Bo Pelini’s Top Five Wins as Nebraska Football’s Head Coach

2. 2013 Northwestern

Ever been in an earthquake? I haven’t, but I did get to experience what I think Nebraska’s highest on record felt like.

The Huskers and Northwestern Wildcats have developed a nice back-and-forth. Call it whatever you want (a budding rivalry?), the two teams play tight games and they always end in heartbreak for one team. This past season’s was no exception.

Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

Tied at 21 all heading down to the final ticks of the fourth quarter, Wildcat kicker Jeff Budzien knocked in a chip shot 21 yard field goal with a minute and change remaining.

Done deal, right? No way Ron Kellogg III takes Pelini’s team 83 yards with 1:14 on the clock and scores six.

I’ve seen Hail Mary passes. I’ve heard gasps. I have not been at the epicenter of an eruption like I was that night at Memorial Stadium. Every Husker fan in attendance suddenly became best friends with one another, hugging the nearest person they could (that wasn’t in purple).

This is a game that could’ve eventually cost Pelini his job without Jordan Westerkamp’s game-saving snag.

Not a knock on coach, but sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good.