4 Amazing Facts About the Nebraska Huskers and the Crop it Honors

The Nebraska Cornhuskers football team has a tradition of winning. However, here are some facts about which you may not be familiar.

Although you have probably heard of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, have you heard of the Nebraska Bugeaters? The athletic squads of the University of Nebraska have a rich, long history. In particular, the school’s football team has consistently ranked as one of the nation’s top squad s. Here are some facts with which you may not be familiar, regarding the university named after one of the tastiest grains on the planet:

1. Nebraska’s nickname honors the most valuable crop in the United States
It is true. In terms of the volume produced and its value, corn is the top crop in the USA. Thus, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are representing America’s number one crop! Here are some other fascinating facts about corn:

• America produces twice as much corn as any other crop.
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska grow 50% of US-grown corn.
• Iowa sells 55% of its corn, to foreign nations.
• Corn is a major ingredient for sodas, peanut butter, and snack foods.
• An average ear of corn includes 16 rows and 800 kernels.

2. The Nebraska Huskers were once the Nebraska Rattlesnake Boys
The Nebraska Cornhuskers have been known as such, for roughly a century. Charles “Cy” Sherman, a sportswriter from the “Nebraska State Journal,” proposed that people refer to Nebraska University’s athletic teams, as the Cornhuskers. Before that time, various nicknames for the team included: Antelopes, Bugeaters, Nebraskans, Old Gold Knights, Rattlesnake Boys, and Tree Planters

3. The Cornhuskers won a national championship without winning all their games

Nebraska’s football team has never been defeated during their five national championship seasons (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997). However, in 1970 their record was 11-0-1, and included a 21-21 tie against the University of Southern California. Arguably, the Huskers should have won the game. In the fourth quarter, Nebraska missed a 12-yard field goal, following a bad snap from the Center. USC then scored a touchdown, to knot up the game. Ultimately, the Associated Press college football poll ranked Nebraska as the nation’s #1 team.

4. The Cornhuskers have retired 22 athletes’ jersey numbers
This total includes 15 men, including the football stars Mike Rozier and Tommie Frazier. Rozier had an outstanding career at Nebraska, as a running back on the football squad. During his senior year (1983), Rozier won the Heisman Trophy award-which the NCAA annually awards to the top college football player. Unfortunately, during Rozier’s senior year, Nebraska lost the championship game to Miami.

Meanwhile, Tommie Frazier led Nebraska to back-to-back national championships (1994, 1995). In one ESPN.com poll (2006), voters chose the 1995 Huskers team as the top team in American college football history! Tragically, the NFL never drafted Frazier, due to a severe blood clot that his left leg contained.

Regardless of how many years we have been an NCAA team’s fan, we can always learn something new about the team. You know about past NCAA titles, but you do not know about future ones. Use Nebraska Cornhuskers merchandise to cheer the team to another national championship!