Nebraska Embarks on Quest for National Championship

As the College Football season kicks off its 125th year, No. 2 Nebraska, fueled by a painful loss to Florida State in the Orange Bowl, is on a mission to claim its first national championship under coach Tom Osborne. With returning starters on both offense and defense, the Cornhuskers are poised to repeat as Big Eight champions and make a strong push for national honors.

Key Takeaways:

• Nebraska returns seven starters on offense and six on defense, making them a heavy favorite to win their fourth consecutive Big Eight title.
• Quarterback Tommie Frazier, a top Heisman Trophy candidate, has made significant improvement and is expected to lead the charge for Nebraska this season.
• The Cornhuskers have a long history of dominance in college football, with 206 wins in 21 seasons under Osborne, and are considered one of the most consistent programs in the country.
• West Virginia, led by coach Don Nehlen, enters the game with uncertainty at quarterback, but has shown potential on defense and with senior leadership.
• The two teams have never met before, and many believe that a matchup between them would have made for an ideal national championship game.

Statistics:

• Nebraska has won 73 of 102 season openers, including a 44-6 win over Penn State in the inaugural Kickoff Classic in 1984.
• Tommie Frazier threw for 1,159 yards and 12 touchdowns, and rushed for 704 yards and nine TDs last season.
• West Virginia won the Big East crown last year, but lost significant defenders and is expected to rely on senior leadership on defense.
• Robert Walker, West Virginia's leading rusher last season with 1,250 yards, is expected to shoulder the load while the quarterback position settles itself.

Sources:

• E.R. Wilson, E. Press Association (August 27 )
• Don Nehlen, West Virginia University
• Tom Osborne, University of Nebraska