Florida manager knows how Nebraska Cornhuskers fans can impact a game
Whether it’s in football, or basketball or baseball, the Nebraska Cornhuskers have an ace card when it comes to big games. The Husker fanbase can change the look and feel of a big game and the guys they are rooting for a needed boost. Florida Gators manager Kevin O’Sullivan is perfectly aware of that heading into Friday’s NCAA Baseball Tournament first round.
O’Sullivan was asked about the anticipated impact of Husker fans on Friday afternoon, despite Nebraska baseball not playing in Lincoln. He was unequivocal in his belief that the fans travel exceptionally well, and their presence will undoubtedly create a thrilling and unique atmosphere.
Nebraska Cornhuskers fans wield a formidable influence, even away from Haymarket Park.
“I watched the game on Sunday when they were playing Penn State and, you know, the crowd was incredible,” O’Sullivan said. “I wish I could share with these guys some of the stories, but I remember, I think it was 2002. Now I'm going back, way back. I was an assistant at Clemson, and we're playing Nebraska and old Rosenblatt. I think Shane Komine was the starter. It was opening night.”
“had never felt the type of energy in that, in an old Rosenblatt like it was that night,” he continued. It literally felt like the stadium was shaking. And it was a back-and-forth game.”
I asked Florida head coach, Kevin O'Sullivan, on how Nebraska fans may play a factor in Stillwater.
— Chase Matteson (@ChaseMatteson) May 30, 2024
He thinks they'll be in full-force after the B1G Tournament showing, and also gives quite a throwback #Huskers story, take a listen. (@1011_News) pic.twitter.com/Tw3VO84KMl
“I think Dave Van Horn was the head coach there and Rob [Childress] was an assistant, I think. But, you know, it's going back some years. I think it was 2002. But it was like a sea of red all around the stadium… So, yeah, the Nebraska fans have always been great. But that's one that sticks out.”
O’Sullivan mentioned the Penn State game in the Big Ten Tournament Title Game, and he was clearly impressed with what he saw.
Obviously, the vibe is going to be different in Stillwater, Oklahoma, than it was in Omaha, Nebraska. But the Florida Gators coach isn’t wrong. Nebraska Cornhuskers fans travel well. They’ll likely travel well for this baseball game. And that could be a game changer in a tough regional.