Nebraska Cornhuskers Knock Out Miami Hurricanes 41-31
All week long, the history between the Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-0) and Miami Hurricanes (2-2) was rehashed. Ten games, but so much history. While the two programs are working to get back to where they once were, it’s easy to say that while many expected a good game, no one expected a throwback-style game.
With several members of the 1994 national championship team on the sideline and a record 91,585 fans in the stands, Husker football would face off against Da U and the contest would have every element of the 1980s and 90’s.
Nebraska had its great running game, led by Ameer Abdullah who now owns the No. 1 spot for all-purpose yards in school history. He bested Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers’ record with 313 total yards, including 229 yards on 35 carries, a career high.
The Huskers ran for 343 total yards, 267 more than the opposition.
Miami took to the air behind true freshman Brad Kaaya, who had initial success and what has to be called an overall solid performance considering the atmosphere and his age. Despite his best efforts, Kaaya couldn’t lead his team to victory going 28-42 for 359 yards, throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Both teams went blow-for-blow in what looked to be a contest strictly based on athletic prowess, but then…
Two fights erupted during the evening and all of the past hatred seeped from the stands onto the field as the benches started to clear and players had to be shoved back onto their respective sidelines.
Even the zebras were getting into their jobs a little too much…
Notice how safety Nathan Gerry headed over to make sure the ref was okay. He’s such a nice young man.
Quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. did an excellent job of keeping the Hurricanes guessing on just who was getting the football as he both carried the football 13 times for 96 yards and went 9-for-13 for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
More from Nebraska Football
- Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
- Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
- Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
- Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims
- Nebraska Football: Trio of big contributors banged up after NIU
He also threw an interception as he chucked a pass to no one in particular who was in double coverage and Miami took advantage.
Not unlike the 1994 Orange Bowl when Tom Osborne demanded that his players not retaliate should the Hurricanes goad them, the Big Red was tested.
During a second brawl, no one in red jerseys threw a punch and Al Golden’s team not only lost the game at that point, it became completely undisciplined. Abdullah didn’t quite get to experience what Eric Crouch did against Kansas State in 1998, but it was close enough.
Shortly after that play, Abdullah would waltz in for his second rushing touchdown of the game.
Understandably, the two teams didn’t shake hands after the game was over. It was back to the locker rooms with the both of them. For Miami, rather than the standard applause, they received a very loud chorus of boos.
This edition of Miami-Nebraska was as entertaining as any. Sure, it wasn’t for a national championship, only one team was ranked, and in the low 20s at that, but it was still special.
The Huskers remain undefeated through non-conference play and move forward to meet the Fighting Illini next week.
Expect more bad blood in about a year’s time. Nebraska and Miami will meet again next year in Coral Gables, FL.
Something tells me it won’t be pretty.
Be sure to like Husker Corner on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, snag the FanSided app (iOS) (Android) and subscribe to our newsletter below to keep plugged into Husker Nation from all over the globe.