Link: Full Game Notes (Huskers.com)
Game 1: Fresno State at Nebraska
When: Saturday, September 3 | 7:00 p.m. (CT)
Where: Memorial Stadium | Lincoln, Nebraska
TV: Big Ten Network (Joe Beninati, Glen Mason, Damon Benning)
Radio: Husker Sports Network (Greg Sharpe, Matt Davison, Brenden Stai)
Satellite Radio: Sirius (Ch. 81) | XM (Ch. 81)
Internet Radio: Huskers.com
======================================
Nebraska opens the 2016 season on Saturday night with a non-conference matchup against Fresno State at Memorial Stadium. The game is set for national television on BTN, with kickoff set for shortly after 7 p.m. CT.
The game with the Bulldogs opens Nebraska's second season under Head Coach Mike Riley. The Huskers return 16 starters from last year's team that capped the season with a victory over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl.
The Huskers have ample experience on both sides of the ball, returning a four-year starter at quarterback, multiple offensive skill position players and a strong core of experience on defense. While the Huskers are unranked heading into the season, Nebraska did receive votes in both the USA Today and Associated Press preseason polls.
Fresno State posted a 3-9 record last season, including a 2-6 mark in the Mountain West Conference. Coach Tim DeRuyter is in his fifth season as the Bulldogs' head coach and welcomes back 10 returning starters.
The matchup with Fresno State completes a three-game series between the two schools. The Huskers defeated Fresno State in Lincoln in 2011, before winning on the road in Fresno in 2014. The three games in the series are the only meetings in school history between the Huskers and Bulldogs.
Nebraska Football Top 10
- Nebraska is 880-368-40 all-time, one of only 10 schools with 800 wins
- The Cornhuskers rank fourth all-time with their 880 victories
- Nebraska has won five national titles (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997)
- The Huskers have won 46 conference championships
- Nebraska's 52 all-time bowl appearances rank third nationally
- Three Huskers have won the Heisman Trophy (Rodgers, Rozier, Crouch)
- Nebraska's 107 football Academic All-Americans lead the nation
- The Huskers have 110 first-team All-Americans in school history
- Nebraska is the only team in any sport in NCAA history to total 100 athletic and academic All-Americans
- Memorial Stadium has been sold out every game since Nov. 2, 1962, a streak of 347 consecutive sellouts
Huskers Familiar with Fresno State
Saturday's meeting will complete a three-game series between Nebraska and Fresno State, including two matchups at Memorial Stadium.
- All-American Ameer Abdullah scored his first career touchdown in the 2011 matchup with Fresno State, returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to give NU a nine-point fourth quarter lead. Abdullah set a single-game record for kickoff return yards in the 42-29 victory
- Tommy Armstrong Jr. accounted for 325 yards of total offense in the 2014 win at Fresno State, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards
- De'Mornay Pierson-El totaled 150 yards on five punt returns at Fresno in 2014, including an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Huskers' 55-19 win
Huskers vs. Mountain West
Nebraska owns an impressive 34-2 all-time record against current members of the Mountain West Conference. Entering this week's game with Fresno State, Nebraska has won its past 29 matchups against Mountain West schools, most recently its 55-19 win at Fresno State in 2014
Nebraska plays back-to-back games to open the season against Mountain West teams, hosting Wyoming in Lincoln on Sept. 10.
Last Five Games vs. Mountain West
Sept. 13, 2014 - at Fresno State (W 55-19)
Aug. 31, 2013 - vs. Wyoming (W 37-34)
Sept. 24, 2011 - at Wyoming (W 38-14)
Sept. 10, 2011 - vs. Fresno State (W 42-29)
Sept. 6, 2008 - vs. San Jose State (W 35-12)
Nebraska Looks to Extend Prime-Time Home Dominance
Memorial Stadiums is always a tough environment for visiting teams in Lincoln. That is never more true than in night games at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers have won 17 straight home night games in Lincoln. NU is 43-5 all-time in Memorial Stadium night games.
- The Huskers' dominance at night in Lincoln has been impressive, as 32 of the home night wins have been by at least 13 points
- Nebraska's five losses in home night games have all come against teams that won at least 10 games in that season (Washington, 1991; Texas, 2002; USC, 2007; Virginia Tech and Missouri, 2008)
- Nebraska is 2-0 at home in night games last season, including a 39-38 victory over No. 6 Michigan State on Nov. 7 in Lincoln
- Nebraska's most recent loss in a night game at Memorial Stadium came against No. 4 Missouri in 2008
Riley Aims for Win #100
Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley is going for his 100th win as a collegiate head coach in Saturday night's contest. Riley won 93 games in 14 seasons at Oregon State and had six victories in his first year at Nebraska in 2015.
- Riley is looking to become the 22nd active FBS head coach to record his 100th career victory
- All 99 of Riley's victories have come while coaching in a Power Five conference. Riley is bidding to become the 10th active coach to win 100 games at a Power Five conference school
Active Coaches with 100 Wins at Power Five Conference Schools
Bill Snyder, Kansas State - 193
Nick Saban, Alabama/LSU/Michigan State - 182
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma - 179
Mark Richt, Miami/Georgia - 145
Les Miles, LSU/Oklahoma State - 140
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa - 127
Urban Meyer, Ohio State/Florida - 115
Tommy Tuberville, Cincinnati/Texas Tech - 113
Mike Leach, Washington State/Texas Tech - 105
Mike Riley, Nebraska/Oregon State - 99
2016 Huskers Led by Veterans
The 2016 Huskers will be one of the more veteran teams in the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska returns a total of 16 starters from last year's team, and the 2016 squad features 11 players who have double-digit career start totals entering the season. The leaders of that group include four players who have made more than 20 starts in their Nebraska careers:
Tommy Armstrong Jr. - 33
Nathan Gerry - 29
Drew Brown - 26
Cethan Carter - 24
First Time Starters to Hit the Field on Saturday
While the Huskers return several players with significant starting experience, the season opener will also mark the starting debuts for several Huskers.
Numerous Huskers could make their first career starts against Fresno State according to the first NU depth chart. That group includes at least two true freshmen.
Potential First-Time Starters
- Sam Hahn, Boe Wilson or Corey Whitaker (LG)
- Tanner Farmer (RG)
- David Knevel (RT)
- Luke McNitt (FB)
- Mick Stoltenberg (DT)
- Kieron Williams (S)
- Antonio Reed (S)
- Caleb Lightburn (P)
Wilson Could Join Exclusive Club at Nebraska
True freshman offensive guard Boe Wilson has contended for playing time at guard during fall camp. Coach Riley has indicated the staff would like to redshirt Wilson, but if he were to see action or start a game this fall, he would be in rare company.
Since freshmen regained eligibility in 1973, just five true freshman position players have started a season opener for the Huskers. Two of those came last year when linebacker Dedrick Young and safety Aaron Williams were in the lineup for the first snap vs. BYU.
In addition to Wilson, true freshman punter Caleb Lightburn is expected to earn his first career start on Saturday.
True Freshmen to Start a Nebraska Season Opener (since 1973)
- Dedrick Young, LB (2015)
- Aaron Williams, S (2015)
- Tyler Moore, RT (2011)
- Terrence Nunn, WR (2004)
- Ralph Brown, CB (1996)
Offensive linemen seeing action at any point as a true freshman has been a rarity at Nebraska. Wilson could become only the fifth true freshman offensive lineman to start a game at any point during a season if he earns that distinction this fall. He would be just the 11th true freshman offensive lineman to play at Nebraska.
Four True Freshmen Set to Play
Riley said after practice on Saturday, Aug. 27 that four true freshmen will see action this fall. That group includes punter Caleb Lightbourn, I-back Tre Bryant, cornerback Lamar Jackson and safety JoJo Domann.
Wilson leads a group of several other Huskers who are still on alert to play if needed in 2016.
27
Nebraska will honor the memory of Sam Foltz throughout the season. The Huskers will wear No. 27 decals on their helmets throughout 2016. Folts wore No. 27 for the past three seasons as Nebraska's starting punter, and was killed in an auto accident on July 23. No Husker will wear No. 27 this year.
About Fresno State
- Fresno State owns an all-time record of 586-407-27
- The Bulldogs have won 27 conference titles, most recently winning the 2013 Mountain West championship
- Fresno State has appeared in 26 bowl games, most recently the 2014 Hawaii Bowl (30-6 loss to Rice)
- The Bulldogs own an 11-15 all-time record in bowl games
- Fresno State posted a 3-9 (2-6 Mountain West) record in 2015
- The losing season came after coach Tim DeRuyter guided the Bulldogs to three bowl games and two appearances in the Mountain West Championship Game in his first three seasons
- The Bulldogs return seven starters on offense, five on defense and bring back starting placekicker Kody Kroening
- Fresno State has lost six of its last seven non-conference road games dating back to 2012
Three Bulldogs to Watch
WR - Jamire Jordan
- Caught 46 passes for 540 yards and 5 TDs as a freshman in 2015
- Led Fresno State in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs
- Led all Mountain West freshmen in receptions and receiving yards in 2015
LB - Jeff Camilli
- Totaled 76 tackles with 1.0 TFL and two interceptions in 2015, despite missing one game due to injury
- Is Fresno State's top returning tackler in 2016 and had three games with double-digit tackles last fall
- Had two interceptions to tie for the most by a Mountain West linebacker in 2015
WR - Da'Mari Scott
- Totaled 24 receptions for 364 yards and 3 TDs in 2015
- Ranked second on the team in receiving yards, yards per catch (15.2) and third in touchdowns
- Added 579 kickoff return yards and 32 punt return yards to finish with 978 all-purpose yards last year
About Fresno State Head coach Tim DeRuyter
- 5th season at Fresno State (29-23)
- 5th season overall as a head coach (29-23)
- (0-1) vs. Nebraska in his career
- Prior to Fresno State, served as defensive assistant coach during stops at Air Force, Ohio, Navy, Nevada, and Texas A&M
- 1985 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy where he also played linebacker
2016 Fresno State Schedule
at Nebraska
Sacramento State
at Toledo
Tulsa
at UNLV
at Nevada
San Diego State
at Utah State
Air Force
at Colorado State
---BYE WEEK---
Hawaii
San Jose State
Game 1: Fresno State at Nebraska
When: Saturday, September 3 | 7:00 p.m. (CT)
Where: Memorial Stadium | Lincoln, Nebraska
TV: Big Ten Network (Joe Beninati, Glen Mason, Damon Benning)
Radio: Husker Sports Network (Greg Sharpe, Matt Davison, Brenden Stai)
Satellite Radio: Sirius (Ch. 81) | XM (Ch. 81)
Internet Radio: Huskers.com
======================================
Nebraska opens the 2016 season on Saturday night with a non-conference matchup against Fresno State at Memorial Stadium. The game is set for national television on BTN, with kickoff set for shortly after 7 p.m. CT.
The game with the Bulldogs opens Nebraska's second season under Head Coach Mike Riley. The Huskers return 16 starters from last year's team that capped the season with a victory over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl.
The Huskers have ample experience on both sides of the ball, returning a four-year starter at quarterback, multiple offensive skill position players and a strong core of experience on defense. While the Huskers are unranked heading into the season, Nebraska did receive votes in both the USA Today and Associated Press preseason polls.
Fresno State posted a 3-9 record last season, including a 2-6 mark in the Mountain West Conference. Coach Tim DeRuyter is in his fifth season as the Bulldogs' head coach and welcomes back 10 returning starters.
The matchup with Fresno State completes a three-game series between the two schools. The Huskers defeated Fresno State in Lincoln in 2011, before winning on the road in Fresno in 2014. The three games in the series are the only meetings in school history between the Huskers and Bulldogs.
Nebraska Football Top 10
- Nebraska is 880-368-40 all-time, one of only 10 schools with 800 wins
- The Cornhuskers rank fourth all-time with their 880 victories
- Nebraska has won five national titles (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997)
- The Huskers have won 46 conference championships
- Nebraska's 52 all-time bowl appearances rank third nationally
- Three Huskers have won the Heisman Trophy (Rodgers, Rozier, Crouch)
- Nebraska's 107 football Academic All-Americans lead the nation
- The Huskers have 110 first-team All-Americans in school history
- Nebraska is the only team in any sport in NCAA history to total 100 athletic and academic All-Americans
- Memorial Stadium has been sold out every game since Nov. 2, 1962, a streak of 347 consecutive sellouts
Huskers Familiar with Fresno State
Saturday's meeting will complete a three-game series between Nebraska and Fresno State, including two matchups at Memorial Stadium.
- All-American Ameer Abdullah scored his first career touchdown in the 2011 matchup with Fresno State, returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to give NU a nine-point fourth quarter lead. Abdullah set a single-game record for kickoff return yards in the 42-29 victory
- Tommy Armstrong Jr. accounted for 325 yards of total offense in the 2014 win at Fresno State, throwing for 260 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards
- De'Mornay Pierson-El totaled 150 yards on five punt returns at Fresno in 2014, including an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Huskers' 55-19 win
Huskers vs. Mountain West
Nebraska owns an impressive 34-2 all-time record against current members of the Mountain West Conference. Entering this week's game with Fresno State, Nebraska has won its past 29 matchups against Mountain West schools, most recently its 55-19 win at Fresno State in 2014
Nebraska plays back-to-back games to open the season against Mountain West teams, hosting Wyoming in Lincoln on Sept. 10.
Last Five Games vs. Mountain West
Sept. 13, 2014 - at Fresno State (W 55-19)
Aug. 31, 2013 - vs. Wyoming (W 37-34)
Sept. 24, 2011 - at Wyoming (W 38-14)
Sept. 10, 2011 - vs. Fresno State (W 42-29)
Sept. 6, 2008 - vs. San Jose State (W 35-12)
Nebraska Looks to Extend Prime-Time Home Dominance
Memorial Stadiums is always a tough environment for visiting teams in Lincoln. That is never more true than in night games at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers have won 17 straight home night games in Lincoln. NU is 43-5 all-time in Memorial Stadium night games.
- The Huskers' dominance at night in Lincoln has been impressive, as 32 of the home night wins have been by at least 13 points
- Nebraska's five losses in home night games have all come against teams that won at least 10 games in that season (Washington, 1991; Texas, 2002; USC, 2007; Virginia Tech and Missouri, 2008)
- Nebraska is 2-0 at home in night games last season, including a 39-38 victory over No. 6 Michigan State on Nov. 7 in Lincoln
- Nebraska's most recent loss in a night game at Memorial Stadium came against No. 4 Missouri in 2008
Riley Aims for Win #100
Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley is going for his 100th win as a collegiate head coach in Saturday night's contest. Riley won 93 games in 14 seasons at Oregon State and had six victories in his first year at Nebraska in 2015.
- Riley is looking to become the 22nd active FBS head coach to record his 100th career victory
- All 99 of Riley's victories have come while coaching in a Power Five conference. Riley is bidding to become the 10th active coach to win 100 games at a Power Five conference school
Active Coaches with 100 Wins at Power Five Conference Schools
Bill Snyder, Kansas State - 193
Nick Saban, Alabama/LSU/Michigan State - 182
Bob Stoops, Oklahoma - 179
Mark Richt, Miami/Georgia - 145
Les Miles, LSU/Oklahoma State - 140
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa - 127
Urban Meyer, Ohio State/Florida - 115
Tommy Tuberville, Cincinnati/Texas Tech - 113
Mike Leach, Washington State/Texas Tech - 105
Mike Riley, Nebraska/Oregon State - 99
2016 Huskers Led by Veterans
The 2016 Huskers will be one of the more veteran teams in the Big Ten Conference. Nebraska returns a total of 16 starters from last year's team, and the 2016 squad features 11 players who have double-digit career start totals entering the season. The leaders of that group include four players who have made more than 20 starts in their Nebraska careers:
Tommy Armstrong Jr. - 33
Nathan Gerry - 29
Drew Brown - 26
Cethan Carter - 24
First Time Starters to Hit the Field on Saturday
While the Huskers return several players with significant starting experience, the season opener will also mark the starting debuts for several Huskers.
Numerous Huskers could make their first career starts against Fresno State according to the first NU depth chart. That group includes at least two true freshmen.
Potential First-Time Starters
- Sam Hahn, Boe Wilson or Corey Whitaker (LG)
- Tanner Farmer (RG)
- David Knevel (RT)
- Luke McNitt (FB)
- Mick Stoltenberg (DT)
- Kieron Williams (S)
- Antonio Reed (S)
- Caleb Lightburn (P)
Wilson Could Join Exclusive Club at Nebraska
True freshman offensive guard Boe Wilson has contended for playing time at guard during fall camp. Coach Riley has indicated the staff would like to redshirt Wilson, but if he were to see action or start a game this fall, he would be in rare company.
Since freshmen regained eligibility in 1973, just five true freshman position players have started a season opener for the Huskers. Two of those came last year when linebacker Dedrick Young and safety Aaron Williams were in the lineup for the first snap vs. BYU.
In addition to Wilson, true freshman punter Caleb Lightburn is expected to earn his first career start on Saturday.
True Freshmen to Start a Nebraska Season Opener (since 1973)
- Dedrick Young, LB (2015)
- Aaron Williams, S (2015)
- Tyler Moore, RT (2011)
- Terrence Nunn, WR (2004)
- Ralph Brown, CB (1996)
Offensive linemen seeing action at any point as a true freshman has been a rarity at Nebraska. Wilson could become only the fifth true freshman offensive lineman to start a game at any point during a season if he earns that distinction this fall. He would be just the 11th true freshman offensive lineman to play at Nebraska.
Four True Freshmen Set to Play
Riley said after practice on Saturday, Aug. 27 that four true freshmen will see action this fall. That group includes punter Caleb Lightbourn, I-back Tre Bryant, cornerback Lamar Jackson and safety JoJo Domann.
Wilson leads a group of several other Huskers who are still on alert to play if needed in 2016.
27
Nebraska will honor the memory of Sam Foltz throughout the season. The Huskers will wear No. 27 decals on their helmets throughout 2016. Folts wore No. 27 for the past three seasons as Nebraska's starting punter, and was killed in an auto accident on July 23. No Husker will wear No. 27 this year.
About Fresno State
- Fresno State owns an all-time record of 586-407-27
- The Bulldogs have won 27 conference titles, most recently winning the 2013 Mountain West championship
- Fresno State has appeared in 26 bowl games, most recently the 2014 Hawaii Bowl (30-6 loss to Rice)
- The Bulldogs own an 11-15 all-time record in bowl games
- Fresno State posted a 3-9 (2-6 Mountain West) record in 2015
- The losing season came after coach Tim DeRuyter guided the Bulldogs to three bowl games and two appearances in the Mountain West Championship Game in his first three seasons
- The Bulldogs return seven starters on offense, five on defense and bring back starting placekicker Kody Kroening
- Fresno State has lost six of its last seven non-conference road games dating back to 2012
Three Bulldogs to Watch
WR - Jamire Jordan
- Caught 46 passes for 540 yards and 5 TDs as a freshman in 2015
- Led Fresno State in receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs
- Led all Mountain West freshmen in receptions and receiving yards in 2015
LB - Jeff Camilli
- Totaled 76 tackles with 1.0 TFL and two interceptions in 2015, despite missing one game due to injury
- Is Fresno State's top returning tackler in 2016 and had three games with double-digit tackles last fall
- Had two interceptions to tie for the most by a Mountain West linebacker in 2015
WR - Da'Mari Scott
- Totaled 24 receptions for 364 yards and 3 TDs in 2015
- Ranked second on the team in receiving yards, yards per catch (15.2) and third in touchdowns
- Added 579 kickoff return yards and 32 punt return yards to finish with 978 all-purpose yards last year
About Fresno State Head coach Tim DeRuyter
- 5th season at Fresno State (29-23)
- 5th season overall as a head coach (29-23)
- (0-1) vs. Nebraska in his career
- Prior to Fresno State, served as defensive assistant coach during stops at Air Force, Ohio, Navy, Nevada, and Texas A&M
- 1985 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy where he also played linebacker
2016 Fresno State Schedule
at Nebraska
Sacramento State
at Toledo
Tulsa
at UNLV
at Nevada
San Diego State
at Utah State
Air Force
at Colorado State
---BYE WEEK---
Hawaii
San Jose State
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