn 6/5 W, 13-7 Bob Devaney Holiday Bowl 1966 Orange# Alabama 3/4 L, 39-28 Bob Devaney Thurs., Dec. 28 Texas A&M vs. California, 7 p.m. Sun Bowl 1967 Sugar Alabama 6/3 L, 34-7 Bob Devaney Fri., Dec. 29 Missouri vs. Oregon State, 1 p.m. 1969 Sun Georgia 14/– W, 45-6 Bob Devaney Insight Bowl 1971 Orange# LSU 3/5 W, 17-12 Bob Devaney Fri., Dec. 29 Texas Tech vs. Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. 1972 Orange# Alabama 1/2 W, 38-6 Bob Devaney Alamo Bowl 1974 Sugar Florida 8/18 W, 13-10 Tom Osborne Sat., Dec. 30 Texas vs. Iowa, 3:30 p.m. 1980 Sun Mississippi St. 8/17 W, 31-17 Tom Osborne AT&T Cotton Bowl 1983 Orange LSU 3/13 W, 21-20 Tom Osborne Mon., Jan. 1 Nebraska vs. Auburn, 10:40 a.m. 1985 Sugar LSU 4/12 W, 28-10 Tom Osborne Fiesta Bowl Mon., Jan. 1 Oklahoma vs. Boise State, 7:30 p.m. 1987 Sugar LSU 6/5 W, 30-15 Tom Osborne Other Nebraska opponents in bowl games 1996 Fiesta# Florida 1/2 W, 62-24 Tom Osborne New Orleans Bowl 1998 Orange# Tennessee 2/3 W, 42-17 Tom Osborne Friday, Dec. 22 Troy vs. Rice, 7 p.m. 2000 Fiesta Tennessee 3/6 W, 31-21 Frank Solich Rose Bowl 2002 Independence Mississippi –/– L, 27-23 Frank Solich Monday, Jan. 1 USC vs. Michigan, 4 p.m. * year is calendar year when game was played–not season all times listed are Central; # winner won or shared national championship in at least one poll Huskers Aim to Break Big 12 Nebraska's Previous Cotton Bowl Appearances Cotton Bowl Losing Streak Nebraska will attempt to get the Big 12 back on the winning 1965 Cotton Bowl–#2 Arkansas 10, #6 Nebraska 7 track in the AT&T Cotton Bowl. The Southeastern Conference Dallas, Jan. 1, 1965–Arkansas mounted an has won the past three Cotton Bowl games, most recently 80-yard fourth quarter drive against a tough Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final a 13-10 Alabama victory over Texas Tech last season. Nebraska defense, to pull out a 10-7 victory. Arkansas 3 0 0 7 10 Nebraska 0 7 0 0 7 Tennessee defeated Texas A&M two seasons ago, while Ole The Huskers had led most of the way in one of Miss upended Oklahoma State in the 2004 game. the top defensive battles in Cotton Bowl history. Statistics ARK NU Overall, the Big 12 and SEC have met in the Cotton Bowl Arkansas opened the scoring on a 31-yard Tom First Downs 11 11 each year since 1998. The two conferences are knotted McKnelly field goal in the first quarter. Husker Net Rushing 45 100 at four wins apiece since that conference arrangement Passes A-C-I 19-11-1 16-8-2 began. sophomore Harry Wilson capped a 69-yard Passing Yards 131 68 Last season Nebraska picked up its third Alamo Bowl Cornhusker march in the second quarter with Total Offense 176 168 victory in six seasons. The Huskers are the only Big 12 school a one-yard plunge to give NU a 7-3 halftime to win in 10 Alamo Bowl matchups between the Big 12 and edge. The Huskers held that lead until Bobby Big Ten conferences. Burnett finished the Arkansas drive with a three-yard TD run with 4:41 left in the game. First downs were even in the game at 11, while Arkansas held a slim advantage in total offense, 176-168.

12 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nine Huskers to Return to Lone Star State 1974 Cotton Bowl–#12 Nebraska 19, #8 Texas 3 Nebraska will have nine players returning to their home Dallas, Jan. 1, 1974 – Nebraska broke state for the Cotton Bowl, including senior offensive lineman open a tight contest in the third quarter with a Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final Texas 3 0 0 0 3 including Greg Austin (Cypress), junior defensive back pair of game-breaking plays en route to a 19-3 Titus Brothers (San Antonio), sophomore I-back Cody Nebraska 0 3 13 3 19 win over Texas in the 1974 Cotton Bowl. The Glenn (Rusk), freshman wide receiver Will Henry (El Paso), two teams battled to a 3-3 halftime tie in Tom Statistics UT NU freshman wide receiver Patrick Kitzul (Driftwood), junior First Downs 11 21 wide receiver Terrence Nunn (Houston), senior linebacker Osborne’s first bowl game as NU head coach, Net Rushing 106 240 Mark O’Shea (Dallas), senior defensive tackle Matt O’Shea but the Huskers controlled the second half. Passes A-C-I 17-7-2 17-7-2 (Dallas), junior tight end J.B. Phillips (Colleyville) and Nebraska safety Bob Thornton returned a Passing Yards 90 91 freshman punter Michael Such (Allen). missed Texas field goal 41 yards to set up the Total Offense 196 331 The nine players from Texas represents the second-most go-ahead score. Ritch Bahe got the final 12 yards from any state other than Nebraska, trailing only California. on a reverse to give Nebraska a 10-3 edge with 4:18 to play in the third. Four plays later, John Bell recovered a Nebraska has a pair of players on its roster who will be Texas fumble at the Longhorn 19, and three plays after that Tony Davis scored from three yards out to make it facing an in-state foe in Auburn. Junior center Brett Byford is a native of Hartselle, Ala., while redshirt freshman defensive 16-3. Rich Sanger kicked a 43-yard fourth quarter field goal to account for the final score. back Ryan Ford hails from Winfield, Ala. Nebraska was tough on defense, holding Texas to just 196 yards of offense.

Nineteen Husker Seniors to Close Career 1980 Cotton Bowl–#8 Houston 17, #7 Nebraska 14 Dallas, Jan. 1, 1980 – Houston quarterback Terry Elston threw a six-yard touchdown pass to Eric Herring In 2007 Cotton Bowl on fourth down with 12 seconds remaining to Nineteen Nebraska seniors will play their final game in Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final give the Cougars a 17-14 victory in the 1980 Husker uniforms against Auburn in the AT&T Cotton Bowl Nebraska 7 0 0 7 14 Classic. The 2007 group of seniors includes... Cotton Bowl. Nebraska struck first as I-back Houston 0 7 0 10 17 Eleven seniors who have spent five years in the NU Jarvis Redwine scored on a nine-yard run late program in the first quarter. Houston came back to tie Statistics NU UH Nine native Nebraskans First Downs 13 18 it at 7-7 on a TD run by Elston in the second Net Rushing 136 206 Nebraska’s all-time leading passer quarter.  Passes A-C-I 22-11-1 19-9-0 The Huskers’ all-time leader in pass receptions and The teams battled to a scoreless third quarter receiving yardage by a tight end Passing Yards 91 119 A pair of defensive ends who rank in the top 10 on before Houston took a 10-7 lead with 8:25 to Total Offense 227 325 Nebraska’s career tackles for loss list play on a 41-yard field goal. The Nebraska Two Academic All-Americans defense forced a Cougar fumble and drove 31 yards in six plays to take a 14-10 lead on a Jeff Quinn to Jeff Finn Five players who joined the program as walk-ons and six-yard touchdown pass with 3:56 remaining. Houston responded however, driving 66 yards for the winning have since been placed on scholarship score in the waning seconds. Twelve players who will participate in the Cotton Bowl as college graduates Last Year’s Bowl Game–Nebraska 32, Michigan 28 in Alamo Bowl 2006 Nebraska Seniors San Antonio, Texas, Dec. 28, 2005 – Nebraska made Bill Callahan’s first bowl trip as Husker head coach a Jordan Adams, S, Santee, Calif. memorable one, staging a fourth-quarter rally to defeat Michigan, 32-28, in the 2005 Alamo Bowl. The Huskers Greg Austin, OG, Cypress, Texas battled back from an 11-point deficit with less than nine minutes to play to knock off the 20th-ranked Wolverines. Stewart Bradley, LB, Salt Lake City, Utah Senior I-back Cory Ross capped his Nebraska career as the Alamo Bowl MVP by rushing for 161 yards on Adam Carriker, DE, Kennewick, Wash. 28 carries, including a 31-yard fourth-quarter touchdown run to start NU’s rally. Wideout Terrence Nunn capped Barry Cryer, DT, Marrero, La. Ola Dagunduro, NT, Inglewood, Calif. the Husker comeback with his second touchdown catch of the game on a 13-yard connection from Zac Taylor Isaiah Fluellen, CB, Ramstein, Germany with 4:29 remaining in the game. Nunn opened Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Final Matt Herian, TE, Pierce, Neb. the scoring with a 52-yard touchdown catch Michigan 7 7 7 7 28 Andy Kadavy, LB, Seward, Neb. from Taylor in the first quarter. Nebraska 7 7 3 15 32 Lane Kelly, LS, Omaha, Neb. Michigan quarterback Chad Henne threw Newton Lingenfelter, OL, Plainview, Neb. two touchdown passes to give Michigan a Statistics UM NU First Downs 23 16 Kurt Mann, C, Grand Island, Neb. 14-7 lead early in the second quarter, before Jay Moore, DE, Elkhorn, Neb. Rushing Yards 130 151 Taylor tied the game with a 14-yard strike Mark O’Shea, LB, Dallas, Texas Passes A-C-I 43-21-1 31-14-2 Will Otto, FB, Fullerton, Calif. to Nate Swift. Place-kicker Jordan Congdon Passing Yards 270 167 Brandon Rigoni, S, Lincoln, Neb. gave NU a 17-14 lead midway through the Total Offense 400 318 Andrew Shanle, S, St. Edward, Neb. third quarter with his school-record 19th field Sacks by 5-27 4-22 Zac Taylor, QB, Norman, Okla. goal of the season. Henne gave Michigan the Leading NU Rusher: Cory Ross, 28 carries, 161 yards, 1 TD Dane Todd, FB, Lincoln, Neb. lead back on his third touchdown pass, before Leading NU Passer: Zac Taylor, 31-14-2, 167 yards, 3 TD pushing the Wolverine margin to 28-17 with a Leading NU Receiver: Terrence Nunn, 4 receptions, 91 yards, 2 TD seven-yard touchdown run with 11:40 to play. After Nebraska’s rally, the outcome was not decided until the game’s final play as Henne completed a short pass to Jason Avant to begin a series of laterals that concluded with Tyler Ecker rumbling 62 yards to the NU 13 where he was knocked out of bounds by Titus Brothers and Zack Bowman to end the game.

44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 13 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Huskers Under Callahan Noting the 2006 Huskers Overall ...... 22-14 vs. AP Ranked Teams...... 3-5 Nebraska Head Coach Bill Callahan vs. AP Top 10 Teams...... 0-4 Bill Callahan is in his third season as the head coach of the Nebraska football program and owns a 22-14 vs. Unranked Teams...... 18-9 record with the Huskers, including a 1-0 record in bowl games. Callahan is the 27th head coach in Husker vs. Big 12 Teams...... 13-12 history, taking the reins of the program in January of 2004. When Rushing for 200 or more yards...... 6-3 Callahan capped his second season at Nebraska with three consecutive wins, including a triumph over When Rushing for 300 or more yards...... 2-0 Michigan in the Alamo Bowl. The 2005 season marked the first time Nebraska has won its final three games of When passing for 200 or more yards...... 11-9 When passing for 300 or more yards...... 5-2 the season since 1999. Callahan also guided Nebraska to wins over Kansas State and Colorado in the same When NU player rushes for 100 Yards...... 11-4 season for the first time since 1999. When NU has two 100-yard rushers in same game...... 3-0 In 2006, Callahan has guided Nebraska to its first nine-win season in three years and led the Huskers to a When Opponent has 100 Yd. Rusher...... 2-7 sweep of its Big 12 North Division foes. The Husker offense has also ranked among the nation’s best, ranking When Scoring 35 or More Points...... 7-0 in the top 25 in all four major statistical categories. When Hold Opp. to 10 Pts. or less...... 10-0 When Nebraska scores first...... 17-2 Callahan came to Nebraska after two seasons as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. He guided Oakland When Nebraska leads at halftime...... 20-1 to the AFC Championship and Super Bowl XXXVII in his rookie season as a head coach in 2002, and compiled When Nebraska trails at halftime...... 0-12 a 17-18 overall record as the Raiders' head man. When Nebraska is tied at halftime...... 2-1 Callahan is one of five coaches to take a collegiate head coaching job after previously guiding a team to a Record in games decided by 11 points or more... 13-9 Super Bowl appearance. Army Head Coach Bobby Ross is also active in the college ranks, while George Allen, Record in games decided by 10 or less...... 9-6 Record in games decided by 7 or less...... 8-6 Forrest Gregg and Bill Walsh previously led teams to the Super Bowl and returned to the college game. Record in games decided by 3 or less...... 3-2 The 50-year-old Callahan spent nine years in the National Football League, beginning his pro coaching career Record in overtime games...... 2-0 with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995 to 1997. He served as an assistant with the Raiders for four seasons from 1998 to 2001, before taking over the top job in Oakland in 2002. Nebraska Walk-on Tradition Thrives Callahan had extensive experience at the collegiate level before taking the job at Nebraska. Before moving Under Callahan’s Leadership into the professional ranks, Callahan served as the offensive line coach at Wisconsin for five seasons and also The Nebraska walk-on program is alive and well under the leadership of Head Coach Bill Callahan. had assistant coaching stints at Illinois, Northern Arizona and Southern Illinois. Overall, Callahan is in his 29th Since the conclusion of spring ball, four native Nebraskans year in the coaching profession. In addition to his nine years in the National Football League and 15 previous who originally joined the program as walk-ons have been seasons as a collegiate assistant, Callahan was an assistant coach for two seasons in the Illinois prep ranks awarded scholarships. The group includes senior safety in 1978 and 1979. Callahan has Midwest roots, as he is a native of Chicago. He earned his bachelor's degree Brandon Rigoni (Lincoln), senior linebacker Andy Kadavy from Illinois Benedictine in 1978. He was an NAIA honorable-mention All-America selection as a quarterback in (Seward), junior safety Ben Eisenhart (Culbertson) and sophomore receiver Todd Peterson (Grand Island). each of his final two seasons. The four walk-ons who were awarded scholarships pushed the total of former walk-ons Callahan has put on scholarship Matchup with Auburn Continues Difficult 2006 Nebraska Schedule to 17 since his arrival in January of 2004. Of that group, 13 Nebraska has faced a challenging schedule in 2006, and it will get no were native Nebraskans. Facing the Best easier with the Cotton Bowl matchup against 10th-ranked Auburn. The Among the 64 bowl teams Nebraska NU Staff Boasts Extensive Bowl Experience Tigers will be the fourth opponent on Nebraska’s 2006 schedule ranked has faced one of the nation’s toughest Callahan has built a coaching staff with championship in the nation’s top 10 at game time. Among the 64 teams participating in schedules. The Huskers’ matchup credentials, both on the collegiate and professional level. bowl games, just four squads have faced four teams ranked in the top 10 with Auburn is their ninth of the The Husker staff also has ample bowl experience. at game time. season against a bowl team and Head Coach Bill Callahan has been involved in six bowl Auburn is one of five Husker opponents ranked in the most recent fourth versus a top-10 opponent. games, including three as an assistant coach at Illinois, a pair Associated Press Top 25. Again, this puts Nebraska in a small group among Most Games Against Top 10 of bowl trips while an assistant at Wisconsin and last year’s School Top-10 Foes* Alamo Bowl as Nebraska head coach. bowl teams. Just eight of the 64 bowl teams have played five or more teams 1. Arkansas 5 Overall, Nebraska coaches have a combined 66 bowl currently ranked in the nation’s top 25. 2. Nebraska 4 appearances, when including stints as graduate assistants. Auburn will be Nebraska’s ninth opponent in 14 games in 2006 that will Cincinnati 4 Cornerbacks coach Phil Elmassian leads the way with 16 bowl participate in a bowl game. Kansas was also bowl-eligible, but was not LSU 4 appearances, while defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove has 13 bowl appearances as an assistant coach. selected to play in the postseason. Most Games vs. Current Top 25 None of NU’s coaches have participated in a Cotton Bowl. The Husker schedule appeared to be difficult from the start this season, School Top-25 Foes Previous Bowl Appearances by NU Assistants as Nebraska was the only team to face both teams that particpated in last 1. Arkansas 6 Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove–13 year’s national title game–USC and Texas. USC 6 Offensive Coordinator Jay Norvell–5 4USC (No. 4) and Texas (No. 5) were both ranked in the top five at game 3. Nebraska 5 Safeties/Special Teams Coach Bill Busch–8 time. This season marked the first time Nebraska had faced a pair of top Cincinnati 5 Cornerbacks Coach Phil Elmassian–16 LSU 5 Receivers Coach Ted Gilmore–4 five teams in the same season since 2001, when NU played second-ranked Penn State 5 Running Backs Coach Randy Jordan–1 Oklahoma in Lincoln and No. 1 Miami in the Rose Bowl. Florida 5 Offensive Line Coach Dennis Wagner–6 4 The four top-10 opponents in 2006 is Nebraska’s most since also facing Alabama 5 Tight Ends/Recruiting Coordinator Shawn Watson–7 four top 10 teams en route to the 1995 national championship. 4Callahan's coaching staff features three coaches who *-Ranked in top 10 at game time have either played or coached in the Super Bowl. Callahan and Offensive Coordinator Jay Norvell coached in Super North Division Sweep Keys NU Trip to Kansas City Bowl XXXVII with Oakland, and running backs coach Randy Nebraska earned a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game in 2006 due largely to its play within the Jordan was a player on that team. conference’s North Division. Dating back to last season, Nebraska has won seven straight games against 4In addition to the NFL success of the coaches, Callahan's Big 12 North opponents, its longest divisional winning streak in six years. The Huskers won nine straight staff has a history of winning championships at the collegiate from 1998 to 2000, capturing their final North game in 1998, all five games against divisional foes in 1999 level. Members of the Nebraska coaching staff have been part of teams that have captured league titles in each of the and the first three in 2000. following conferences–Atlantic Coast, Big Ten, Big 12, Mid- Including 2006, in each of the four seasons Nebraska has represented the North in the Big 12 title game American, Mountain West, Pac-10 and Western Athletic. (also 1996, 1997, 1999), the Huskers have posted a 5-0 record in divisional games, a mark Nebraska matched with its 37-14 win over Colorado. Nebraska is the first North Division team to complete divisional play undefeated since 2003.

14 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic 2006 HUSKER OFFENSE 2006 Husker Offense Showing Balance, Explosiveness and Flexibility NU’s Offensive Games under Callahan Nebraska has featured excellent balance and firepower on offense in 2006. The Huskers have posted four 1. 597 yards vs. Troy, 2006 of the top six total offense efforts in Bill Callahan’s three seasons as head coach, including a season-high 597 2. 584 yards vs. Louisiana Tech, 2006 yards against Troy, the most by Nebraska in five seasons. Nebraska has also topped 500 yards against Louisiana 3. 581 yards vs. Western Illinois, 2004 Tech (584) and Kansas (511), while just missing the mark against Nicholls State (498). 4. 511 yards vs. Kansas, 2006 In the latest NCAA rankings, Nebraska stacks up well nationally on offense. The Huskers rank 13th nationally 511 yards vs. Baylor, 2004 in scoring offense (31.8 ppg), ninth in total offense (428.8 ypg), 25th in rushing offense (175.6 ypg) and 18th in 6. 498 yards vs. Nicholls State, 2006 passing offense (253.2 ypg). Nebraska is one of just three teams in the nation to rank in the top 25 in rushing NU’s Top Rushing Games under Callahan offense, passing offense, total offense and scoring offense, joining Louisville and Oregon. 1. 363 yards vs. Western Illinois, 2004 The Huskers’ 2006 offense has shown the explosiveness and efficiency Head Coach Bill Callahan is seeking 2. 316 yards vs. Troy, 2006 in Nebraska’s version of the West Coast Offense. 3. 274 yards vs. Southern Miss, 2004 4 4. 261 yards vs. Nicholls State, 2006 The 597 yards of total offense against Troy were the most by Nebraska in Callahan’s three seasons as head 5. 256 yards vs. Missouri, 2004 coach, and the most since a 688-yard effort at Baylor in 2001. Nebraska has had four of its top five offensive 6. 252 yards vs. Louisiana Tech, 2006 outputs under Callahan in 2006. 7. 251 yards at Iowa State, 2006 4 Nebraska's 428.8 average in total offense is its best in five seasons and is 108.5 yards better than its total Nebraska Total Offense Stats offensive output in 2005. Nebraska is averaging 428.8 yards per game in total offense 4Against Louisiana Tech, Nebraska topped 250 yards in both rushing and passing for the first time in a decade to rank ninth nationally, Nebraska’s best total offensive (Kansas, 1996). It took Nebraska exactly three weeks to accomplish the feat again, as the Huskers rushed for output since 2001 when Nebraska averaged 459.9 yards 316 yards and passed for 281 yards against Troy. per game. In fact, Nebraska has averaged more than 400 4 The Huskers have produced four of their top seven rushing efforts under Callahan this season, with 316 yards of total offense just twice in the past eight years. Prior yards against Troy, 261 yards against Nicholls State, 252 vs. Louisiana Tech and 251 yards at Iowa State. to 1998, Nebraska averaged better than 400 yards per game Before the 316-yard outburst against Troy, Nebraska last topped 300 yards on the ground against Western for 24 straight seasons. This year’s total offense average is a 108.5-yard improvement over the 2005 offense, which Illinois in 2004. ranked 96th nationally. 4 Nebraska’s back-to-back 250-yard rushing efforts to open the season marked the first time NU had topped Year Total Offense 250 yards on the ground in consecutive games 1998 384.9 since 2004 (Western Illinois and Southern Charting the 2006 Husker Offense 1999 392.2 Miss). Nebraska has topped 200 yards on Coach Bill Callahan stressed the importance of an improved run game 2000 459.9 the ground five times in 2006, after posting a in 2006. Nebraska has responded, averaging 175.6 yards per game 2001 451.2 season-high of 182 yards last season, a mark on the ground to rank fifth in the Big 12 and 25th in the nation. 2002 373.1 Game Rushes Rush Yds. Passes Pass Yds. TO TOP Nebraska has topped eight times in 2006. 2003 345.0 LT 48 252 36 332 2 35:05 4 2004 363.2 The Huskers showed the ability to rely on NSU 50 261 26 237 1 33:44 2005 320.3 the pass when needed. Nebraska threw for USC 36 68 17 143 1 28:36 2006 428.8 395 yards, the second-most in school history, Troy 46 316 23 281 1 36:14 Nebraska Scoring Offense Stats in a 39-32 overtime win over Kansas. KU 32 116 33 395 3 26:31 The Huskers rank 13th nationally in scoring offense at 31.8 4 With an impressive running attack, Nebraska ISU 45 251 21 131 1 36:55 points per game. Nebraska last averaged better than 30 points has shown the ability to control the clock. NU KSU 43 190 22 166 0 34:51 per game in 2001, when the Huskers posted 37.4 points per has held the ball more than 33:44 in eight UT 24 38 40 302 3 25:24 OSU 40 211 39 241 1 34:59 game. That season was the 24th straight year the Huskers had games this season, including 34:51 or better averaged at least 30 points a game. Nebraska has scored 27 MU 47 183 22 236 2 35:11 in October road games at Iowa State, Kansas or more points in 12 of 16 games dating back to the final three A&M 38 123 35 267 1 32:52 games of the 2005 season. State and Oklahoma State. The Huskers Colorado 46 190 30 278 2 35:49 Year Scoring Offense are averaging 32:39 of possession time, a Oklahoma 21 84 50 282 5 28:21 2001 37.4 figure that ranks fifth nationally. Last season Pct. of Total Offense Via Rush: 41.0% 2002 27.4 Nebraska averaged 29:56 of possession time Pct. of Total Offense Via Pass: 59.0% 2003 24.8 per game. Nebraska has run 74 more offensive 2004 25.0 plays than its opponents this season. 2005 24.7 4 2006 31.8 The Huskers are converting 46.0 percent (85-of-186) of their third-down attempts, including 11-of-16 against Louisiana Tech, 11-of-17 against Missouri and 7-for-11 vs. Troy. The rate ranks 16th nationally. Memorial Stadium Firepower 4 Nebraska racked up 30 first downs in each of its first two games, the first time the Huskers had back-to- Nebraska ranks 13th nationally in scoring offense at 31.8 back games with 30 first downs since the 2001 season (Texas Tech, Baylor). On the year, Nebraska has 119 points per game, thanks primarily to an impressive offensive output at home. NU averaged 50.0 points per game in its first downs by rush, 136 by pass and 13 by penalty. first four home games and averaged 41.6 per game at 4 Nebraska has spread the wealth on offense. Seventeen different players have scored touchdowns, with home in 2006. seven different players scoring TDs in each of the first two games. Nebraska scored 14 points in each quarter against 4 In wins over Louisiana Tech and Nicholls State, Nebraska topped 49 points in consecutive games for the Nicholls State and Troy, and had a streak of 10 straight first time since 2000, when Nebraska topped 49 points in three straight games at mid-season (Iowa State, quarters at home with 14 or more points, including the final Texas Tech, Baylor). quarter against Louisiana Tech and the first quarter against The Husker offense left an impression on Troy Head Coach Larry Blakeney following the 56-0 Nebraska win Kansas. NU scored at least one touchdown in 24 of 28 quarters at home this season. in September... Nebraska scored at least 49 points in three straight “That is the best football team we have faced in a long time. I don’t know what they call that offense, home games to open the season. The last time Nebraska if it is West Coast or East Coast or South Coast or Canadian or whatever, but it was very well-designed scored 49 or more points in three straight home games was and gave us more than we could handle. Their style of play and their physical approach and their in 1996, when NU defeated Baylor (49-0), Kansas (63-7) ability with Zac Taylor to throw the football down the field really gave us more than we could handle.” and Missouri (51-7). This marks only the third time in school history Nebraska has scored 49 or more points in each of its first three home games (1996, 1974). Nebraska has scored at least 24 points in 10 of its last 11 home games. 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 15 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Impressive Offensive Improvement Fast Starting Huskers Jumping on Opponents Early Nebraska has made great strides on offense in the third Nebraska has had great success early in games, outscoring the opposition 110-38 in the first quarter, allowing year of Coach Callahan’s West Coast Offense in Lincoln. only touchdowns by Oklahoma (2), USC, Texas A&M and Colorado and a field goal by Texas. The Huskers are one of three teams that rank in the top 25 A large part of that first quarter success has come during Nebraska’s first drive of the game. The Huskers nationally in scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense and total offense. Nebraska is ninth in total offense, up from have scored on their first drive of the game seven times in 13 games, including four straight games from Troy 96th a year ago. Here is a quick look at Nebraska’s offensive to Kansas State. Nebraska also scored touchdowns on its opening drives against Nicholls State and Colorado, improvement from 2005 to 2006. and kicked a field goal on its initial drive at Oklahoma State. Nebraska kicked a field goal on its second drive Rushing Offense of the day at Missouri, and scored a touchdown on its second drive at Texas A&M. 2005–96.0 yards per game (107th nationally)  In games against Troy, Kansas, Iowa State and Kansas State, Nebraska lost the coin toss each week and 2006–175.6 ypg (25th) the opposition deferred, giving the football to the Huskers. Nebraska responded by driving for a touchdown and Difference--+79.6 yards per game a 7-0 lead in each of the four games. Passing Offense  Nebraska had ball-control drives to open the game against Troy (10 plays, 73 yards, 5:47), Iowa State (10 2005–224.3 ypg ( plays, 80 yards, 5:27) and Kansas State (9 plays, 80 yards, 3:54), while striking quickly against Kansas (2 plays, 2006–253.2 ypg (18th) 80 yards, :50). Difference--+28.9 yards per game Nebraska has scored first in 11 of 13 games this season, failing to do so only against Texas and Oklahoma. Total Offense The Huskers did put a touchdown on the board on their second drive of the game of the game against Texas. 2005–320.3 ypg (96th) The Big 12 Championship Game loss to Oklahoma marked the only time this season Nebraska did not score 2006–428.8 ypg (9th) a point in the first quarter. Difference--+108.5 yards per game Scoring Offense Nebraska Looks to Continue Red Zone Efficiency Against Stingy Auburn Defense 2005–24.6 points per game (107th nationally) Nebraska is among the Big 12 and nation’s best offenses at converting Red Zone opportunities into 2006–31.8 ppg (13th) touchdowns. The Huskers have converted 42-of-49 red zone trips into scores, an 85.7 percent success rate. Difference--+7.2 points per game The Huskers have scored 39 touchdowns in the Red Zone including 20 by rush and 19 by pass. Big 12 Conference POW Nominees The Huskers’ Red Zone success was even more impressive in Big 12 Conference play. Nebraska was perfect Game Offense Defense Special Teams in its first seven league games in the Red Zone, before a third-quarter fumble against Colorado ended the string La. Tech Taylor Carriker none at 20 straight conversions. Nebraska converted three later Red Zone trips into touchdowns and finished regular- Nicholls Taylor Bradley none season Big 12 Conference play 23-of-24 in the Red Zone, including 20 touchdowns. The Huskers were 1-of-3 USC none Bradley Titchener in the Red Zone against Oklahoma, giving the ball away on downs and on a turnover in the fourth quarter. Troy Lucky Suh Rigoni Kansas Hardy Shanle none Auburn will present a formidable challenge for Nebraska if it hopes to continue its success in the Red Zone. Iowa St. Glenn Ruud none Tiger opponents have converted just 20-of-32 Red Zone chances, including only 12 touchdowns. The Tigers K-State Jackson Bradley Wesch rank seventh nationally in scoring defense. Texas Jackson Ruud Titchener Okla. St. Jackson Carriker none Quarterback Taylor Leading Husker Offense, Continuing to Re-Write NU Passing Records Mizzou Taylor Ruud Congdon Senior quarterback Zac Taylor is the man at the helm of Nebraska’s offense. The 6-2, 210-pound Taylor had A&M Taylor Carriker Turner a record-setting 2005 campaign, then was even more efficient as a senior, breaking most of his own season Colorado Taylor Carriker Turner Bold indicates winner records, while shattering the majority of Nebraska’s career passing records. Taylor was honored for his 2006 performance when post-season Nebraska Season Passing awards were handed out. The Norman, Okla., native was named Taylor’s Nebraska Records Player, Year Yards Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year by both the Big 12 Coaches and Here is a list of some of the career and season Nebraska records held by Husker 1. Zac Taylor, 2006 3,071 the Associated Press, along with nearly every major newspaper in 2. Zac Taylor, 2005 2,653 senior quarterback Zac Taylor. For a full 3. Dave Humm, 1972 2,074 the region that selects an All-Big 12 team. Taylor earned first-team bio and stat recap on Taylor, please see his 4. Vince Ferragamo, 1976 2,071 All-Big 12 honors by nearly every service. The senior also was voted bio on pages 48-49. 5. Joe Dailey, 2004 2,024 Nebraska’s Offensive Most Valuable Player by his teammates. Career 6. Jerry Tagge, 1971 2,019 Taylor began his assault on the Nebraska record book almost Passing Yards—5,724 yards in 25 games 7. Tom Sorley, 1978 1,571 from the day he made his first career start in September of 2005, 8. Dave Humm, 1973 1,526 (old record: 5,035 yards) and continues to re-write the Husker record book. Pass Completions—456 (old record: 353) 9. Turner Gill, 1983 1,516  10. Eric Crouch, 2001 1,510 Taylor threw for a touchdown pass against Oklahoma, his Pass Attempts—795 (old record: 637) school-record 44th career scoring strike, breaking the old record of Passing Yards per Game—228.9 ypg Nebraska Career Passing 43 by Tommie Frazier from 1992 to 1995. (old record: 152.6 ypg) Player, Years Yards Taylor has 25 TD passes this season, easily surpassing the Touchdowns—44 (old record: 43) 1. Zac Taylor, 2005-present 5,724 previous season touchdown passes record of 20 by Vince Ferragamo 2. Dave Humm, 1972-74 5,035 Season 3. Jerry Tagge, 1969-71 4,704 in 1976. Taylor threw 16 touchdown passes and just two interceptions Passing Yards—3,071 4. Eric Crouch, 1998-2001 4,481 in eight regular-season Big 12 games. Taylor has at least one TD (old record: 2,653 by Taylor in 2005) 5. Tommie Frazier, 1992-95 3,521 pass in each of Nebraska’s last 10 games, and has eight games this Pass Completions—237 by Taylor in 2005 6. Turner Gill, 1980-83 3,317 season with two or more touchdown passes. (219 this season) 7. Vince Ferragamo, 1975-76 3,224 Taylor became Nebraska’s career passing yardage leader Pass Attempts—430 by Taylor in 2005 (365 this season) 8. Jammal Lord, 2000-03 2,848 against Texas A&M. With 267 yards against the Aggies, Taylor 9. Steve Taylor, 1985-88 2,815 Passing Yards per Game—236.2 ypg moved his career total to 5,193 yards, bettering the previous NU 10. Scott Frost, 1996-97 2,677 (old record: 221.1 by Taylor in 2005) career record of 5,035 yards by Dave Humm from 1972 to 1974. Touchdowns—25 (old record: 20) Top Passing Games in NU History Taylor’s career total now stands at 5,724 yards. Rank, Player, Game Yards 4Taylor pushed his season passing total to 3,071 yards with his 1. Zac Taylor, 2005 vs. Iowa State 431 282 yards against Oklahoma. He has bettered his own season record of 2,653 passing yards last season. 2. Zac Taylor, 2006 vs. Kansas 395 Taylor’s recent record assault capped an impressive 2006 season and two-year Nebraska career. 3. Zac Taylor, 2005 at Colorado 392 4. Joe Dailey, 2004 vs. Baylor 342 5. Joe Dailey, 2004 vs. Colorado 306 16 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Three Seniors Serving as 2006 Captains Taylor has completed 60.0 percent of his passes in 2006 (219-of-365), up from 55.1 percent in 2005. Taylor A trio of Husker seniors have served as captains for the 2006 has 25 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and his pass efficiency rating of 149.44 ranks 19th in the country. Huskers. The captains, elected in a vote of their teammates, His pass efficiency rating against Nicholls State (213.77) was the eighth-best in school history. are quarterback Zac Taylor, defensive end Adam Carriker Taylor has twice thrown for a career-high four touchdown passes (Nicholls State, Kansas), bettering the and safety/special teams standout Brandon Rigoni. Taylor, a native of Norman, Okla., set a Nebraska single- three touchdown passes in his previous two games (Louisiana Tech, Michigan). In Nebraska’s last 16 games season passing record as a junior last season and broke dating back to last season, Taylor has thrown for 32 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. the record this year. Taylor becomes the second member of Against Louisiana Tech, Taylor had a streak of 11 straight completions, including eight straight completions his family to serve as a team captain in college football. His for 98 yards in engineering a two-minute drive before halftime. Against Nicholls State, Taylor’s first pass attempt father, Sherwood, was a starting defensive back at Oklahoma fell incomplete, but he completed his next 12 pass attempts before an incompletion. The 12 straight completions in the late 1970s and served as a Sooner captain. Carriker was named Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the were three off the Nebraska school record. He opened the Troy game by completing 12 of 13 passes. Year as a senior, after being named a preseason All-America Taylor had a streak of 104 straight passes without an interception end at Texas A&M, his third streak of the selection by several media outlets. A native of Kennewick, season of 80 or more passes without a pick. He had a streak of 83 straight passes without an interception end Wash., Carriker is the first Washington native to serve as a in the second quarter against Troy, and a streak of 84 consecutive without a pick end vs. Texas. Nebraska captain. Taylor’s 395-yard passing effort against Kansas was the second-highest total in Nebraska history, trailing Rigoni continued the tradition of NU captains from Lincoln. The 2006 season marks the third time in the past four years only his 431 yards against Iowa State in 2005. Taylor owns the top three single-game passing efforts in NU Nebraska has had a hometown captain. At the start of fall camp history. He has 16 games with 200 or more passing yards (10 in 2006), including 14 of the past 18 games. Rigoni was awarded a scholarship for his senior season. Against Kansas, Taylor had the three longest passes of his NU career, a 78-yard strike to Frantz Hardy and Husker Offense Hitting Home Runs a pair of 75-yard touchdown passes, one each to Hardy and Terrence Nunn. In the past 10 games, Taylor has Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor threw three touchdown six of the eight longest passes of his Nebraska career and has completed 37 passes of 20 yards or more, passes of 75 yards or more in Nebraska’s victory over Kansas. including five of 60 yards or more. Taylor connected on 78 and 75 yard scores to Frantz Hardy, Taylor has completed passes to 13 different receivers, and thrown TD passes to 10 different Huskers. in addition to a 75-yard scoring strike to Terrence Nunn on Taylor has 456 career pass completions, a Husker record, eclipsing the 353 by Humm. the game's second play. The 78-yard pass play is the second- Taylor has totaled 3,044 yards of total offense in 13 games in 2006, a Nebraska season record, bettering longest in the Big 12 this season and the 75-yarders are tied for third. The three long touchdown strikes in a single-game the 2,774 yards by Jammal Lord in 2002. Taylor has 5,656 yards of total offense in his two-year career, second were an extremely rare feat. behind 2001 Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch on the NU career chart.  The game marked the first time Nebraska had ever had Last season, Taylor shattered several game and season passing records in his first year after transferring three passes of 75 yards or more in a single game in school from Butler County Community College in Kansas. Among the top accomplishments for Taylor in 2005 were: history. In fact, before the Kansas game Nebraska had never 4 Taylor's 2,653 passing yards established an NU single-season record, shattering the previous single-season NU had more than two passes of 75 yards or more in a season.  The three long touchdown passes were three of just 16 record of 2,074 yards by Humm in 1972. Taylor's passing total marked just the fifth time in school history a quarterback pass plays of 75 yards or more in Nebraska history. had passed for more than 2,000 yards in a season. He has added the sixth 2,000-yard season in 2006.  Research indicates the feat by Nebraska is a first in the Big 4 Taylor posted what were at the time the two highest passing outputs in NU history with 431 yards vs. Iowa 12 Conference and quite rare on the national level. Kentucky State and 392 yards at Colorado. All five individual 300-yard passing days in NU history have come with Bill also accomplished the feat against Georgia in 2000, and Callahan as head coach, including three by Taylor. Virginia Tech turned the trick against Syracuse in 2002, but no other school has indicated they have had three passes 4 Taylor threw for two or more touchdown passes in eight of the season’s final nine games, including a of 75 yards or more in the same game. season-high three TD passes against Michigan in the Alamo Bowl.  Nebraska now has 25 pass plays of 70 yards or more in 4 Taylor set numerous other school records, including most pass attempts (55) and completions (36) in a school history, with seven of those coming in Bill Callahan's game vs. Iowa State, and most pass attempts (430) and completions (237) in a season. 30 games as Husker head coach.  Before 2006, NU had just three seasons with two pass plays of 70 yards or more, with two of those being 2004 and 2005. Zac Taylor Game-by-Game in 2006 Game Att. Comp. Yards TD INT Long Third-Down Success Key for Huskers La. Tech 33 22 287 3 1 31 (Herian) The Nebraska offense has ranked among the nation’s Nicholls 23 19 202 4 0 42 (Purify) best in converting third downs. The Huskers rank third in the USC 16 8 115 0 0 36 (Herian) Troy 17 14 268 1 1 67 (Nunn) Big 12 and 16th nationally with a 46.0 percent success rate. Kansas 33 15 395 4 0 78 (Hardy) The defensive effort on third downs has been equally Iowa State 21 17 131 1 0 27 (Purify) important. NU is 26th nationally in stopping opponent third- Kansas St. 21 12 149 1 0 32 (Purify) down conversions, with a 32.8 percent conversion rate. Texas 28 15 277 2 1 63 (Purify) In the Huskers’ nine victories, opponents have converted Okla. State 39 21 241 2 0 27 (Hardy) just 33-of-121 (27.2 percent) of their third-down attempts. Missouri 21 13 208 2 0 47 (Jackson) However, in four losses the opposition has combined to Texas A&M 35 21 267 2 1 42 (Lucky) convert 26-of-59 third downs (44.1 percent). Colorado 28 19 249 2 0 57 (Erickson) Nebraska wins over Missouri and Texas A&M showed Oklahoma 50 23 282 1 3 48 (Peterson) the importance of third-down conversions. Against Mizzou, Totals 365 219 3,071 25 7 78 Nebraska converted 11-of-17 third-down attempts, while Completion Pct.–60.0% limiting the Tigers to just 3-of-13. Nebraska dominated the first half defensively in its win at Texas A&M, in large part Breakdown of Taylor’s pass distribution.... because of the Aggies’ 0-of-5 third-down performance. In Game Yards # of Receivers Leading Receiver (Yds) Leading Receiver (Catches) Louisiana Tech 287 9 Matt Herian (61) Terrence Nunn (5) the second half, Texas A&M scored 17 points and converted Nicholls State 202 9 Maurice Purify (61) Herian (4) on 5-of-9 third-down attempts. USC 115 4 Herian, B. Jackson (36) Jackson (4) Nebraska struggled offensively on third downs in its Troy 268 7 Nunn (102) Nunn (4) loss to Oklahoma, converting just 3-of-15. Nebraska has Kansas 395 6 Frantz Hardy (159) Purify (4) converted 52 percent on third down in its victories and just Iowa State 131 9 Purify (35) Marlon Lucky (3) 32.8 percent in its three losses. Kansas State 149 7 Purify (73) Purify (4) Third Down Success Texas 277 7 Purify, Nunn (84) Nunn (5) Nebraska on 3rd downs Opponents on 3rd downs Oklahoma State 241 7 Purify (65) Purify (6) In Nebraska’s nine wins Missouri 208 6 Jackson (61) Lucky (4) Texas A&M 267 8 Todd Peterson (82) Peterson (7) 66-127 (52.0 percent) 33-121 (27.2 percent) Colorado 249 8 Dan Erickson (57) Jackson (6) In Nebraska’s three losses Oklahoma 282 10 Peterson (72) Jackson (5) 19-58 (32.8 percent) 22-44 (50 percent) 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 17 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Charting the Husker Backs in 2006 Taylor One of Nation’s Best at Protecting the Football Game Lucky Glenn Jackson Wilson Total Quarterback Zac Taylor ranks 19th nationally in passing efficiency. The lofty rating is due in large part to Taylor’s LT 13-79-1 13-88-1 3-36-1 15-47-0 44-250-3 ability to protect the football, having thrown seven interceptions in 365 pass attempts this season. Taylor has NSU 18-103-1 11-47-2 7-29-0 9-79-1 45-258-4 streaks of 104, 84, and 83 passes without an interception in 2006. Taylor did have three interceptions against USC 10-27-0 0-0-0 2-1-0 19-46-0 31-74-0 Oklahoma, but had not thrown more than one interception in the first 12 games of the season. Troy 10-156-3 INJ 11-60-1 19-106-2 40-322-6 KU 13-40-0 7-33-1 4-28-0 4-33-0 28-134-1 Taylor is one of five quarterbacks nationally with at least 350 pass attempts and seven or fewer ISU 0-0-0 19-148-2 22-116-1 0-0-0 41-264-3 interceptions. KSU 12-71-1 10-22-0 16-92-0 0-0-0 38-185-1 QBs with 300+Pass Attempts, 4 or Fewer INT UT 3-5-0 4-6-0 7-40-0 2-(-1)-0 16-50-0 Quarterback, School Attempts INT OSU 9-42-0 1-1-0 21-182-2 1-3-0 32-228-2 Brady Quinn, Notre Dame 432 5 MU 12-44-0 DNP 32-111-1 DNP 44-155-1 Kevin Kolb, Houston 393 3 A&M 12-52-1 6-25-2 9-44-0 2-8-0 29-129-2 Andre Woodson, Kentucky 391 7 CU 4-21-0 INJ 34-142-1 3-16-1 41-179-2 John Beck, BYU 371 6 OU 0-0-0 INJ 13-70-0 1-(-2)-0 14-68-0 Zac Taylor, Nebraska 365 7 Totals 116-640-6 71-370-6 181-951-7 75-335-4 443-2,296-25 Avg. Carries per game: 34.1 First-Team All-Big 12 Jackson is Chairman of Nebraska Running Back “Committee” Avg. yards per game: 176.6; Avg. per carry: 5.2 Nebraska junior I-back Brandon Jackson broke out of Nebraska’s I-back pack at mid-season and became Receiving: Jackson 31-319-2; Lucky 26-316-0; a go-to back for the Huskers. In the process, Jackson played his way into numerous post-season honors. He Wilson 3-20-0 was a first-team All-Big 12 pick by the Associated Press and was a second-team pick by the Big 12 Coaches. Husker 100-Yard Rushing Games in 2006 Jackson suffered a broken right hand against Oklahoma in the Big 12 Championship Game, forcing him out Brandon Jackson, 182 yards at OSU (21 carries, 2 TDs) of the contest in the third quarter. He finished the game with 70 yards on 13 carries and a team-high five pass Marlon Lucky, 156 yards vs. Troy (10 carries, 3 TDs) receptions. Jackson is expected to be able to play against Auburn in the Cotton Bowl. Cody Glenn, 148 yards at Iowa State (19 carries, 2 TDs) Jackson is tied for second in the Big 12 in rushing at 73.2 yards per game, trailing only Big 12 leader Jon Brandon Jackson, 142 yards vs. Colorado (34 carries, TD) Cornish of Kansas. In Big 12 games only, Jackson has performed at a higher level, averaging 94.4 yards per Brandon Jackson, 116 yards at Iowa State (22 carries, TD) game to rank third in the conference. Brandon Jackson, 111 yards vs. Missouri (32 carries, TD) Jackson’s impressive Big 12 statistics include the Kansas game when he had just four carries for 28 yards. Kenny Wilson, 106 yards vs. Troy (19 carries, 2 TDs) Marlon Lucky, 103 yards vs. Nicholls State (18 carries, TD) After moving into the starting lineup against Iowa State, Jackson averaged 103.9 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry, while scoring seven touchdowns, including five by rush and two receiving scores. Did you Know? The 5-11, 210-pound Jackson capped the regular season with a career-high 34 carries for 142 yards and a Nebraska’s win over Troy marked only the fourth time in touchdown in the win over Colorado. He also caught a career-high six passes for 42 yards and his 41 all-purpose school history Nebraska has had two 100-yard rushers and attempts (190 yards) set a Nebraska single-game record. a 100-yard receiver in the same game. Marlon Lucky (156) Against Missouri, Jackson carried the ball 32 times for 111 yards and a touchdown and added 61 receiving and Kenny Wilson (106) provided the rushing output, while yards for 172 all-purpose yards. In conference games, Jackson finished third in all-purpose yards per game, Terrence Nunn (102) topped the century mark in receiving. The previous three times this has occurred were: averaging 136.4 yards per game. 41995 vs. Arizona St.: Clinton Childs (143 rushing), Damon A week prior to his effort in the 34-20 win over Missouri, Jackson had a strong performance at Oklahoma Benning (111 rushing), Clester Johnson (129 receiving) State, running 21 times for a career-high 182 yards and two touchdowns. Jackson had four carries of 20 yards 41985 vs. Kansas: Tom Rathman (159 rushing), Doug or more in the contest, and also caught three passes out of the backfield. DuBose (109 rushing), Von Sheppard (129 receiving) Jackson finished the month of October with 66 carries for 430 yards, an average of 6.5 yards per carry. He 41983 vs. Minnesota: Mike Rozier (196 rushing), Turner posted his first two 100-yard rushing games with 116 yards on 22 carries at Iowa State and the 182 yards at Gill (100 rushing), Irving Fryar (138 receiving) Oklahoma State. Jackson also rushed for 92 yards at Kansas State and had 162 all-purpose yards against Nebraska Has November to Remember Texas, including a 49-yard touchdown reception. Nebraska posted a 3-0 record in the month of November. The 182 yards by Jackson at Oklahoma State were the most by a Husker since Cory Ross ran for 194 yards The Huskers opened the month with a 34-20 win over then- against Missouri in 2004, a span of 24 games. No. 25 Missouri (Coaches) in Lincoln to take control of the Jackson pushed his career rushing total past 1,000 yards at Oklahoma State, becoming the 55th Husker to Big 12 North Division race. Nebraska then clinched the North eclipse 1,000 career rushing yards. He currently has 1,393 career yards, 37th on NU’s career chart. Division title with a 28-27 win at No. 24 Texas A&M on Nov. Jackson has totaled a team-high 951 yards on 181 carries with seven rushing touchdowns. Jackson needs 11. The Huskers closed out the month with a 37-14 victory 49 yards in the Cotton Bowl to record the 28th, 1,000-yard rushing season in school history. over Colorado in Lincoln. Jackson has 31 receptions for 319 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield. The 31 catches rank This year marked Nebraska’s first perfect November since the 1999 campaign, also the last time Nebraska qualified for third on the team and are just outside of the Nebraska season top 10. This marks the second straight year a the Big 12 Championship Game. Nebraska has five straight Nebraska back has had 30 or more receptions. wins in November, its longest win streak in the month since Jackson had a standout freshman year in 2004 when he rushed for 390 yards, but was slowed by injury last winning its final game in 1998, all three in 1999 and its first season, and carried the football just 18 times. game in November of 2000. Husker I-Back “Committee” Continuing to Distribute the Football NU Renews Homecoming Winning Tradition Entering the 2006 season both Head Coach Bill Callahan and running backs coach Randy Jordan regularly Nebraska’s 34-20 victory over Missouri resumed indicated Nebraska would utilize the talents of all four of its I-backs and operate with use of a “committee.” Nebraska’s Homecoming success. The Huskers have won Although Brandon Jackson has received the majority of the carries down the stretch, all of the backs continue 37 of their last 38 Homecoming games, dropping only a 34-31 decision to Texas Tech last season. The Huskers are to produce in the Husker offense. 72-20-4 all-time on Homecoming and have won 17 of their The results have been outstanding as four Husker I-backs have combined for 443 carries for 2,296 yards and last 21 Homecoming contests by 17 points or more. Nebraska 25 rushing touchdowns. All four backs have gotten into the act, with each of them having between 71 and 181 is 12-5-1 all-time against Missouri on Homecoming. carries. All four of the I-backs have topped 100 yards in a game, and have at least four rushing touchdowns. Together the group has keyed a resurgent Nebraska rushing attack. Nebraska opened the year with 252 yards on the ground against Louisiana Tech, then churned out 261 rushing yards in a 56-7 rout of Nicholls State. The Huskers erupted for their top rushing output of the year with 316 yards and six rushing touchdowns in a 56-0 win over Troy, then controlled the football with a 251-yard rushing effort at

18 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska Continues Overtime Perfection Iowa State, NU’s highest road rushing total in three seasons. Nebraska is averaging 175.6 yards per game on In Victory over Kansas the ground to rank 25th in the nation and fifth in the Big 12 Conference. The rushing average is a 79.6-yard-per Nebraska used overtime to win its Big 12 Conference game improvement over 2005, when Nebraska averaged 96.0 rushing yards per game. opener for the second straight year defeating Kansas, 39-32, The four 250-yard-plus rushing efforts are all among the top seven in Bill Callahan’s three seasons. In 2005, on Sept. 30 in Lincoln. The victory improved Nebraska to Nebraska’s top rushing effort was 182 yards at Baylor. The Huskers have produced eight rushing efforts of 5-0 all-time in overtime contests, and continued remarkable more than 182 yards in 2006. Additionally, Nebraska has 26 rushing touchdowns in 2006. A year ago, Nebraska success for the Huskers in extra sessions. rushed for 10 touchdowns. Nebraska and Michigan are the only teams with at least In addition to Jackson, three other backs have played a large role in Nebraska’s ground game. five overtime victories to have perfect records in extra play. Sophomore Marlon Lucky, a native of North Hollywood, Calif., started the first five games and has 640 Michigan is also 5-0. In addition to wins over Iowa State and Kansas the past rushing yards on 116 carries. Lucky produced his first career 100-yard rushing game against Nicholls State two seasons, Nebraska also defeated Missouri (1997), with 18 carries for 103 yards and a touchdown, then had a career-best 156 yards on just 10 carries against Colorado (1999) and Notre Dame (2000) on the road in Troy. Lucky had three touchdown runs of at least 34 yards against the Trojans, and earned Big 12 Offensive overtime. Player-of-the-Week honors. The 15.6 yards per carry marked the best for a Husker with at least 10 carries in a Nebraska has scored touchdowns on all six of its overtime game since Damon Benning registered 173 yards on 10 carries against Pacific in 1995. possessions, while allowing just one touchdown in overtime Lucky added his fourth TD run of longer than 34 yards with a 40-yard scamper at Kansas State, and has six play (ISU last season in first overtime). rushing touchdowns. Lucky is possibly the most versatile of Nebraska’s backs. He has 26 receptions for 316 yards, an average of 12.2 yards per reception. Lucky has had at least one catch in 12 of 13 games this season, Huskers Continue Nation-Leading including a career-high four against Missouri and Texas A&M. He had 46 yards receiving against Missouri and Victory Streak in Season Openers a career-high 56 against Texas A&M, including a career-long 42-yard reception. Lucky had 136 all-purpose Nebraska extended the nation’s longest winning streak in yards in the win over the Aggies, and has 1,069 all-purpose yards this season. season openers with its 49-10 victory over Louisiana Tech on Sept. 2. The Huskers have now been on the winning end in Lucky was a second-team All-Big 12 selection as an all-purpose player by the Associated Press. each of their last 21 season openers, dating back to a 17-13 Sophomore Cody Glenn is Nebraska’s power back, but showed his complete ability against Iowa State. loss to Florida State in 1985. The 6-0, 230-pound Glenn set career highs with 19 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns against the Louisiana Tech is the second team (also Utah State) to Cyclones, including the three longest runs of his career. Glenn’s previous career rushing high was a team-high twice be a victim in Nebraska’s season-opening win streak. 88 yards in the opener against Louisiana Tech. Nebraska also defeated the Bulldogs in the 1998 opener. Glenn leads the team with eight rushing touchdowns, the most by a Husker since 2003, and the most by This year marked one of 14 times in the past 21 years a Nebraska running back since Dahrran Diedrick had 16 in 2001. Glenn has two touchdowns each against Nebraska has scored 40 or more points in a season opener. Nicholls State, Iowa State and Texas A&M and scored the game-winning TD in overtime against Kansas. He In that same period, the Huskers have limited the opposition to 14 points or less 14 times. has 71 carries for 340 yards. Glenn has missed four games this season because of injuries, including the past The Huskers’ 21-game win streak in season openers is two games, but should be ready for the Cotton Bowl matchup against Auburn. four better than the 17 straight season-opening wins by both Junior Kenny Wilson joined the Huskers as a highly touted junior college prospect. Wilson has 75 carries for Kansas State and Florida. The Huskers have won each of 335 yards and four touchdowns. He had his first career 100-yard game with 106 yards on 19 carries against Troy. their last 21 season openers by 10 or more points, and own In Nebraska’s win at Iowa State, Glenn and Jackson produced Nebraska’s second double 100-yard effort an 86-26-5 all-time record in season openers. in three weeks. The 100-yard rushing efforts marked the first time a Nebraska running back had topped the Since 1973, NU is 29-4-1 in season openers, including century mark in a Big 12 game since Cory Ross at Oklahoma in 2004. It was the first time since the 2003 24-2 at Memorial Stadium, with losses only to Florida State contest at Missouri that Nebraska had a pair of 100-yard rushers in the same conference game. (1985) and Washington State (1977). In all-time home open- ers NU is 95-17-5, including 67-14-3 at Memorial Stadium. Previously, both Lucky (156) and Wilson (106) topped the century mark against Troy, marking the first time The Huskers are 31-2 in their last 33 home openers. Nebraska has had two 100-yard rushers in the same game since 2004 against Western Illinois, the first game of Bill Callahan’s tenure at Nebraska. Maurice Purify Game-by-Game Game Rec. Yds. Avg. TD Long Purify Provides Husker Offense With Game-Changing Receiver La. Tech 1 28 28.0 0 28 Junior Maurice Purify arrived at Nebraska with all the physical tools to be a go-to receiver for the Huskers. Nicholls 2 61 30.5 1 42 The 6-4, 210-pounder became just that during conference play, ranking among the Big 12’s most dangerous USC 0 0 0 0 0 receiving options. The efforts of Purify did not go unnoticed as the Big 12 Coaches made him a second-team Troy 2 45 22.5 0 30 All-Big 12 selection. Kansas 4 91 22.8 0 36 The Eureka, Calif., native has 33 receptions to rank second on the team behind fellow junior Terrence Nunn. Iowa State 2 35 17.5 1 27 Kansas St. 4 73 18.3 0 32 Purify has a team-high 621 receiving yards (18.8 ypr) this season, and leads the team with seven touchdown Texas 2 84 42.0 1 63 receptions. Purify stepped up his play at the start of Big 12 action, totaling 28 catches for 487 yards, including Okla. St. 6 65 10.8 2 22 a career-high six catches at Oklahoma State and four-reception efforts against Kansas and Kansas State. Missouri 2 25 12.5 1 18 Purify registered his most memorable catch of the season at Texas A&M, snaring a nine-yard touchdown Texas A&M 2 30 15.0 1 21 pass with 21 seconds remaining to give the Huskers a 28-27 victory. The touchdown catch was his sixth in Big Colorado 3 51 17.0 0 31 12 Conference play. He has caught at least one touchdown pass in four of the past six games. Totals 30 584 19.5 7 63 After a TD catch against Nicholls State, Purify had a 27-yard touchdown reception with three seconds left in the NU Single-Season TD Receptions first half at Iowa State, giving NU a 21-7 edge. He added his second TD in conference play on a career-long 63-yard Player, Year TD Catches TD catch against Texas, then added scoring receptions of 22 and 5 yards in Nebraska’s loss at Oklahoma State. 1. Johnny Rodgers, 1971 11 He nabbed his sixth touchdown of the season on a leaping seven-yard grab in the second quarter against Missouri, 2. Johnny Rodgers, 1972 8 before his catch at A&M. Frosty Anderson, 1973 8 Purify has 14 receptions of 20 yards or longer, including four touchdown grabs. Purify has picked up a first Irving Fryar, 1983 8 down or touchdown on 28 of his 33 receptions in 2006. 5. Maurice Purify, 2006 7 Also a basketball standout at San Francisco City College, Purify showed his all-around skills against Missouri. Terrence Nunn, 2005 7 In the first quarter, Purify lofted a perfect 28-yard touchdown pass to Terrence Nunn in the back of the end zone Nate Swift, 2005 7 five others tied at 7 on a reverse pass, giving NU a 10-0 lead. In Big 12 games only, Purify’s six touchdown receptions ranked fifth in the conference. Purify’s seven touchdown receptions are tied for fifth on the NU single-season charts.

44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 19 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Nebraska Season Receptions Veteran Receiving Tandem Posting Another Strong Season Player, Year Receptions In addition to Purify, quarterback Zac Taylor’s favorite wideout targets are Terrence Nunn and Nate Swift–a 1. Johnny Rodgers, 1972 55 pair of receivers who made a mark in the Nebraska record book in 2005. 2. Johnny Rodgers, 1971 53 A year ago, the duo combined for 88 receptions, 1,136 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. In the process, 3. Nate Swift, 2005 45 both Nunn and Swift finished in the top five on Nebraska's single-season receptions list. This season Nunn leads 4. Terrence Nunn, 2005 43 Cory Ross, 2005 43 Nebraska with 41 receptions for 589 yards and three touchdowns, while Swift has 19 catches for 330 yards. 6. Jeff Kinney, 1969 41 Both players are quickly moving up the career pass receptions list. Nunn had four catches against Oklahoma Terrence Nunn, 2006 41 to push his career total to an even 100 receptions, second on the all-time NU list, seven ahead of Matt Davison. 8. Irving Fryar, 1983 40 Nunn’s 41 receptions this season are tied for sixth on the Husker season charts, just two shy of his 2005 total 9. Bob Revelle, 1972 38 of 43 receptions, good for fourth on the NU list. Nunn has joined 1972 Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers as the Wilson Thomas, 2001 37 only players with two of the top 10 season reception totals in Nebraska history. Nebraska Career Receptions Nunn’s top two yardage outputs this season were 102 yards on four catches against Troy and 98 yards on Player, Years Receptions three catches, including a career-long 75-yard touchdown, against Kansas. He has added touchdowns against 1. Johnny Rodgers, 1970-72 143 Missouri and Colorado, and has 1,302 career receiving yards, good for third on the NU charts. 2. Terrence Nunn, 2004-present 100 Swift, only a sophomore, moved into the top 20 on the career receptions list in recent weeks and his 64 career 3. Matt Davison, 1997-2000 93 catches are 13th on the career list. 4. Jeff Kinney, 1969-71 84 In 2005, Swift and Nunn were the most productive single- Consecutive Games with a Reception 5. Guy Ingles, 1968-70 74 season pass catching duo in Nebraska history. Junior Terrence Nunn has caught a pass in 26 straight games entering the Cotton Bowl. The 26-game streak 6. Tim Smith, 1977-79 72 Swift did not catch a pass in the first three games of 2005, but 7. Cory Ross, 2002-05 71 is the second-longest in school history. Here's a look exploded at the start of conference play. He had five receptions 8. Wilson Thomas, 1999-2002 68 at the longest streaks in school history. 9. Irving Fryar, 1981-83 67 against Iowa State, then had consecutive nine-reception efforts Player Years Games 10. Tom Penney, 1966-68 66 against Missouri and Oklahoma. He finished the year with 45 Johnny Rodgers 1970-72 37* 11. Todd Brown, 1980-82 65 receptions for 641 yards and seven touchdowns, all Husker Terrence Nunn 2004-present 26 Junior Miller 1977-79 20 Matt Herian, 2002-present 65 freshman records. His 45 catches were the most by a player Matt Davison 1998-99 20 13. Nate Swift, 2005-present 64 in 33 seasons and the third-most ever by a Husker. Swift had *–Rodgers caught a pass in every game of his 14. Ross Pilkington, 2002-04 63 caught at least two passes in 10 straight games before being Nebraska career. 15. Abdul Muhammad, 1991-94 61 held without catches by Nicholls State and USC. Jerry List, 1970-72 61 Nunn caught at least one pass in all 12 games of his sophomore season in 2005, including nine games Dennis Richnafsky, 1965-67 61 18. Tracey Wistrom, 1998-2001 58 with three or more receptions. Entering the Cotton Bowl he has caught at least one pass in 26 straight games, 19. Bobby Thomas, 1974-76 56 the second-longest streak in Nebraska history. The last time Nunn did not have a reception was during his Chuck Malito, 1974-76 56 freshman season at Oklahoma. Like Swift, Nunn also caught seven touchdown passes from Taylor in 2005, including a pair of TD receptions Nebraska Career Receiving Yards in the Alamo Bowl. Nunn has 10 career touchdown receptions. Player, Years Yards The 2005 season marked the first time in school history Nebraska had three players with 40 or more catches 1. Johnny Rodgers, 1970-72 2,479 in a single season. This year, Nebraska has three players with more than 30 catches with a fourth in position 2. Matt Davison, 1997-2000 1,456 3. Terrence Nunn, 2004-present 1,302 to join that club in the Cotton Bowl. 4. Matt Herian, 2002-present 1,243 5. Irving Fryar, 1981-83 1,196 Effective Tight End Corps Gives Passing Game Another Dimension 6. Guy Ingles, 1968-70 1,157 Senior tight end Matt Herian has made a healthy return to the field in 2006. The 6-5, 245-pound Herian 7. Tracey Wistrom, 1998-2001 1,150 missed all of 2005 while recovering from a broken leg he suffered in the eighth game of 2004. 8. Todd Brown, 1980-82 1,092 Herian has caught 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. Against Louisiana Tech, Herian moved 9. Tim Smith, 1977-79 1,089 past Tracey Wistrom into first on the tight end career receiving yardage list. Herian enters the Oklahoma game 10.Bobby Thomas, 1974-76 1,083 with 1,243 career receiving yards, good for fourth on NU’s all-time yardage chart. Jon Bostick, 1989-91 1,083 He had four receptions against Nicholls State, and his two catches at Iowa State moved him past Jerry List’s Nebraska Career Tight End Receptions 61 catches from 1968 to 1970. Herian’s receptions total of 65 is tied for 11th-best among all Huskers, and just Rank, Player, Years Catches one catch from the top 10. Herian is the leader of a group of four tight ends who have made their presence felt 1. Matt Herian, 2002-present 65 in 2006. Following Herian’s first-quarter touchdown catch in the opener against Louisiana Tech, three of his tight 2. Jerry List, 1970-72 61 end teammates got into the act in the second half as juniors J.B. Phillips and Josh Mueller, and sophomore 3. Tracey Wistrom, 1998-01 58 Hunter Teafatiller all reached the end zone. 4. Junior Miller, 1977-79 55 The tight end outburst was quite notable... 5. Jim McFarland, 1968-69 53 The four touchdowns against Louisiana Tech tied a Nebraska single-game record for touchdowns by a tight end (also 4 at Missouri in 1987). The game marked the first time in school history four different tight ends caught touchdown passes. Nebraska tight ends did not have a TD catch in 2005. The previous touchdown catch by a Husker tight end was by Herian in the second game of the 2004 season against Southern Miss. The four tight ends combined for eight receptions for 108 yards and four touchdowns in the opener and have 35 catches for 336 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2006. At Kansas State, Teafatiller (17 yards) and Mueller (3 yards) each had a touchdown grab, giving each of NU’s four tight ends two touchdown catches this season. Teafatiller added his third touchdown of the season against Missouri, a 17-yarder in the second quarter, then scored Nebraska’s only touchdown in the Big 12 title game on a 14-yard reception in the second quarter. Teafatiller has scored a touchdown on four of his five career receptions.

20 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic BLackshirts by the numbers Senior Bookends Carriker, Moore Leading 2006 Blackshirt Defense 2006 Sacks Game-by-Game Nebraska led the nation in sacks and tackles for loss in 2005, registering 50 sacks and 140 tackles for loss. Game Sacks Yds. TFL Yards That effort helped the Huskers finish in the top 30 nationally in total defense, rushing defense, scoring defense La. Tech 2 17 4 20 and pass efficiency defense. Nicholls 0 0 6 17 The leaders of Nebraska’s sack attack are dominant Adam Carriker Game-by-Game USC 1 7 4 11 senior defensive ends Adam Carriker and Jay Moore, Game UT AT TT Sacks TFL QBH Troy 4 36 11 58 who set the tone for 2006 by each recording first-quarter La. Tech 1 2 3 1-7 2-7 2 Kansas 0 0 8 12 Nicholls 2 4 6 0-0 1-1 0 Iowa State 1 9 6 23 sacks against Louisiana Tech. USC 0 2 2 0-0 0-0 0 Kansas St. 4 35 10 51 The 6-6, 295-pound Carriker, a pre-season All-American Troy 2 1 3 0-0 1-3 2 Texas 3 19 8 27 and Lombardi candidate, snuffed out the Bulldogs’ first Kansas 3 5 8 0-0 3-3 1 Okla. St. 2 10 4 18 drive of the game with a seven-yard sack on third down. Iowa State 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 2 Missouri 1 13 4 22 Carriker has played his best football of the season in Kansas St. 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 3 Texas A&M 3 14 7 27 recent weeks, beginning with a strong performance at Texas 2 3 5 0-0 0-0 1 Colorado 4 40 5 41 Oklahoma State. Carriker has five sacks in the past five Okla. St. 5 1 6 2-10 3-16 1 Oklahoma 1 6 6 21 games and leads Nebraska with six sacks this season and Missouri 2 0 2 0-0 0-0 0 Total 26 206 83 348 Texas A&M 1 5 6 1-1 2-3 0 is second to Moore with 15 tackles for loss. Colorado 3 4 7 2-18 3-19 0 2006 Husker Takeaways Carriker dominated the first half at Oklahoma State. He Oklahoma 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 0 Game Fumb. INT Total finished the game with six tackles, three tackles for loss Totals 21 27 48 6-36 15-52 12 La. Tech 2 1 3 (16 yards), a pair of sacks for 10 yards, a pass breakup, a Nicholls 3 0 3 blocked extra point and a quarterback hurry. Jay Moore Game-by-Game USC 0 0 0 Carriker added a sack on the game’s final play against Game UT AT TT Sacks TFL QBH Troy 2 1 3 Texas A&M to secure the Nebraska victory, then added two La. Tech 2 0 2 1-10 2-12 1 Kansas 1 3 4 Nicholls 2 2 4 0-0 1-4 1 Iowa State 0 1 1 more sacks (18 yards) against Colorado. The recent surge USC 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 1 Kansas St. 0 2 2 in sacks gives Carriker 19.5 sacks, sixth on the NU career Troy 1 0 1 1-6 1-6 0 Texas 1 0 1 list. The strong finish to the season helped Carriker to first- Kansas 1 4 5 0-0 0-0 0 Okla. St. 1 1 2 team All-Big 12 honors for the second straight season. He Iowa State 2 3 5 0-0 1-3 0 Missouri 1 2 3 was also chosen as the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Kansas St. 2 0 2 1-13 1-13 1 Texas A&M 0 0 0 Year by the league’s coaches. A year ago, Carriker led the Texas 2 2 4 1-4 3-8 1 Colorado 0 0 0 team in sacks with 9.5 en route to all-league honors. Okla. St. 1 1 2 0-0 1-1 0 Oklahoma 0 1 1 Carriker is among the leaders of a balanced Nebraska Missouri 3 3 6 0-0 3-8 1 Totals 11 11 22 Texas A&M 1 2 3 0-0 1-1 0 defense with 48 total tackles, the most among Husker Colorado 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 0 2006 Blackshirts Against the Pass defensive linemen. His career tackles for loss total of Oklahoma 3 0 3 1-6 2-10 0 Game Passes Yds. TD Long Sacks 40 ranks fifth in school history. Carriker leads the 2006 Totals 21 18 39 5-39 16-66 6 La. Tech 32-13-1 238 1 56 2-17 Huskers with 12 quarterback hurries and had his first career Nicholls 3-0-0 0 0 0 0-0 interception against Missouri. Nebraska Career Tackles for Loss USC 37-25-0 257 3 21 1-7 A native of Elkhorn, Neb., Moore lines up opposite Player, Years TFL Troy 24-15-1 92 0 25 4-36 Carriker at the open end spot. The 6-4, 280-pound Moore 1. Grant Wistrom, 1994-97 58.5 Kansas 54-27-3 405 2 46 0-0 2. Barrett Ruud, 2001-04 50 made a two-yard tackle for loss on Louisiana Tech’s first 3. Trev Alberts, 1990-93 45 Iowa St. 39-18-1 262 1 29 1-9 play of the opener, then added a 10-yard sack later in the K-State 47-23-2 272 0 30 4-35 4. Jim Skow, 1982-85 44 Texas 40-25-0 220 2 55 3-19 first quarter to thwart another Bulldog drive. 5. Adam Carriker, 2003-06 40 Okla. St. 21-13-1 229 2 55 2-10 He added his second sack of the season against Troy, 6. Broderick Thomas, 1985-88 39 Missouri 38-20-2 244 2 49 1-13 and added sacks against Kansas State (13 yards) and 7. Mike Rucker, 1995-98 38 Tx. A&M 19-32-0 288 0 47 3-14 Texas (four yards). Moore made his fifth sack of the season 8. Travis Hill, 1989-92 37.5 Colorado 11-23-0 131 1 31 4-40 in the third quarter against Oklahoma. He also made a key 9. Jay Moore, 2003-06 37 Oklahoma 19-35-1 265 2 66 1-6 sack on a Kansas two-point conversion attempt in the fourth 10.Le Kevin Smith, 2002-05 36 Yards per Game–223.3; Yards per Attempt–6.8 quarter of NU’s 39-32 overtime win. Moore has 39 total Pass Efficiency Defense Rating–117.80 tackles, five sacks for 39 yards in losses, and a team-high 16 tackles for loss, totaling 56 yards. He had three 2006 Blackshirts Against the Run tackles for loss in NU’s win over Missouri. Moore ranks eighth on Nebraska’s career tackles for loss chart. Game Att. Yds. TD Long In addition to Moore and Carriker, Nebraska has other sack threats. Senior nose tackle Ola Dagunduro has La. Tech 21 67 0 19 3.5 sacks to rank third on the team along with redshirt freshman defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh who has Nicholls 47 187 1 49 also produced 3.5 sacks for 37 yards. Dagunduro and Suh are tied for fourth on the team in tackles for loss, USC 31 142 1 26 trailing senior defensive tackle Barry Cryer who has 10 tackles for loss to rank third on the team. Troy 27 48 0 17 Kansas 40 169 2 41 Veteran Linebacking Corps Tackling Opponents Iowa St. 24 53 1 17 In addition to a strong front four anchored by Moore and Carriker, Nebraska has a talented and veteran group K-State 18 22 0 38 of linebackers, giving the Blackshirts one of the Big 12’s best front seven units. Texas 34 128 0 27 The Huskers featured returning starters at all three linebacker spots for 2006–senior Sam linebacker Stewart Okla. St. 41 267 3 56 Missouri 32 119 0 24 Bradley, junior Mike linebacker Corey McKeon and junior Will linebacker Bo Ruud. The trio had 99, 98 and 97 Tx. A&M 27 155 3 57 career tackles, respectively, entering 2006, and have started a combined 75 games in their career. Colorado 31 166 1 45 The three players are continuing to rack up impressive tackle numbers in 2006, ranking as three of Nebraska’s Oklahoma 28 42 1 11 top four tacklers. Yards per Game–120.4 Yards per Attempt–3.9 Bradley posted his third career double-figure tackle game with a team-high 10 stops at Kansas State, matching his total at USC four weeks earlier. Bradley has forced a pair of fumbles (USC, Texas) and has a team-leading three fumble recoveries (2 vs. Nicholls State, Oklahoma State). The 6-4, 250-pound Bradley leads the team with 69 tackles, including five tackles for loss. 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 21 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn McKeon burst onto the scene last year with a team-leading Nebraska Football Notables NU ‘Backers Game-by-Game 4 Five national championships 98 tackles, including 22 tackles for loss, the second-most in (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997) Stewart Bradley Nebraska history. After opening with a pair of four-tackle efforts, Game UT AT TT Sacks TFL 4 43 conference championships McKeon had nine tackles each against USC and Kansas, La. Tech 2 1 3 0-0 0-0 4 Three Heisman trophies, eight Outland trophies, then closed the season with a team-high nine tackles against Nicholls 2 2 4 0-0 0-0 four Lombardi awards USC 3 7 10 0-0 1-1 4 106 All-Americans Oklahoma. McKeon is third on the team with 64 tackles, while also forcing and recovering a fumble. McKeon has been slowed by an Troy 1 3 4 0-0 1-8 4 Nation-leading 86 academic All-Americans Kansas 5 3 8 0-0 1-1 4 NCAA-record 282 consecutive sellouts in ankle injury in recent weeks and missed the Missouri game, but Iowa State 3 2 5 0-0 0-0 Memorial Stadium returned to the starting lineup against Texas A&M. Kansas St. 6 4 10 0-0 1-2 4 803 all-time victories–fourth in NCAA Ruud had a season-high nine tackles at USC and Iowa Texas 6 1 7 0-0 0-0 4 44 all-time bowl appearances–fifth in NCAA State and added eight stops against Texas. He ranks fourth on the Okla. St. 3 1 4 0-0 0-0 4 127-13 home record in last 20 seasons (since 1986) team with 62 tackles, including seven tackles for loss and sacks Missouri 0 2 2 0-0 0-0 Texas A&M 3 4 7 0-0 1-1 NU Streaks...The Huskers have... against Missouri and Texas. Ruud had one of the best games of Colorado 1 2 3 0-0 0-0 4 won 96 straight when rushing for 400 yards his career against Missouri, leading the team with seven tackles, Oklahoma 2 0 2 0-0 0-0 4 won 120 consecutive games when holding including a 13-yard sack. He also intercepted his second pass Totals 37 32 69 0-0 5-13 the opponent to 10 or fewer points (227-5-1 all-time) of the season (third career) and forced and recovered a fumble. *-Three fumble recoveries 4 scored in 138 consecutive games He has now forced a team-high three fumbles this season. (NU LB record 2 vs. Nicholls St.) 4 scored in 248 straight home games Ruud’s performance against Missouri earned him Big 12 Player- Corey McKeon 4 shut out opponents 103 times of-the-Week honors for the second time in his career (2005 vs. Game UT AT TT Sacks TFL Maine). La. Tech 2 2 4 0-0 0-0 Husker Records Report Nicholls 3 1 4 0-0 1-2 Category...... Record Ruud was honored for his steady play as the Big 12 Coaches USC 4 5 9 0-0 0-0 All-time ...... 803-325-40 voted him first-team All-Big 12. Both Bradley and McKeon were Troy 1 3 4 0-0 0-0 Home...... 483-130-20 honorable-mention All-Big 12 picks. Kansas 3 6 9 0-0 0-0 Memorial Stadium...... 358-107-13 Bradley broke into the top 50 on Nebraska’s career tackles Iowa State 4 2 6 0-0 1-4 Since 1962...... 437-102-5 list at Oklahoma State, Ruud made the list against Missouri, and Kansas St. 1 0 1 0-0 0-0 Away...... 320-194-20 Texas 1 1 2 0-0 0-0 McKeon cracked the chart against Colorado. Okla. St. 3 1 4 0-0 0-0 Road (on campus)...... 281-156-17 Juniors Steve Octavien and Lance Brandenburgh give Neutral Sites (includes bowls)...... 39-38-3 Missouri Injured-Did Not Play Texas A&M 0 6 6 0-0 2-3 When Scoring 35+ Points...... 314-2 Nebraska five linebackers with significant game experience. Colorado 4 2 6 1-15 2-15 vs. Big 12 Teams...... 457-163-16 Octavien missed four straight games before returning against Texas, and he responded with a career-high 10 tackles, including Oklahoma 7 2 9 0-0 1-1 In Big 12 Action (since ‘96)...... 64-28 Totals 33 31 64 1-15 7-25 Home...... 36-8 two tackles for loss. Brandenburgh has 39 tackles this season, Away...... 25-18 and started in place of the injured McKeon against Missouri. Bo Ruud Neutral...... 3-2 Game UT AT TT Sacks TFL Bowls...... 22-21 Huskers Continue to Perform in Classroom La. Tech 0 0 0 0-0 0-0 On ABC ...... 83-40 Nicholls 1 4 5 0-0 0-0 Nebraska has continued its tradition of excellence in the USC 4 5 9 0-0 0-0 On FieldTurf...... 51-14 classroom under Head Coach Bill Callahan. In 2006, senior In Overtime...... 5-0 Troy 2 2 4 0-0 0-0 fullback Dane Todd was selected as a second-team ESPN the Kansas 2 4 6 0-0 1-1 At Night ...... 65-22-3 Iowa State 4 5 9 0-0 2-4 vs. Ranked Teams... Magazine/CoSIDA academic All-American. Todd played the 2006 season as a graduate student after completing his undergraduate Kansas St. 2 1 3 0-0 1-3 All-Time ...... 93-102-3 Texas 7 1 8 1-10 2-10 Home...... 43-34-0 work with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average last May. Okla. St. 2 0 2 0-0 0-0 Away...... 29-52-3 Todd is planning to enroll in medical school next fall. Missouri 5 2 7 1-13 1-13 Neutral...... 21-16-0 A year ago, Todd and center Kurt Mann were selected as first- Texas A&M 3 3 6 0-0 0-0 as No. 1 Team...... 46-7-1 team academic All-Americans. Like Todd, Mann graduated last Colorado 0 1 1 0-0 0-0 In 282 Consecutive Sellout Streak... May with a degree in mechanized systems management. Mann Oklahoma 2 0 2 0-0 0-0 Overall ...... 248-34 Totals 34 28 62 2-23 7-31 owned a 3.97 cumulative grade-point average upon graduation. vs. Ranked Teams...... 39-21 *-Two INTs, three fumbles caused A native of Grand Island, Mann did not meet the games played (NU LB record 2 vs. Nicholls St.) NU Continues Success in League Openers requirement this season after sitting out most of the early season The Huskers’ league-opening win over Kansas continued because of illness. a tradition of opening conference play on a positive note. The Todd was the only Husker to earn first-team academic All-District VII honors and advance to the national ballot, Huskers have won 31 of their past 32 conference openers however, three other Huskers were second-team academic all-district picks. Senior safety Brandon Rigoni, since 1975, with the only blemish a 2002 loss at Iowa State. junior tight end J.B. Phillips and sophomore lineman Andy Christensen were all named to the second-team The win was also Nebraska’s 29th straight victory in home all-district squad. conference openers. Nebraska is now 91-18-2 all-time in conference openers, The selection of Todd as a second-team academic All-American gives the football program 86 all-time including a 41-6-1 mark in Lincoln. Since the inception of academic All-Americans, including 62 first-team picks. The Husker athletic program as a whole also leads the the Big 12 Conference, Nebraska is 10-1 in league openers. nation with 235 academic All-America selections across all teams and all sports. Nebraska’s win at Iowa State was the Huskers’ second straight 4 win in a Big 12 road opener, following a victory at Baylor last Huskers Lead Big 12 in First-Team Academic All-Conference Selections season. A Big 12-leading 15 Nebraska football players were named first-team academic All-Big 12, the league office announced in late November. Overall, 22 Huskers received either first- or second-team recognition by the Big 12. Leading the way for Nebraska was senior fullback Dane Todd, who was one of two players honored for having a cumulative 4.0 grade-point average. Todd is one of five Huskers who were named first-team academic All-Big 12 for the third time in their careers. Also named to the first team for the third time were senior center Kurt Mann, senior free safety Brandon Rigoni, senior free safety Andrew Shanle and junior tight end J.B. Phillips. Making their second career appearance on the academic squad were junior linebacker Lance Brandenburgh and sophomore wide receiver Todd Peterson. 22 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic

Todd Named to AFCA Good Works Team; 4 Thirteen Huskers to Participate in AT&T Cotton Bowl as College Graduates Finalist for Wuerffel Trophy Four Husker seniors played the entire 2006 season as graduate students, including center Kurt Mann, fullback Nebraska senior fullback Dane Todd was one of just 11 Dane Todd, safety Andrew Shanle and cornerback Isaiah Fluellen. The foursome will have company for the Division I-A players named on Sept. 13 to the 2006 American Cotton Bowl, as nine current Huskers went through UNL fall commencement exercises on Dec. 16. Football Coaches Association Good Works Team®. The group is led by junior tight end J.B. Phillips who completed his undergraduate work in marketing in 3 1/2 Todd is the nation-leading 11th Husker to receive the honor years. Other Husker seniors who will play in the Cotton Bowl as graduates are Stewart Bradley, Adam Carriker, since the team's inception in 1992. Todd has volunteered his time with American Education Ola Dagunduro, Matt Herian, Newton Lingenfelter, Will Otto, Brandon Rigoni and Zac Taylor. Week, "School is Cool" Week, the Dads of Kids with Disabilities, 4 Nebraska Continues to Lead Big 12 in Exhausted Eligibility Graduation Rate the UNL Shadowing Program, Safe Quarters Friendship Home The University of Nebraska is the Big 12 leader in exhausted eligibility graduation rates for the fourth Fund Drive, Husker Haunted Hoops, Breakfast of Champions, Nebraska Dance Marathon for Children’s Miracle Network, consecutive year. Nebraska boasts an impressive 94 percent rate, a percentage point higher than last year’s and the Relay for Life and Healthy Kids Day. mark of 93 percent. The exhausted eligibility rate surveys the graduation rate of scholarship student-athletes in The two 11-man teams, a Division I-A team and a combined 10 incoming freshman classes who complete their eligibility at the University. Nebraska’s exhausted eligibility team from Divisions I-AA, II, III and the NAIA, honor players rate has increased from 87 to 94 percent in the past six years and has improved 22 percentage points since for their dedication and commitment to community service. the inception of the rate in 1991-92. Nominations are submitted to the AFCA by the college sports The current exhausted eligibility rate includes members of incoming classes from 1990-91 through 1999-2000. information departments. During that time, 424 of 453 Nebraska scholarship student-athletes who completed their eligibility earned their A graduate student who completed his undergraduate undergraduate degree. work with a 4.0 grade-point average, Todd was also recently nominated for a National Football Foundation Postgraduate Nebraska’s 94 percent rate is three points higher than Baylor, which was second in the conference at 91 Scholarship. percent. The national average for exhausted eligibility is 85 percent for Division I schools. Todd was also been named as one of 11 finalists for the 4 Nebraska Leads Big 12 Conference in 2006 Graduation Success Rate Report 2006 Wuerffel Trophy. The award is named after former Nebraska topped the Big 12 and ranked among the national leaders in the Graduation Success Rate for football Florida Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Danny Wuerffel and is presented to the player who best combines exemplary as released by the NCAA in late September. Nebraska’s 88 percent GSR was tops in the Big 12 Conference community service with athletic and academic achievement. and well ahead of the national average of 65 percent. Among teams ranked in the Associated Press Poll the This marks the second straight year that Todd was a finalist week of Sept. 24, Nebraska’s GSR score was second only to Notre Dame, and the Huskers were one of just for the award. three programs with a GSR better than 80 percent. The Graduation Success Rate is an NCAA measurement that improves the federally mandated graduation 2006 Huskers Return to Big 12 Title Game rates by including transfer data in the calculation. This year’s GSR scores were figured based on four classes Nebraska played in the Big 12 Championship Game for the of scholarship student-athletes who entered college from the fall of 1996 to the fall of 1999, and allowed for first time since winning the 1999 Big 12 crown. The Huskers also appeared in Big 12 title games in 1996, 1997 and 1999, a six-year window in which to earn their degree. The GSR scores include student-athletes who transferred to but did not return until this year. Nebraska’s four appearances Nebraska, but do not count student-athletes who transferred to another school and were academically eligible in the Big 12 title game tied Colorado for the most in the North at the time of their transfer. Division. Oklahoma made its league-leading fifth appearance 4 in the title game, all in the past seven years. Huskers Pace Big 12 Conference in Academic Awards Oklahoma’s 2006 league title was its fourth in the 11 Nebraska had a Big-12 leading 22 players named to the first-team academic All-Big 12 team in 2005. Fifteen years of the Big 12 Conference, while Nebraska and Texas Huskers were named to the first team, while another seven players earned second-team honors. are tied for second with two titles. Kansas State, Texas A&M During the fall 2005 semester, Nebraska placed 31 players on the Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor and Colorado each claimed one Big 12 crown in the first 11 Roll, including six student-athletes who had perfect 4.0 grade-point averages for the semester. During the spring, years of Big 12 action. 38 Huskers were named to the honor roll, with six players recording 4.0 GPAs for the spring semester. The honor roll recognizes all student-athletes who earned a 3.0 grade-point average or better in the previous semester. Big 12 History Division Winners 4 Nebraska Honored by AFCA for Football Graduation Rate Year North South Big 12 Champ The Husker football program was one of 29 schools from across the nation honored this spring by the 1996 Nebraska Texas Texas American Football Coaches Association with the 2006 Academic Achievement Award. 1997 Nebraska Texas A&M Nebraska The 29 schools that were honored achieved a graduation rate of 70 percent or better for the 2000-01 incoming 1998 Kansas St. Texas A&M Texas A&M freshman class. This year marked the sixth straight year Nebraska has received the honor and the 10th time 1999 Nebraska Texas Nebraska since 1994 Nebraska has been recognized. 2000 Kansas St. Oklahoma Oklahoma 2001 Colorado Texas Colorado Nebraska the Newest Member of 800-Win Club All-Time Victories 2002 Colorado Oklahoma Oklahoma Nebraska joined Michigan (860), Notre Dame (821) and Texas (809) in the School Wins 2003 Kansas St. Oklahoma Kansas State 1. Michigan 860 2004 Colorado Oklahoma Oklahoma 800-win club with its Oct. 14 victory at Kansas State. The Oct. 21 matchup between Nebraska and Texas marked just the third-ever meeting in college 2. Notre Dame 821 2005 Colorado Texas Texas 3. Texas 809 2006 Nebraska Oklahoma Oklahoma football between teams with 800 wins at game time. Michigan and Notre 4. Nebraska 803 Dame’s meetings in 2005 and 2006 both featured programs with more than 5. Ohio State 786 800 victories. Nebraska is in its 117th season of college football in 2006, and is the fourth-winningest program in terms of victories. The Huskers own an 803-325-40 all-time record in 1,168 games (.705) in 117 years of football. 4Since the first season of Nebraska football in 1890, Husker teams have won 11 or more games 12 times, including seven times since 1993. The Huskers will be bidding for their 25th 10-win season in school history in the Cotton Bowl. 4Nebraska has won 12 or more games seven times, including three seasons with 13 wins (1971, 1994, 1997). 4Nebraska (702), Michigan (705), Alabama (728) and Notre Dame (736) were the only programs to win 700 games in the 1900s.

44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 23 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn Nebraska–College Football’s Winningest Program Since 1970 The bulk of Nebraska’s football success has come since 1962 when Bob Devaney arrived from Wyoming and resurrected the Husker program. Devaney capped his career with consecutive national titles in 1970 and 1971, starting an unbelievable run of 10-plus victory seasons, and conference and national championships. In the past 37 seasons (including 2006), beginning with 1970, Nebraska has posted a remarkable 369 victories, an average of 10 wins per season. Winningest Progams The Huskers’ overall record in that time period is 369-84-5 for an .811 winning Since 1970 School Victories percentage in 458 games. 1. Nebraska 369 In that time span, Nebraska has easily established itself as the nation’s 2. Michigan 342 winningest program, posting 27 more victories than second-place Michigan, 3. Ohio State 334 followed by Ohio State (334), Oklahoma (333), and Penn State (327). 4. Oklahoma 333 4Nebraska has won 10 games or more 24 times since 1962, including 21 5. Penn State 327 times since 1970. 4The Huskers have finished the regular season undefeated and untied seven times since 1965, and played in 13 national title games (for one of the two teams) and won the national title five times since 1970. 4Nebraska was the first team in college football history to win 100 or more games in consecutive decades, ranking first in the 1980s (103-20, .837) and second in the 1990s (108-16-1, .868). Nebraska narrowly missed 100 victories in the 1970s with 98 wins, and posted a nation-leading 309 wins from 1970 to 1999.

Huskers Enjoying New Home The Nebraska football program moved into its new home in the summer of 2006. After being housed in the South Stadium for more than three decades, the Huskers moved into the Tom and Nancy Osborne Athletic Nebraska Owns Dominant Advantage Complex before the start of training camp in early August. Among the features in the new facility are... At Memorial Stadium 4 The Charles and Romona Myers Performance Center...Located on the first floor of the Osborne Complex, Nebraska has rewarded the loyality of its fans with incredible the Myers Performance Center includes a state-of-the art athletic medicine facility, a spacious and sparkling success at Memorial Stadium through the years. Nebraska new strength complex and a new locker room and equipment room for the Huskers. finished 6-1 at home in 2006, and has won at least six home 4 New football offices...The Nebraska football offices are housed on the second floor of the Osborne Complex games in 18 of the past 20 seasons. Nebraska is 116-11 at and provide the Husker staff and players with the needed tools to prepare at a championship level. home in the last 18 seasons (since 1989), including a pair The change in location led to a significant change in Nebraska’s pre-game routine. The Huskers’ famous of losses against teams that went on to win the national championship–Colorado in 1990 and Washington in 1991. “Tunnel Walk” now concludes with the team entering the field from the Northwest Corner of Tom Osborne Field. Since 1986, only seven schools have left Memorial Stadium After a path of red FieldTurf leads the Huskers to the field, Nebraska enters after large bronze gates are opened. with a victory. During Nebraska’s run of success at home in The gates feature images of six of the greatest Huskers from the 1890s to the 1960s, and are guarded each the past 25 years, Nebraska has had three home winning week by two military members. streaks of 20 or more games. Nebraska had a school-record The football program benefitted in numerous ways from the project, and Nebraska fans also have several 47-game home winning streak from 1991 to 1998, a 26-game new features available. home streak from 1998 to 2002 and a 21-game win streak in 4 New HuskerVision screens... Memorial Stadium features three new HuskerVision screens for the 2006 the early 1980s. season. High above the North end of Memorial Stadium is a massive 33 x 117-foot screen. In addition to video, Nebraska has not been shut out at home since a 12-0 loss to Kansas State in 1968 (248 games), and has posted the large HuskerVision screen will feature a scoreboard, statistics and ticker. Two new HuskerVision screens 40 unbeaten and untied home seasons. The Huskers are were also placed on the Southeast and Southwest towers allowing fans in the north end of the stadium great 483-130-20 (.779, 633 games, 117 years) in Lincoln, 358- viewing angles of the HuskerVision screens. 107-13 (.763, 478 games, 84 years) in Memorial Stadium 4 More Husker fans...6,500 seats were added in the North Stadium, in addtion to 13 new sky suites on the (since 1923). seventh floor of the Osborne Athletic Complex and new and improved handicapped seating. Nebraska received more than 15,000 requests for the 6,500 seats in less than three weeks. Nebraska set a Memorial Stadium Huskers' Top 10 Home Crowds record with 85,800 fans for the Colorado game. No. Attend. Opponent Date 4 1. 85,800 Colorado (W, 37-14) Nov. 24, 2006 Improved fan amenities...All ticket holders at Memorial Stadium benefit from a new large concourse in the 2. 85,197 Missouri (W, 34-20) Nov. 4, 2006 North Stadium. The concourse now connects the East, West and North stadiums. New gates were also added 3. 85,187 Texas (L, 22-20) Oct. 21, 2006 on the North end, aiding in entering and exiting Memorial Stadium. 4. 85,181 La. Tech (W, 49-10) Sept. 2, 2006 5. 85,069 Kansas (W, 39-32, ot) Sept. 30, 2006 Bigger Memorial Stadium Continues to Be Packed 6. 84,799 Troy (W, 56-0) Sept. 23, 2006 Nebraska’s game against Colorado was the 282nd consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium, an ongoing 7. 84,076 Nicholls State (W, 56-7) Sept. 9, 2006 NCAA record. The sellout streak dates back to a Nov. 3, 1962, game against Missouri in Bob Devaney’s first 8. 78,268 Texas (L, 27-24) Nov. 2, 2002 season as Nebraska head coach. 9. 78,176 Utah State (W, 44-13) Sept. 7, 2002 Nebraska’s 282 consecutive sellouts easily outdistance Notre Dame, which ranks second nationally with 191 10. 78,118 Notre Dame (W, 27-10) Sept. 8, 2001 consecutive sellouts. Nebraska has had remarkable success during the sellout streak, posting a 248-34 record Largest Crowds To See Nebraska Play during the 282 sellouts. The mark includes a 39-21 record against ranked teams. Nebraska is 5-0 in the five No. Opponent Attend. milestone sellouts during that period (50th, 100th, 150th, 200th and 250th sellouts), including a 24-7 win over 1. at Penn State, Sept. 14, 2002 110,753 No. 2 Colorado on Oct. 29, 1994 (No. 200) and a 44-13 victory over Utah State on Sept. 7, 2002 (No. 250). 2. Miami (Rose Bowl), Jan. 3, 2002 93,781 Although sellouts have become commonplace in Lincoln, there are a few more folks dressed in red packing 3. Stanford (Rose Bowl), Jan. 1, 1941 92,000 Memorial Stadium this season. Capacity at Memorial Stadium is 81,067, with the addition of 6,500 new seats at USC, Sept. 16, 2006 92,000 in the North Stadium. The Colorado game featured a stadium record crowd of 85,800, the fifth-largest crowd to 5. vs. Colorado, Nov. 24, 2006 85,800 see Nebraska play. (see left margin) 6. at Penn State, Sept. 25, 1982 85,304 Nebraska had played before 10 crowds of more than 82,000 fans in school history entering the 2006 season, 7. vs. Missouri, Nov. 4, 2006 85,197 8. vs. Texas, Oct. 21, 2006 85,187 but has played in front of nine crowds of 82,000 or more in 2006. The crowd of 92,000 at the Los Angeles 9. vs. Louisiana Tech, Sept. 2, 2006 85,181 Coliseum on Sept. 16 was the second-largest crowd Nebraska has played in front of in the regular season. 10. vs. Kansas, Sept. 30, 2006 85,069

24 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance Nebraska vs. Auburn 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Huskers in the National Football League Misc. 2006 Notes... Nebraska has a long-standing tradition Louisiana Tech of placing large numbers of players in Nebraska extended the nation’s longest winning streak in season openers with its 49-10 victory. The Huskers the NFL. As of the start of NFL training have now been on the winning end in each of their last 21 season openers, dating back to a 17-13 loss to Florida camps, the Huskers had 41 players State in 1985. Louisiana Tech was the second team (also Utah State) to twice be a victim in Nebraska’s season- listed on rosters. When final rosters were determined, Nebraska had 31 players on opening win streak. Nebraska also defeated the Bulldogs in the 1998 opener. The Huskers’ 21-game win streak active rosters and one player on a practice in season openers is four better than the 17 straight season-opening wins by both Kansas State and Florida. squad. Nebraska’s 31 players on active Nicholls State rosters led the Big 12 Conference, one more than Texas and  two more than Oklahoma. Nicholls State did not complete a pass, marking the 10th time in school history Nebraska has held an Included in the group of players on NFL rosters are four opponent without a pass completion, and the first time since 1992 against Oklahoma State. players who were selected in the 2006 NFL Draft–safety Daniel USC Bullocks (2nd round, Detroit), punter Sam Koch (6th, Baltimore),  defensive lineman Le Kevin Smith (6th, New England) and The loss at USC marked the first time under Bill Callahan that Nebraska has lost when scoring first in a defensive lineman Titus Adams (7th, N.Y. Jets), who is on the game. NU is 11-1 in such games under Callahan. practice squad. In addition, running back Cory Ross, a non- The 28 points scored by USC were the fewest by the Trojans since also scoring 28 points against Oregon drafted free agent is on the Ravens’ opening day roster. State in November of 2004 (19 games). It also ended a streak of 15 straight games with 30 or more points and Koch’s roster spot gives Nebraska two punters and two a streak of 10 straight home games with 38 or more points. place-kickers in the NFL, with the combined four kickers the most of any school in the country. Nebraska’s most experienced Troy NFL veteran is Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro offensive guard Will Nebraska’a shutout was its first since a 28-0 shutout of Iowa State in 2003. NU had two shutouts that season, Shields, who is in his 14th NFL campaign in 2006. also blanking Troy 30-0. The 56-0 victory was NU’s most lopsided win since a 59-0 win over Baylor in 2000.  Huskers on NFL Rosters Nebraska’s 406 yards of total offense in the first half was the most in a half under Coach Bill Callahan, and NU’s Atlanta most in the first half of a game since rolling up 416 yards in the first half of a 59-0 2000 win over Baylor. Demorrio Williams (LB, 3rd season) Nebraska limited Troy to 140 yards of offense, the fewest by a Nebraska opponent since allowing just 84 Baltimore yards against Baylor in 2000. Sam Koch (P, Rookie) Cory Ross (KR/PR, Rookie) Kansas Buffalo Nebraska recorded its 31st win in its last 32 conference openers, and its 29th straight win in a conference Chris Kelsay (DE, 4th season) Carolina home opener. Mike Minter (FS, 10th season) Senior safety Andrew Shanle intercepted two passes in the first quarter. Shanle’s two interceptions marked Mike Rucker (DE, 8th season) the first time a Husker has had two interceptions in a game since Josh Bullocks had two interceptions against Chicago Oklahoma State in 2003. Shanle had picked off his first career pass last week against Troy. Mike Brown (SS, 7th season) Kansas’ 94 plays were the most ever by a Husker opponent, topping the 92 plays that Oklahoma ran against Cincinnati Kyle Larson (P, 3rd season) Nebraska in 1948. KU’s 405 passing yards also rank sixth all-time against a Husker opponent. Cleveland Ralph Brown (CB, 7th season) Iowa State Detroit Cody Glenn (148) and Brandon Jackson (116) each topped 100 yards rushing in the game. The 100-yard Daniel Bullocks (FS, Rookie) rushing games marked the first time a Husker has rushed for 100 yards in a Big 12 game since Cory Ross Dominic Raiola (C, 6th season) rushed 30 times for 130 yards at Oklahoma in 2004. It was the first time since the 2003 contest at Missouri that Cory Schlesinger (FB, 12th season) Green Bay the Huskers have had a pair of 100-yard rushers in the same conference game. Ahman Green (RB, 9th season) Kansas State Houston Kris Brown (PK, 8th season)  Nebraska’s 3-0 Big 12 start was its first since 2001.The victory ended a four-game Nebraska losing streak Zach Wiegert (OT, 12th season) against Kansas State in Manhattan, since an NU win in 1996. Kansas City  Nebraska’s back-to-back road victories at Iowa State and Kansas State marked the first time Nebraska has Will Shields (OG, 14th season) won Big 12 road games in consecutive weeks since 2000 wins at ISU and Texas Tech. New England  Russ Hochstein (C/G, 6th season) Nebraska's victory marked the 800th win in the history of the program. The Huskers become the fourth Le Kevin Smith (DT, Rookie) program to win 800 games, joining Michigan (855), Notre Dame (816) and Texas (806). New Orleans Josh Bullocks (FS, 2nd season) Texas DeJuan Groce (CB, 4th season) The loss ended a streak of four straight Nebraska victories at Memorial Stadium against top-five opponents. Scott Shanle (LB, 4th season) The previous top-five team to win at Memorial Stadium was fourth-ranked Washington in 1991. The Huskies Oakland went on to win the national championship that season. Adam Treu (C, 10th season) Fabian Washington (CB, 2nd season) NU scored 20 points against Texas, ending a streak of eight straight home games with at least 24 points. Philadelphia The crowd of 85,187 was a Memorial Stadium record, eclipsing the 85,181 fans for the Sept. 2 season Correll Buckhalter (RB, 6th season) opener against Louisiana Tech. San Diego Ryon Bingham (DT, 3rd season) Oklahoma State Carlos Polk (LB, 6th season) The loss marked the first time Nebraska has lost when leading at halftime in Bill Callahan’s three seasons Seattle as head coach. Josh Brown (PK, 4th season) Grant Wistrom (DE, 9th season) Brandon Jackson’s 182 yards on the ground were the most by a Husker since Cory Ross posted 194 yards Tampa Bay against Missouri on Oct. 30, 2004. Barrett Ruud (LB, 2nd season) Tennessee Kyle Vanden Bosch (DE, 6th season) Practice Squad New York Jets Titus Adams (DT, 1st season)

44th All-Time Bowl Appearance 25 2007 AT&T Cotton Bowl Classic Nebraska vs. Auburn

Missouri  A Look Ahead to 2007 The victory marked Nebraska’s 15th straight win over Missouri in Lincoln, Nebraska will lose 10 regular starters from its 2006 team, including four starters on dating back to a 35-31 loss to the Tigers in 1978. During the 15-game win streak, offense and six on defense. The Huskers will return 14 starters, in addition to a number Nebraska has won 12 of the games by double digits. of other players with significant starting experience in their career. Nebraska’s win marked its 37th win in its last 38 Homecoming contests, with Below is a quick breakdown of NU’s returning starting experience for 2007. the only setback a 34-31 loss to Texas Tech in 2005. Offense Nebraska’s 27 points in the first half were its most points in a half in a Big 12 Nebraska will lose Zac Taylor at quarterback, who has accounted for 93.3 percent of game since scoring 31 in the first half against Baylor in 2004. Nebraska scored Nebraska’s passing yards. The Huskers will return 100 percent of their rushing yards 24 points in the first half at Missouri last season, but was scoreless in the second next season and 95.1 percent of their receiving yardage. Player, Position, Year in 2006, Number of Career Starts half. Terrence Nunn, WR, Jr., 27 J.B. Phillips, TE, Jr., 23 Texas A&M Matt Slauson, OT, Soph., 14 The win gave the Huskers three Big 12 road victories, their most since also Chris Patrick, OT, Jr., 13 recording three in 2001. Mike Huff, OG, Soph., 12  Sophomore running back Cody Glenn rushed for two touchdowns, giving Brett Byford, C, Jr., 12 him a team-high eight rushing touchdowns this season. Glenn’s eight rushing Brandon Jackson, IB, Jr., 11 Nate Swift, WR, Soph., 9 touchdowns are the most in a season by a Husker since quarterback Jammal Marlon Lucky, IB, Soph., 5 Lord ran for 10 touchdowns in 2003. Glenn’s eight touchdowns mark the most by Josh Mueller, TE, Jr., 5 a Nebraska I-back since Dahrran Diedrick ran for 16 touchdowns in 2001. Lydon Murtha, OT, Soph., 5 Andy Christensen, OG, Soph., 5 Colorado Maurice Purify, WR, Jr., 4 The Nebraska win ended a streak of four straight years with the road team Todd Peterson, WR, Soph., 3 winning the Nebraska-Colorado matchup. Frantz Hardy, WR, Jr., 3  Brandon Jackson’s 41 all-purpose attempts set a school record. Jackson Hunter Teafatiller, TE, Soph., 2 Carl Nicks, OT, Jr., 2 totaled 190 yards on the 41 attempts. Jacob Hickman, OG, Fr., 1 Oklahoma Defense The Nebraska defense limited Oklahoma to 13 yards rushing in the first half, Nebraska must replace all members of its starting front four and six defensive starters and 42 yards for the game, the Sooners’ lowest rushing total of the season overall. The Huskers do have a pair of linebackers returning with a combined 47 career starts and a pair of two-year starters in the secondary with 50 combined career starts. (previously 124 yards vs. Texas). Player, Position, Year in 2006, Number of Career Starts Sophomore punter Dan Titchener helped Nebraska’s field position, downing a Cortney Grixby, CB, Jr., 27 season-high six punts inside the Sooner 20-yard line. Titchener’s six punts inside Corey McKeon, LB, Jr., 24 the 20 were a Big 12 Championship Game record. Tierre Green, SS, Jr., 23 Bo Ruud, LB, Jr., 23 Andre Jones, CB, Jr., 12 Zack Bowman, CB, Sr., 5* Clayton Sievers, DE, Soph., 4 Lance Brandenburgh, LB, Jr., 2 Steve Octavien, LB, Jr., 2 Phillip Dillard, LB, Soph., 1* Kickers Jordan Congdon, PK, Soph., 25 Dan Titchener, P, Soph., 13 *-Bowman missed all of 2006 with a knee injury and redshirted in 2006. He started the final five games at CB as a junior and will return in 2007. Dillard suffered an injury in the opening game of 2006, and will be a sophomore in 2007. Schedule Nebraska’s 2007 schedule will be among the most challenging in the nation. The Huskers will face eight teams that are set to play in bowl games this winter. Leading that group is a pair of non-conference opponents who will play in Bowl Championship Series games. USC (Rose) will visit Lincoln on Sept. 15, a week after the Huskers travel to Wake Forest (Orange). Nebraska opens the non-conference season with Nevada (MPC Computers) and completes its non-league slate against Ball State in Lincoln. Among Big 12 opponents, the Huskers face five teams who will play in a bowl game this year, including Missouri (Sun), Oklahoma State (Independence), Texas A&M (Holiday), Texas (Alamo) and Kansas State (Texas). The Huskers also take on Iowa State, Kansas and Colorado. Date Opponent (2006 Record, Conference Record) Sept. 1 Nevada (8-4, 5-3) Sept. 8 at Wake Forest (11-2, 7-2) Sept. 15 USC (10-2, 6-2) Sept. 22 Ball State (5-7, 5-3) Sept. 29 Iowa State (4-8, 1-7) Cornerback Cortney Grixby owns 24 career pass breakups after two seasons as Oct. 6 at Missouri (8-4, 4-4) a starter in the Husker secondary. Grixby will be one of Nebraska’s most veteran Oct. 13 Oklahoma State (6-6, 3-5) players entering the 2007 campaign. Oct. 20 Texas A&M (9-3, 5-3) Oct. 27 at Texas (9-3, 6-2) Nov. 3 at Kansas (6-6, 3-5) Nov. 10 Kansas State (7-5, 4-4) Nov. 23 at Colorado (2-10, 2-6)

26 44th All-Time Bowl Appearance