Nebraska Cornhuskers Football: How Do Others View Husker Fans?

Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Through the first four days of our series on how others view The Nebraska Cornhuskers we have learned how the team and the conference they play in are viewed. Today we focus on Husker fans, and how others perceive them.

Seven writers representing teams from five different conferences responded to the question and results vary. We will start with Mitch Harper from LawlesssRepublic.com

Mitch: Passionate. 325 straight sell-outs at Memorial Stadium is incredible. When the thought nationally is that someone has to die in order for you to get season tickets, that’s one hell of a fan base.

I’m always impressed with how Nebraska fans travel, and how they wear Husker gear everywhere they go. Every bowl game Nebraska plays in includes a sea of red in the stands. One game that stands out to me was the 2010 Holiday Bowl. Facing a rematch against Washington, who came into the game at 6-6, Husker fans still packed Qualcomm Stadium. They probably outdrew the Huskies who were playing a game in PAC 12 country.

Husker fans are known for traveling into enemy territory as well. Mitch points to the 2010 Holiday Bowl. I think the most impressive road trip in Husker history had to be at Notre Dame in 2000.

BigRedLouie.com editor Cam Newton feels the same was about Husker fans as Mitch.

Cam: Cornhusker fans are arguably some of the most passionate in the game.  Every Saturday they pack Memorial Stadium. They wait all year for football, and they have a fan base that’s spread all across the nation.  The fans are one of the reasons that recruits pick Nebraska!  Nothing better than knowing that every Saturday in Lincoln, over 81,000 fans have your back.

Chris Flanagan of HookEmHeadlines.com agrees that Husker fans are faithful, but not in a good way.

Chris: Loyal to a fault. They stay faithful and sometimes expect more than what their resources are capable of.

I think what Chris is saying is that the expectations of Husker fans can be a bit high sometimes. I think that is true for some Husker fans, but that can be said about portions of any fanbase.

Joe Micik from SoaringToGlory.com  is neutral on Husker fans.

Joe: In my very limited exposure, I’d say they’re good people and dedicated to their team. Husker fans operate in very different sphere so again, the interaction is limited anyway.

New England is not known for being big college football supporters. Obviously Joe covers a team in the ACC, and he is well versed with the teams in that conference. With Rutgers and Maryland set to join The Big Ten in 2014, I expect that teams from The Big Ten will likely gain more exposure in the area.

Next, we get the thoughts of Tony Orlando of BamaHammer.com 

Tony:  As an old-school football fan, I want to see Nebraska do well. I love the simplicity of the uniforms, the All-American nature of the state itself, and the fans that pack the stadium for the games. Nebraska fans have been through plenty of losing, and I’d like to see them have something to cheer about, as long as it doesn’t conflict with Alabama’s dynasty.

The fan bases of traditional powers seem to have a mutual respect in most cases. Tony wants to see Nebraska do well so Husker fans have more to cheer about. I have a feeling Husker fans feel the same.

Dave Thoman from JugOfSnyder.com is honest about how Kansas State fans feel about Nebraska fans.

Dave: Fanatics. You hate them, but unlike Texas fans, you can at least respect them. Memorial Stadium is still the third most populous place in the state on gameday, right?

Dave once again points to the sellout streak and Husker fans packing Memorial Stadium. He also notes the hatred K State fans have for Husker fans. One thing most Nebraska and K State fans can agree on is their mutual dislike of Texas fans.

Finally we hear from GoldAndGopher.com staff writer Steve Pesek.

Steve: Easily a Top 10 fan base for football nationally. Nebraska football is the biggest draw in the state. Without a major sports franchise to compete with, the program has the lay of the land. This puts the  population firmly behind The Huskers.

As far as the fans themselves, every experience that I have had with them has been positive. The first time Nebraska played Minnesota at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, the fans showed up in droves and were a joy to interact with. Positive, passionate, and possessing the necessary skills to have a good time, all lead to a great weekend. As far as on their own turf, I have not personally been to a game at Memorial Stadium. Though many friends went to the Gophers vs. Huskers game last season in Lincoln and came back with a glowing response to their experience. They spoke of a great tailgating party and an impressive in-game fan experience surrounded by a very cordial crowd.

With Steve having experienced first hand Nebraska fans in person, he seems to have a great outlook on them.

Check back in with Husker Corner tomorrow as we ask, What does Nebraska need to do in order to reach the next level of success?