2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

The 2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by Bo Pelini and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference. They finished the season 9–4, 5–3 in Big Ten play to finish in a tie for second place in the West Division. Following losses to both Wisconsin and Minnesota and a come from behind win in overtime at Iowa, Pelini was relieved of his coaching duties following the conclusion of the regular season on November 30, 2014. On December 4, 2014, Mike Riley was announced as the next head coach of the Nebraska football team, and would begin his duties immediately. However, he would not coach the Huskers in the Holiday Bowl, with that job instead handled by Barney Cotton. The Cornhuskers lost the Holiday Bowl to USC.

2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers football
Logo of the Nebraska athletic teams 2004–
Holiday Bowl vs. USC, L 42–45
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
DivisionWest Division
Record9–4 (5–3 Big Ten)
Head coach
Offensive coordinatorTim Beck (4th season)
Offensive schemeSpread
Defensive coordinatorJohn Papuchis (3rd season)
Base defense4–3
Home stadiumMemorial Stadium
Seasons
← 2013
2015 →
2014 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team   W   L     W   L  
East Division
No. 1 Ohio State x$#^   8 0     14 1  
No. T–5 Michigan State   7 1     11 2  
Maryland   4 4     7 6  
Rutgers   3 5     8 5  
Michigan   3 5     5 7  
Penn State   2 6     7 6  
Indiana   1 7     4 8  
West Division
No. 13 Wisconsin x   7 1     11 3  
Minnesota   5 3     8 5  
Nebraska   5 3     9 4  
Iowa   4 4     7 6  
Illinois   3 5     6 7  
Northwestern   3 5     5 7  
Purdue   1 7     3 9  
Championship: Ohio State 59, Wisconsin 0
  • # – College Football Playoff champion
  • ^ – College Football Playoff participant
  • $ – Conference champion
  • x – Division champion/co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

Before the season

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Recruiting

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Scholarship recruits

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College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Akinmoladun, Freedom
TE
Grandview, MO Grandview 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 240 lb (110 kg) 4.7 Jul 4, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Brown, Drew
PK
Southlake, TX Carroll 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) N/A Jun 7, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Bush, AJ
QB
Norcross, GA Norcross 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 214 lb (97 kg) 4.6 Feb 2, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 74
Cockrell, Byerson
DB
Scooba, MS East Mississippi CC 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 185 lb (84 kg) N/A Dec 6, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 73
Darlington, Zack
QB
Apopka, FL Apopka 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 210 lb (95 kg) N/A Jun 14, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 80
Farmer, Tanner
OL
Highland, IL Highland 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 315 lb (143 kg) 5.2 Jun 11, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 80
Foster, D.J.
OL
Lincoln, NE Southeast 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 312 lb (142 kg) 5.4 Jun 15, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 82
Gates, Nick
OL
Las Vegas, NV Bishop Gorman 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 272 lb (123 kg) N/A Jan 24, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Gifford, Luke
ATH
Lincoln NE Southeast 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 198 lb (90 kg) N/A Mar 11, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Harrison, Monte
WR
Lee's Summit, MO Lee's Summit West 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 200 lb (91 kg) 4.5 Jul 4, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 81
Irons, Glenn
WR
New Orleans, LA Edna Karr 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) N/A Jan 25, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 71
Jones, Chris
DB
Jacksonville, FL Sandalwood 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 175 lb (79 kg) N/A Jan 20, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 70
Kalu, Joshua
DB
Houston, TX Alief Taylor 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 169 lb (77 kg) N/A Oct 14, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Keels, Joe
DE
Highland, KS Highland CC 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 280 lb (130 kg) 4.8 Dec 10, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
King, Sedrick
DE
Plant City, FL Plant City 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 230 lb (100 kg) N/A Jan 27, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 70
Mosley, Trai
DB
Pflugerville, TX Hendrickson 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) 171 lb (78 kg) 4.4 Jun 14, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Newell, Peyton
DE
Hiawatha, KS Hiawatha 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 285 lb (129 kg) 4.9 Aug 30, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Pierson-El, Demornay
WR
Alexandria, VA West Potomac 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 174 lb (79 kg) 4.5 Jun 15, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 78
Stewart, Larenzo
RB
Klein, TX Klein Oak 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 4.4 Jul 5, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Stoltenberg, Mick
OL
Gretna, NE Gretna 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 250 lb (110 kg) 4.8 Jun 15, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 75
Tolbert, Jariah
WR
New Orleans, LA Edna Karr 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 185 lb (84 kg) N/A Jan 9, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 77
Walton, Jaevon
ATH
New Orleans, LA Edna Karr 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 236 lb (107 kg) N/A Nov 16, 2013 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 72
Wilbon, Mikale
RB
Chicago, IL De La Salle 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) 191 lb (87 kg) N/A Jan 26, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN:    ESPN grade: 76
Wills, Deandre
DE
Lineville, AL Central of Clay County 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 250 lb (110 kg) N/A Feb 2, 2014 
Star ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    247Sports:     ESPN grade: N/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 34   Rivals: 32  ESPN: 39
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Yahoo Sports: Rivals.com 2014 Nebraska Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  • "Scout.com 2014 Nebraska Commitments". Scout.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  • "ESPN 2014 Nebraska Commitments". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  • "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.
  • "2014 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved March 17, 2014.

Walk-on recruits

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College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight 40 Commit date
Arneson, Noah
DT
Omaha, NE Omaha Gross 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 300 lb (140 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Boryca, Alex
LB
Cozad, NE Cozad 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 220 lb (100 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Conrad, Cole
OL
Fremont, NE Fremont Bergan 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 280 lb (130 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Freudenberg, Ryan
OL
Norfolk, NE Lutheran High Northeast 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 290 lb (130 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Graham, Nolan
DB
Firth, NE Norris 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 195 lb (88 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Holtmeier, Blake
WR
Kearney, NE Kearney Catholic 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 190 lb (86 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jakub, Cameron
DB
Columbus, NE Columbus 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Jarzynka, Matt
DE
Loup City, NE Loup City 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 220 lb (100 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Kitrell, Bo
FB/LB
Ashland, NE Ashland-Greenwood 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 210 lb (95 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Koley, Creighton
DB
Omaha, NE Omaha Skutt 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 185 lb (84 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Meduna, Nate
TE
Wahoo, NE Wahoo Neumann 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 220 lb (100 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Ortmeier, Trent
OL
West Point, NE Guardian Angels Central Catholic 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 270 lb (120 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Owen, Dylan
DL
Westchester, NY Bridgton Academy 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 240 lb (110 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Pelzer, Brady
WR
Bellevue, NE Bellevue East 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) 170 lb (77 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Poppen, Garrett
LB
Giltner, NE Giltner 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 215 lb (98 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Reimers, Bryan
TE
Lincoln, NE Lincoln East 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) 205 lb (93 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Rose, Austin
RB
Lincoln, NE Lincoln North Star 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 220 lb (100 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Van Almen, Jack
LB
Rochester Hills, MI Stoney Creek 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 215 lb (98 kg) N/A  
Star ratings: RivalsN/A   247SportsN/A
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 34   Rivals: 32  ESPN: 39
  • ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

Schedule

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DateTimeOpponentRankSiteTVResultAttendanceSource
August 302:30 p.m.Florida Atlantic*No. 22BTNW 55–791,441[1]
September 611:00 a.m.No. 7 (FCS) McNeese State*No. 19
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lincoln, NE
ESPNUW 31–2491,082[2]
September 139:30 p.m.at Fresno State*CBSSNW 55–1941,031[3]
September 207:00 p.m.Miami (FL)*No. 24
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lincoln, NE (rivalry)
ESPN2W 41–3191,585[4]
September 278:00 p.m.Illinois No. 21
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lincoln, NE
BTNW 45–1491,255[5]
October 47:00 p.m.at No. 10 Michigan StateNo. 19ABCL 22–2775,923[6]
October 186:30 p.m.at NorthwesternNo. 19BTNW 38–1747,330[7]
October 2511:00 a.m.RutgersNo. 16
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lincoln, NE
ESPN2W 42–2491,088[8]
November 12:30 p.m.PurdueNo. 15
  • Memorial Stadium
  • Lincoln, NE
ABC/ESPN2W 35–1491,107[9]
November 152:30 p.m.at No. 20 WisconsinNo. 16ABCL 24–5980,539[10]
November 2211:00 a.m.No. 25 MinnesotaNo. 23
ESPNL 24–2891,186[11]
November 2811:00 a.m.at IowaABCW 37–34 OT66,897[12]
December 277:00 p.m.vs. No. 24 USC*ESPNL 42–4555,789

Roster and coaching staff

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2014 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team roster
Players Coaches
Offense
Pos. # Name Class
IB 8 Ameer Abdullah (C) Sr
TE 88 Freedom Akinmoladun Fr
WR 7 Taariq Allen Jr
WR 43 Noah Appleget Fr
QB 4 Tommy Armstrong Jr. So
WR 33 Christian Bailey RFr
WR 80 Kenny Bell (C) Sr
TE 83 Jared Blum So
QB 9 Tyson Broekemeier Jr
WR 9 Sam Burtch   Jr
QB 6 AJ Bush Fr
TE 11 Cethan Carter So
OL 62 Cole Conrad Fr
OL 68 Jake Cotton (C) Sr
TE 84 Sam Cotton So
IB 32 Imani Cross Jr
QB 2 Zack Darlington Fr
OL 63 Tanner Farmer Fr
OL 59 Matt Finnin Jr
OL 67 Jerald Foster Fr
TE 42 Trey Foster So
OL 51 Ryan Freudenburg Fr
QB 17 Ryker Fyfe So
OL 69 Nick Gates Fr
WR 81 Kevin Gladney RFr
OL 73 Sam Hahn So
OL 72 Zach Hannon RFr
TE 85 Greg Hart RFr
WR 25 Blake Holtmeier Fr
WR 13 Lane Hovey So
WR 18 Glenn Irons Fr
FB 35 Andy Janovich Jr
OL 76 Dwayne Johnson Jr. RFr
FB 38 Harrison Jordan RFr
TE 89 Connor Ketter RFr
FB 30 Bo Kitrell Fr
OL 77 David Knevel RFr
OL 70 Chongo Kondolo Jr
IB 24 Murat Kuzu Jr
OL 71 Alex Lewis Jr
OL 75 Chris Long Jr
FB 44 Mitch McCann So
TE 41 Luke McNitt So
TE 90 Nate Meduna Fr
WR 82 Alonzo Moore So
OL 74 Mike Moudy Sr
IB 29 Graham Nabity So
IB 39 Jordan Nelson So
IB 34 Terrell Newby So
OL 59 Trent Ortmeier Fr
OL 54 Robby Painter So
OL 56 Mark Pelini Sr
WR 26 Brady Pelzer Fr
WR 15 De'Mornay Pierson-El Fr
OL 78 Givens Price Jr
WR 48 Gabe Rahn RFr
OL 65 Ryne Reeves Jr
WR 87 Brandon Reilly So
TE 45 Bryan Reimers Fr
IB 23 Austin Rose Fr
QB 5 Johnny Stanton RFr
OL 57 Zach Sterup Jr
TE 86 David Sutton Jr
IB 28 Adam Taylor   RFr
OL 55 Paul Thurston So
WR 19 Jariah Tolbert Fr
WR 10 Jamal Turner   Sr
OL 66 Dylan Utter So
WR 1 Jordan Westerkamp So
OL 58 Corey Whitaker So
IB 21 Mikale Wilbon Fr
Defense
Pos. # Name Class
S 2 LeRoy Alexander (S) So
LB 13 Zaire Anderson Sr
DL 61 Noah Arneson Fr
LB 52 Josh Banderas So
LB 53 Alex Boryca Fr
DB 28 Byerson Cockrell Jr
DT 7 Maliek Collins So
LB 26 Thomas Connely Fr
S 6 Corey Cooper (C) Sr
CB 23 Daniel Davie Jr
DE 88 Ross Dzuris So
DE 49 Erik Evans RFr
CB 31 Joey Felici Sr
CB 30 Derek Foster Sr
DE 95 Jack Gangwish Jr
S 25 Nate Gerry So
DB 12 Luke Gifford Fr
DB 29 Nolan Graham Fr
DE 4 Randy Gregory Jr
DE 91 Tyler Hoppes So
S 21 Charles Jackson   Jr
DB 39 Cameron Jakub Fr
DE 47 Matt Jarzynka Fr
DL 50 Garret Johns So
DB 11 Chris Jones Fr
DB 1 Boaz Joseph RFr
DB 10 Joshua Kalu Fr
DE 19 Joe Keels Jr
DE 17 Sedrick King Fr
DB 42 Creighton Koley Fr
DL 58 Joel Lopez So
LB 51 Courtney Love RFr
DT 55 Kevin Maurice So
LB 33 Garrett McKay So
DE 90 Greg McMullen So
CB 5 Josh Mitchell (C) Sr
DB 16 Trai Mosley Fr
DE 45 A.J. Natter RFr
LB 3 Marcus Newby RFr
DL 99 Peyton Newell Fr
DL 76 Dylan Owen Fr
LB 54 Garrett Poppen Fr
DL 97 Logan Rath So
DB 22 Anthony Ridder Jr
LB 43 Trevor Roach Sr
CB 14 Jonathan Rose Jr
LB 15 Michael Rose-Ivey   So
LB 41 David Santos Jr
LB 56 Brad Simpson So
S 8 D.J. Singleton RFr
DL 44 Mick Stoltenberg Fr
S 36 Zach Stovall RFr
DT 98 Vincent Valentine So
LB 49 Chris Weber RFr
LB 24 Austin Williams Sr
DT 92 Kevin Williams Jr
S 27 Kieron Williams Fr
Special teams
Pos. # Name Class
PK 37 Mauro Bondi Jr
PK 34 Drew Brown Fr
LS 92 Josh Faulkenberry Fr
P 27 Sam Foltz So
PK 95 Spencer Lindsay So
LS 91 Gabriel Miller So
PK 47 Grant Schumacher RFr
Head coach
Coordinators/assistant coaches
  • Tim Beck
       4th season as OC/QB coach
       7th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: UCF
  • John Papuchis
       3rd season as DC coach
       7th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Virginia Tech
  • Ron Brown
       4th season as RB coach
       24th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Brown
  • Barney Cotton
       2nd season as AHC/TE coach
       8th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska
  • Ross Els
       4th season as LB coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska-Omaha
  • Rich Fisher
       4th season as WR coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Colorado
  • John Garrison
       2nd season as OL coach
       4th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Nebraska
  • Rick Kaczenski
       3rd season as DL coach
       3rd year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Notre Dame
  • James Dobson
       7th season as S&C coach
       7th year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Wisconsin
  • Charlton Warren
       1st season as Sec coach
       1st year at Nebraska
       Alma mater: Air Force

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (S) Suspended
  • (I) Ineligible
  •   Injured
  •   Redshirt

Roster
Last update: August 25, 2014

Depth chart

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Game summaries

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Florida Atlantic

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Florida Atlantic at Nebraska
1 234Total
Florida Atlantic 7 000 7
#22 Nebraska 14 17177 55
  • Date: August 30
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Game start: 2:43 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:20
  • Game attendance: 91,441
  • Game weather: Sunny, 81 °F (27 °C), Wind N@2 mph (3.2 km/h), Humidity 68%
  • Referee: Greg Blum
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler, Eric Crouch, Damon Benning

Nebraska opened the 2014 season, the 125th season in program history, with a home game against the Florida Atlantic Owls. Nebraska dominated the game and led from start to finish in a 55–7 rout. The Huskers ended the game with a Big Ten Conference record 784 yards of total offense, while allowing just 200 total yards to FAU. Nebraska now leads the all-time series with FAU 2–0.

 
Jordan Westerkamp about to catch a touchdown pass during the first quarter of the Nebraska vs. Florida Atlantic game, August 30, 2014

Florida Atlantic game starters

McNeese State

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McNeese State at Nebraska
1 234Total
McNeese State 7 7010 24
#19 Nebraska 14 737 31
  • Date: September 6
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Game start: 11:01 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:23
  • Game attendance: 91,082
  • Game weather: Sunny, 64 °F (18 °C), Wind N@7 mph (11 km/h), Humidty 66%
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (ESPNU): Adam Amin, John Congemi

Nebraska struggled with FCS opponent McNeese State. Running back Ameer Abdullah broke five tackles on a 58-yard touchdown reception with 20 seconds remaining in the game to lead Nebraska to a 31–24 win at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers totaled 437 yards in offense and allowed 338 to the Cowboys. Tommy Armstrong was 16-of-31 for 242 yards with 2 TDs and an INT passing, and was also the leading rusher with 11 carries for 131 yards and a score. Abdullah added 54 yards rushing with a touchdown on the ground and was the top receiver with three catches for 96 yards and the game-winning score. Jordan Westerkamp added four catches for 61 yards and a TD.

McNeese State game starters

Fresno State

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Nebraska at Fresno State
1 234Total
Nebraska 14 131414 55
Fresno State 2 377 19
  • Date: September 13
  • Location: Bulldog Stadium, Fresno, California
  • Game start: 7:40 p.m. PST
  • Elapsed time: 3:41
  • Game attendance: 41,031
  • Game weather: 99 °F (37 °C), Wind SSE@6 mph (9.7 km/h), Partly Cloudy
  • Referee: Ron Snodgrass
  • TV announcers (CBS Sports Network): Carter Blackburn, Aaron Taylor, Jamie Erdhal

This was Nebraska's first road game of the 2014 season, taking on the Fresno State Bulldogs in Fresno, California. The two teams had only met once before, a 42–29 Nebraska win in Lincoln in 2011. Nebraska gained 562 yards of offense and never trailed in a 55–19 win over Fresno State. Tommy Armstrong threw for 260 yards and Ameer Abdullah rushed for 110 to lead the Huskers to a 3–0 start on the season. For the first time since 2007, Nebraska wore all-white uniforms whereas Fresno State wore alternate all-red ones.

Fresno State game starters

Miami (FL)

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Miami (FL) at Nebraska
1 234Total
Miami (FL) 7 7710 31
#24 Nebraska 7 101410 41
  • Date: September 20
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 7:06 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:24
  • Game attendance: 91,585
  • Game weather: Sunny, 76 °F (24 °C), Wind NNW@5-12 mph (19 km/h), Humidty 42%
  • Referee: Dennis Hennigan
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Joe Tessitore, Brock Huard, Shannon Spake

Nebraska hosted the Miami Hurricanes in game four of the 2014 season. This was the 11th meeting in the all-time series which was tied at five wins apiece. It was the first regular season meeting between the two since a 17–9 Nebraska win in 1976. The first meeting between the two took place in 1951 was the first-ever night game at Memorial Stadium. The Gotham Bowl matchup was Nebraska's first-ever bowl victory. Each of the past five bowl meetings for the two saw the winner declared the national champion. Nebraska won 41–31 making it the 400th win in Memorial Stadium history. The tunnel walk before the game featured the 1994 team including former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne to commemorate the 20th anniversary of defeating Miami for the national championship.

Opening kickoff.
Ameer Abdullah about to receive a snap from center.
Nebraska with the ball on their final touchdown drive.

Miami game starters

Illinois

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Illinois at Nebraska
1 234Total
Illinois 7 700 14
#24 Nebraska 7 2477 45
  • Date: September 27
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 8:13 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:24
  • Game attendance: 91,255
  • Game weather: Clear, 74 °F (23 °C), Wind S@11 mph (18 km/h), Humidty 56%
  • Referee: Dave Witvoet
  • TV announcers (BTN): Kevin Kugler, Chuck Long, Rebecca Haarlow

Nebraska opened up Big Ten play with a game against Illinois at home on Homecoming. The Huskers improved to 9–2–1 all-time against the Illini behind the rushing of Ameer Abdullah who put up 196 yards in the first half and 208 total yards and three touchdowns. The Huskers rushed for over 400 yards as a team en route to a dominating 45–14 victory. Nebraska broke out their "Red Rising" alternate uniforms from Adidas in this game. During the halftime performance, Nebraska's marching band spelled out "Fear Ameer" on the field.

Illinois game starters

Michigan State

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Nebraska at Michigan State
1 234Total
#19 Nebraska 0 0319 22
#10 Michigan State 7 10100 27

19th-ranked Nebraska traveled to East Lansing, Michigan to take on #10 Michigan State in a key Big Ten conference matchup. Heading into the game Nebraska was 7–1 all-time against the Spartans, with MSU picking up their first ever win over Nebraska last year in Lincoln by a score of 41–28. In the game Michigan State jumped out to a 27–3 lead going into the fourth quarter before the Huskers rallied with a 19-point final quarter. Nebraska was driving with the ball with less than a minute to go before throwing a game-ending interception to lose the first game of the year 27–22.

Michigan State game starters

Northwestern

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Nebraska at Northwestern
1 234Total
#19 Nebraska 0 14717 38
Northwestern 7 1000 17

19th-ranked Nebraska traveled to Evanston, Illinois, to take on the Northwestern Wildcats in a Big Ten West Division match-up. Coming into the game Nebraska led the all-time series with the Wildcats five games to two. Last year the Huskers captured a 27–24 victory on a last second Hail Mary touchdown pass. This year's game the two teams played even through two quarters of football before Nebraska pulled away in the second half. Ameer Abdullah recorded a career-high four TDs as the Huskers pulled out a 38–17 victory. Once again, Nebraska wore all white uniforms for this game while Northwestern wore alternate ones for Homecoming.

Northwestern game starters

Rutgers

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Rutgers at Nebraska
1 234Total
Rutgers 7 0107 24
#16 Nebraska 7 14147 42
  • Date: October 25
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 11:01 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:13
  • Game attendance: 91,088
  • Game weather: Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C), Wind N@5-10 mph (16 km/h), Humidity 71%
  • Referee: Mike Cannon
  • TV announcers (ESPN2): Beth Mowins, Joey Galloway, Paul Carcaterra

Nebraska returned home for the first time in four weeks as the Huskers hosted Big Ten newcomer Rutgers. This was the first ever visit to Memorial Stadium by the Scarlet Knights, and was just the second all-time meeting between the two programs. The only other meeting came back in 1920, with the Huskers prevailing 28–0 at the New York Polo Grounds. The 94-year gap between games in the series is the longest for Nebraska against any opponent in school history.

In the matchup, Ameer Abdullah rushed for 225 yards and set a single-game school record with 341 all-purpose yards and scored three TDs to lead Nebraska to a 42–24 win over the Scarlet Knights. Abdullah now has 6,604 career all-purpose yards, extending his school record and moving past Ohio State's Archie Griffin into second place in Big Ten history. Also, wide receiver Kenny Bell became Nebraska's career receptions leader with 167.

Ameer Abdullah running for a 53-yard touchdown (Nebraska vs Rutgers, 2014)
Bo Pelini on the sideline (Nebraska vs. Rutgers, 2014)
Rutgers' quarterback Chris Laviano runs for a long gain (Nebraska vs. Rutgers, 2014).
Tommy Armstrong Jr. rolls out to pass (Nebraska vs. Rutgers, 2014).

Rutgers game starters

Purdue

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Purdue at Nebraska
1 234Total
Purdue 0 707 14
#17 Nebraska 7 1477 35
  • Date: November 1
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 2:37 p.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:28
  • Game attendance: 91,107
  • Game weather: Sunny, 50 °F (10 °C), Wind S@15-25 mph (40 km/h), Humidity 37%
  • Referee: Dan Capron
  • TV announcers (ABC / ESPN2): Mike Patrick, Ed Cunningham, Jeannine Edwards

Purdue visited Memorial Stadium for the first time in program history on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Nebraska came away with a 35–14 victory in a game that saw Heisman Trophy candidate Ameer Abdullah suffer a knee injury early in the game that knocked him out of the contest.

Purdue game starters

Wisconsin

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Nebraska at Wisconsin
1 234Total
#11 Nebraska 10 707 24
#22 Wisconsin 3 21287 59

Nebraska traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to take on the Wisconsin Badgers in a key Big Ten West Division game on Saturday. Melvin Gordon ran for a new FBS single-game rushing record 408 yards. The Badgers scored 56 unanswered points after the Huskers started the game with a 17–3 lead to win the contest and the inaugural Freedom Trophy by a 59–24 score.

Wisconsin game starters

Minnesota

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Minnesota at Nebraska
1 234Total
Minnesota 7 0147 28
#21 Nebraska 7 1430 24
  • Date: November 22
  • Location: Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, NE
  • Game start: 11:02 a.m. CST
  • Elapsed time: 3:20
  • Game attendance: 91,186
  • Game weather: Overcast, 44 °F (7 °C), Wind SSW@13 mph (21 km/h), Humidity 37%
  • Referee: Jerry McGinn
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Dave Pasch, Brian Griese, Tom Luginbill

Nebraska completed its 2014 home schedule when Minnesota came to Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 22 for Senior Day. The Golden Gophers lead the all-time series 30–22–2, and Nebraska leads 2–1 since joining the Big Ten Conference. The Gophers overcame a 14-point halftime deficit to defeat Nebraska for the second straight season and clinch a winning Big Ten season for the first time since the 2003 season with a 28–24 win.

Minnesota game starters

Iowa

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Nebraska at Iowa
1 234OTTotal
Nebraska 0 77176 37
Iowa 0 101473 34

Kenny Bell caught a 9-yard TD pass in overtime as Nebraska rallied to beat Iowa 37–34 in the Heroes Game on Black Friday. The Huskers trailed at one point 24–7 before starting their comeback. The game featured turnovers, big special teams play and stretches of solid defense. Nebraska improves to 3–1 against Iowa since joining the Big Ten and 29–13–3 overall.

Iowa game starters

Holiday Bowl

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Nebraska vs. USC
1 234Total
#25 Nebraska 17 0178 42
#24 USC 10 14210 45

Nebraska traveled to San Diego to take on the USC Trojans in the Holiday Bowl. This was the fifth all-time meeting with the Trojans, but the Huskers have never won in this series, with USC leading all-time 0–3–1 before the game. The Huskers nearly came back from an 18-point second half deficit, but the Trojans prevailed 45–42. Nebraska was led by interim-coach Barney Cotton in this contest.

USC game starters

Big Ten Players of the Week

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  • Week 1: Ameer Abdullah (offensive player of the week)[27]
  • Week 2: Sam Foltz (special teams player of the week)[28]
  • Week 3: De'Mornay Pierson-El (special teams player of the week)[29]
  • Week 4: Ameer Abdullah (co-offensive Player of the Week)[30]
  • Week 5: Ameer Abdullah (offensive player of the week)[31]
  • Week 9: Ameer Abdullah (offensive player of the week)[32]
  • Week 14: Nate Gerry (defensive player of the week)[33]
  • Week 14: De'Mornay Pierson-El (Co-Special Teams Player of the Week)[33]

All-Conference honors

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2014 Big Ten All-Conference honors:[34]

All-Americans

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All-America Teams:[35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]

RB – Ameer Abdullah (CBS Sports – 2nd Team | Walter Camp – 2nd Team | Athlon Sports – 2nd Team | AP – 2nd Team | Scout – 2nd Team | SI – 2nd Team | Phil Steele – 3rd Team)

RET – De'Mornay Pierson-El (USA Today – 2nd Team | Athlon Sports – 3rd Team | SI – 2nd Team | Sporting News – 2nd Team | FWAA – 2nd Team | Phil Steele – 2nd Team)

DE – Randy Gregory (AP – 3rd Team | FWAA – 2nd Team | Phil Steele – 2nd Team)

NFL draft

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Rankings

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Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
— = Not ranked RV = Received votes
Week
PollPre123456789101112131415Final
AP2219RV24211921191617151121RV2525RV
Coaches22182122191721191616141119RV2322RV
CFPNot released15131623Not released

References

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  2. ^ "McNeese State vs. Nebraska – Box Score". ESPN.com. September 6, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  3. ^ "Nebraska vs. Fresno State – Box Score". ESPN.com. September 13, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  4. ^ "Miami (FL) vs. Nebraska – Box Score". ESPN.com. September 20, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  5. ^ "Illinois vs. Nebraska – Box Score". ESPN.com. September 27, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  6. ^ "Nebraska vs. Michigan State – Box Score". ESPN.com. October 4, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  7. ^ "Nebraska vs. Northwestern – Box Score". ESPN.com. October 18, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
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  9. ^ "Purdue vs. Nebraska – Box Score". ESPN.com. November 1, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  10. ^ "Nebraska vs. Wisconsin – Box Score". ESPN.com. November 15, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  11. ^ "Minnesota vs. Nebraska – Box Score". ESPN.com. November 22, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  12. ^ "Nebraska vs. Iowa – Box Score". ESPN.com. November 28, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
  13. ^ "Nebraska Cornhuskers Schedule – 2014". University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
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  15. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final), 2014 Nebraska Football, McNeese State vs #19 Nebraska (Sept. 6, 2014 at Lincoln, Neb.)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. September 6, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 11, 2014.
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  22. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final) 2014 Nebraska Football Purdue vs #17 Nebraska (Nov 01, 2014 at Lincoln, Neb.)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 1, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 2, 2014. Retrieved November 1, 2014.
  23. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final) 2014 Nebraska Football #11 Nebraska at #22 Wisconsin (Nov 15, 2014 at Madison, Wis.)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 15, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 15, 2014.
  24. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final) 2014 Nebraska Football: Minnesota at #21 Nebraska (Nov 22, 2014 at Lincoln, Neb.)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 22, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  25. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final) 2014 Nebraska Football Nebraska vs Iowa (Nov. 28 at Iowa City, Iowa)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. November 28, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 17, 2014. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
  26. ^ "Scoring Summary (Final) 2014 Nebraska Football Holiday Bowl Nebraska vs. USC (San Diego, CA)" (PDF). University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics. December 27, 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 28, 2014. Retrieved December 27, 2014.
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  32. ^ "Big Ten Players of the Week". Big Ten Conference. October 27, 2014. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 27, 2014.
  33. ^ a b "Big Ten Players of the Week". Big Ten Conference. December 1, 2014. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved December 1, 2014.
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  37. ^ "125th Walter Camp All-America Teams Announced". Walter Camp Foundation. Retrieved December 29, 2014.
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