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Is the Nebraska Football Sellout Streak in Jeopardy?

By Paris Gunderson

Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; A general view of Memorial Stadium before the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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When one hears “Nebraska Football”, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is the long sellout streak of seats.

While Nebraska may not be known as the most talented team in the league, one thing that is unique and impressive about the Huskers is their record for having the longest streak of selling out all of the seats in the NCAA. However, the one fear that Husker fans have year in and year out is the thought of the streak being lost.

With the way last season went for the team, many people are very worried about whether or not the idea of the streaking is going to become a reality. A 6-7 finish at the end of the season is nothing to brag about. This was the worst finish the Huskers have had since 2007 when they had a 5-7 record during Bill Callahan’s last year before the infamous Bo Pelini took control.

Another instance this season that made fans doubt Riley’s ability was the loss of the season opener to BYU after 29 years of winning. This decrease in success with the transition from Pelini to Riley has caused the worries of Husker fans everywhere to increase.

Those who invest their time and money into buying season tickets may decide that this investment is no longer worth it if they are not going to be watching the team succeed.However, those who think this way are making slightly rash decisions. It is important to realize that it was only Riley’s first year as a coach. He, at the least, deserves another year to prove himself as a Nebraska football coach.

Riley has to be given the chance to find the players who work the best with his coaching style and how he operates. Looking into next year, Riley has recruited some great players. From the four star Quarter-Back Patrick O’Brien out of California, to new line reinforcements like John Raridon and Matt Farniok from West Des Moines and Sioux Falls, respectively.

These linemen will be especially influential as the coaching staff works to strengthen the offensive line to protect Senior QB Armstrong better in the coming season. Along with these and a handful of other star players coming in from the Class of 2016, the Class of 2017 recruits are currently ranked 17 in the country.

With that being said, it does not change the way ticket sales are going to go. Fans don’t want to wait for things to improve, they want change to happen immediately. They wanted the past success to continue when Riley took over, and when it didn’t, it caused their spirits to fall, which could resonate in the ticket sales before the home opener against Fresno State.

Do I think the sellout streak is going to break this season? No. But I do believe that it is a possibility depending on how the next season goes. If we are able to come back this year with a more impressive record, higher NCAA ranking, or in a perfect world, a division title, then I think that the streak would continue in the future without a doubt.

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However, if we end this season with another 6-7 (or worse) record, I think the streak would be in serious danger. This year, I believe the streak will still be intact, but I think it is crucial that Riley proves himself to be a right fit for the program if we want the streak to stay alive in the coming years.

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