2008 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

Pelini returned to Nebraska as Head Coach after a previous one-year stint as Defensive Coordinator for Nebraska in 2003.{{cite news |url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=38&u_sid=621172|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080131171838/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=38&u_sid=621172|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2008|title=Huskers Show Off Staff|first=Elizabeth|last=Merrill|date=January 13, 2003|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald|access-date=January 6, 2008}} At the conclusion of the 2003 season, Pelini was appointed as Interim Head Coach,{{cite news |url=http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=38&u_sid=933062|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080124143938/http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_np=0&u_pg=38&u_sid=933062|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 24, 2008|title=Pelini Is Interim Coach; 'Ready' for Challenge|first=Rich|last=Kaipust|date=December 1, 2003|access-date=July 7, 2008|newspaper=Omaha World-Herald}} following the firing of Frank Solich, for Nebraska's appearance in the Alamo Bowl against the Michigan State Spartans, a contest in which Nebraska triumphed 17–3,{{Cite web |url=http://www.huskermax.com/games/2003/michiganstate03.html |title=Nebraska vs. Michigan State 2003 - HuskerMax |access-date=March 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616003856/http://huskermax.com/games/2003/michiganstate03.html |url-status=live }} leaving Nebraska with a final AP Poll ranking of 19 and Coaches Poll ranking of 18. Despite this performance and significant fan support, Pelini was passed over as Solich's permanent replacement in favor of Bill Callahan. During Pelini's absence from Nebraska, he served as co-defensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2004, and Defensive Coordinator for the LSU Tigers for 2005–2007[http://www.huskers.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=2&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&ATCLID=1331513&Q_SEASON=2008 Nebraska Football Coach Profile: Bo Pelini] prior to his return to Nebraska following the dismissal of Callahan.

{{clear}}

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 2008

| poll = AP

| timezone = Central

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = August 30

| time = 6:00 pm

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = Western Michigan

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = FSN {{small|PPV}}

| score = 47–24

| attend = 84,485

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 6

| time = 11:30 am

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = San José State

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = FSN {{small|PPV}}

| score = 35–12

| attend = 84,146

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 13

| time = 6:00 pm

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = New Mexico State

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = FSN {{small|PPV}}

| score = 38–7

| attend = 84,821

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 27

| time = 7:00 pm

| w/l = l

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = Virginia Tech

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = ABC

| score = 30–35

| attend = 85,831

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 4

| time = 8:00 pm

| w/l = l

| homecoming = y

| rank =

| opponent = Missouri

| opprank = 4

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| score = 17–52

| attend = 85,372

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 11

| time = 2:00 pm

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Texas Tech

| opprank = 7

| site_stadium = Jones AT&T Stadium

| site_cityst = Lubbock, Texas

| tv = FSN

| score = 31–37

| overtime = OT

| attend = 53,449

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 18

| time = 11:30 am

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Iowa State

| site_stadium = Jack Trice Stadium

| site_cityst = Ames, Iowa

| tv = Versus

| score = 35–7

| attend = 48,794

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 25

| time = 11:30 am

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = Baylor

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = Versus

| score = 32–20

| attend = 85,104

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 1

| time = 7:00 pm

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Oklahoma

| opprank = 4

| site_stadium = Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Norman, Oklahoma

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| score = 28–62

| attend = 85,212

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 8

| time = 1:30 pm

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = Kansas

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = FSN {{small|PPV}}

| score = 45–35

| attend = 85,486

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 15

| time = 2:35 pm

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Kansas State

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium

| site_cityst = Manhattan, Kansas

| tv = FSN {{small|PPV}}

| score = 56–28

| attend = 48,444

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{dow tooltip|November 28, 2008}}

| time = 2:30 pm

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = Colorado

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Lincoln, Nebraska

| tv = ABC

| score = 40–31

| attend = 85,319

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{dow tooltip|January 1, 2009}}, 2009

| time = 12:00 pm

| w/l = w

| neutral = y

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = Clemson

| gamename = Gator Bowl

| site_stadium = Jacksonville Municipal Stadium

| site_cityst = Jacksonville, Florida

| tv = CBS

| score = 26–21

| attend = 67,282

}}

}}

{{cite web |title=Football - 2008 Schedule/Results|url=http://www.huskers.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=3&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&Q_SEASON=2008|publisher=University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Athletics|access-date=July 7, 2008}}

{{American football roster/Header|year=2008|team=Nebraska Cornhuskers|teamcolors=y

|offensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Cruz|last=Barrett|num=66|pos=OL|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Damon|last=Bechtold|num=83|pos=TE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Chris|last=Brooks|num=1 |pos=WR|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Wes|last=Cammack|num=82|pos=WR|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Caputo|num=58|pos=OL|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Quentin|last=Castille|num=19|pos=IB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Seung Hoon|last=Choi|num=77|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Andy|last=Christensen|num=62|pos=OL|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Khiry|last=Cooper|num=6 |pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ben|last=Cotton|num=81|pos=TE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Beau|last=Davis|num=15|pos=QB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Taylor|last=Dixon|num=46|pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jim|last=Ebke|num=16|pos=QB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=Ganz|num=12|pos=QB|class=S|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Aaron|last=Gillaspie|num=41|pos=FB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Curenski|last=Gilleylen|num=11|pos=WR|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Hays|num=30|pos=FB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Roy|last=Helu Jr.|num=10|pos=IB|class=SO|link=y|dab=Roy Helu}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ricky|last=Henry|num=74|pos=OL|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Will|last=Henry|num=8 |pos=WR|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tyson|last=Hetzer|num=47|pos=TE|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jacob|last=Hickman|num=67|pos=OL|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ryan|last=Hill|num=80|pos=TE|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Menelik|last=Holt|num=18|pos=WR|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Huff|num=61|pos=OL|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=KC|last=Hyland|num=85|pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Cory|last=Iske|num=69|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Austin|last=Jones|num=28|pos=IB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=D.J.|last=Jones|num=73|pos=OL|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marcel|last=Jones|num=78|pos=OL|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Thomas|last=Lawson|num=36|pos=FB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Zac|last=Lee|num=3 |pos=QB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tyler|last=Legate|num=48|pos=FB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ben|last=Lester|num=9 |pos=WR|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marlon|last=Lucky|num=5 |pos=IB|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tim|last=Marlowe|num=21|pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jay|last=Martin|num=88|pos=TE|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Masin|num=71|pos=OL|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=McNeill|num=44|pos=TE|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Max|last=McShane|num=54|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marcus|last=Mendoza|num=32|pos=IB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Derek|last=Meyer|num=63|pos=OL|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Lydon|last=Murtha|num=76|pos=OL|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Collins|last=Okafor|num=29|pos=IB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Steven|last=Osborne|num=26|pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Niles|last=Paul|num=24|pos=WR|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Todd|last=Peterson|num=17|pos=WR|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kyler|last=Reed|num=25|pos=TE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Zach|last=Ruiz|num=18|pos=QB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matt|last=Slauson|num=70|pos=OL|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Smith|num=65|pos=OL|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kody|last=Spano|num=7 |pos=QB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Nate|last=Swift|num=87|pos=WR|class=S|link=y|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Hunter|last=Teafatiller|num=89|pos=TE|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brandon|last=Thompson|num=79|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kevin|last=Thomsen|num=37|pos=FB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brian|last=Thorson|num=59|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeremy|last=Wallace|num=25|pos=RB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Lester|last=Ward|num=14|pos=IB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Keith|last=Williams|num=68|pos=OL|class=SO|link=y|dab=Keith Williams (offensive lineman)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Patrick|last=Witt|num=2 |pos=QB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Dreu|last=Young|num=49|pos=TE|class=SO}}

|defensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Pierre|last=Allen|num=95|pos=DE|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Prince|last=Amukamara|num=21|pos=CB|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kenny|last=Anderson|num=70|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Larry|last=Asante|num=4 |pos=S|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Shukree|last=Barfield|num=56|pos=DT|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Justin|last=Blatchford|num=39|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Anthony|last=Blue|num=14|pos=CB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Joseph|last=Camarata|num=42|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Austin|last=Cassidy|num=8 |pos=S|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Will|last=Compton|num=51|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Nick|last=Covey|num=31|pos=DE|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jared|last=Crick|num=94|pos=DT|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Major|last=Culbert|num=2 |pos=S|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jase|last=Dean|num=20|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Alfonzo|last=Dennard|num=15|pos=DB|class=F|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Phillip|last=Dillard|num=52|pos=LB|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tyrone|last=Fahie|num=92|pos=DE|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Sean|last=Fisher|num=42|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tanner|last=Foxhoven|num=49|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Dan|last=Glassman|num=39|pos=DE|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Cody|last=Glenn|num=34|pos=LB|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Thomas|last=Grove|num=41|pos=LB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Eric|last=Hagg|num=28|pos=CB|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=Harvey|num=80|pos=DE|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matt|last=Holt|num=35|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Justin|last=Jackson|num=58|pos=DL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Faron|last=Klingelhoefer|num=85|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Colton|last=Koehler|num=54|pos=LB|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Micah|last=Kreikemeier|num=44|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Blake|last=Lawrence|num=40|pos=LB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=Levorson|num=16|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Luke|last=Lingenfelter|num=75|pos=DE|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matt|last=Manninger|num=61|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ben|last=Martin|num=63|pos=DT|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mathew|last=May|num=36|pos=S|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mychael|last=McClure|num=62|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Colin|last=McDermott|num=65|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Conor|last=McDermott|num=66|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Sam|last=Meginnis|num=67|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Cameron|last=Meredith|num=96|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Josh|last=Molek|num=68|pos=DL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Terrence|last=Moore|num=90|pos=DT|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brent|last=Moravec|num=43|pos=FS|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Armando|last=Murillo|num=6 |pos=CB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matt|last=O'Hanlon|num=33|pos=S|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Courtney|last=Osborne|num=12|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Zach|last=Potter|num=98|pos=DE|class=S|link=y|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Justin|last=Rogers|num=11|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jonathon|last=Santin|num=89|pos=DE|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Clayton|last=Sievers|num=88|pos=DE|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marcus|last=Smith|num=48|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=P.J.|last=Smith|num=13|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Austin|last=Stafford|num=9 |pos=LB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Baker|last=Steinkuhler|num=55|pos=DL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ty|last=Steinkuhler|num=43|pos=DT|class=S|note=C}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Graham|last=Stoddard|num=71|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ndamukong|last=Suh|num=93|pos=DT|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Shawn|last=Sullivan|num=18|pos=CB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Rickey|last=Thenarse|num=3 |pos=S|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Lance|last=Thorell|num=23|pos=CB|class=RF}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Quentin|last=Toailoa|num=50|pos=DL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Barry|last=Turner|num=99|pos=DE|class=S|link=y|dab=Barry Turner (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mason|last=Wald|num=22|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Latravis|last=Washington|num=7 |pos=LB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Adam|last=Watson|num=24|pos=S|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Anthony|last=West|num=5 |pos=CB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Alonzo|last=Whaley|num=45|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Josh|last=Williams|num=17|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tyler|last=Wortman|num=53|pos=LB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=William|last=Yancy|num=47|pos=DE|class=RF}}

|special_teams_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Justin|last=Baumgartner|num=56|pos=LS|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jon|last=Damkroger|num=27|pos=P/PK|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Alex|last=Henery|num=90|pos=PK|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Adi|last=Kunalic|num=20|pos=PK|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brett|last=Maher|num=96|pos=P/PK|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=T.J.|last=O'Leary|num=82|pos=LS|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=Pillen|num=33|pos=LS|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Dan|last=Titchener|num=97|pos=P|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jake|last=Wesch|num=37|pos=PK|class=S}}

}}

{{American football roster/Footer|roster_url=http://www.huskers.com/SportSelect.dbml?SPSID=4&SPID=22&DB_OEM_ID=100&Q_SEASON=2008|access-date=January 16, 2011

|head_coach=

• Bo Pelini{{small|
     1st season
     2nd year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Ohio State}}

|asst_coach=

• Shawn Watson{{small|
     2nd season as OC/QB coach
     3rd year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Southern Illinois}}
• Carl Pelini{{small|
     1st season as DC/DL coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Youngstown State}}
• Tim Beck{{small|
     1st season as RB coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Central Florida}}
• Ron Brown{{small|
     1st season as TE coach
     18th year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Brown}}
• Barney Cotton{{small|
     1st season as AHC/OL coach
     2nd year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Nebraska}}
• Mike Ekeler{{small|
     1st season as LB coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Kansas State}}
• Ted Gilmore{{small|
     1st season as AHC/Rec coach
     4th year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Wyoming}}
• John Papuchis{{small|
     1st season as DE/ST coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Virginia Tech}}
• Marvin Sanders{{small|
     1st season as Sec coach
     2nd year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Nebraska}}
• James Dobson{{small|
     1st season as S&C coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Wisconsin}}
• Curt Baldus{{small|
     1st season as GA coach
     2nd year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: St. Cloud State}}
• Ross Watson{{small|
     1st season as GA coach
     1st year at Nebraska
     Alma mater: Mount Union}}

}}

{{CFB Team Depth Chart

| OScheme = Pro-Set

| DScheme = 4-2

| SpecialTeams = Yes

| KeyReserves = No

| 3Deep = Yes

| QB_Starter = Joe Ganz

| QB_Backup = Patrick Witt

| RB1_Starter = Marlon Lucky
Roy Helu

| RB1_Backup = Quentin Castille

| FB_Starter = Thomas Lawson

| FB_Backup = Hunter Teafatiller

| WR1_Starter = Nate Swift

| WR1_Backup = Menelik Holt

| WR2_Starter = Todd Peterson

| WR2_Backup = Niles Paul

| TE1_Starter = Mike McNeil

| TE1_Backup = Dreu Young

| LT_Starter = Mike Smith

| LT_Backup = Jaivorio Burkes

| LG_Starter = Keith Williams

| LG_Backup = Mike Huff

| C_Starter = Jacob Hickman

| C_Backup = Mike Caputo

| RG_Starter = Matt Slauson

| RG_Backup = D.J Jones

| RT_Starter = Lydon Murtha

| RT_Backup = Marcel Jones

| WLB_Starter = Tyler Wortman

| WLB_Backup = Colton Koehler

| WLB_SchoolName = WILL

| SLB_Starter = Cody Glenn

| SLB_Backup = Phillip Dillard
Blake Lawrence

| SLB_SchoolName = MIKE

| FS_Starter = Matt O'Hanlon
Rickey Thenarse

| FS_Backup = Matthew May

| SS_Starter = Larry Asante

| SS_Backup = Major Culbert

| S_Starter = Eric Hagg

| S_Backup = Matt Holt

| S_SchoolName = NICKEL

| DB1_Starter = Anthony West

| DB1_Backup = Lance Thorell
Prince Amukamara

| DB2_Starter = Armando Murillo

| DB2_Backup = Alfonzo Dennard

| RDE_Starter = Pierre Allen

| RDE_Backup = Shukree Barfield

| RDT_Starter = Ndamukong Suh

| RDT_Backup = Terrence Moore

| LDT_Starter = Ty Steinkuhler

| LDT_Backup = Jared Crick

| LDE_Starter = Zach Potter

| LDE_Backup = Clayton Sievers

| PK_Starter = Alex Henry

| P_Starter = Dan Titchener

| Kick_Returner = Niles Paul

| Punt_Returner = Nate Swift

| Long_Snapper = T.J. O'Leary

| ColWidth = 110

| Autosize =

| RowHeight =

| FontSize = 86

| Debug = No

}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Western Michigan at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Western Michigan

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 0| V2 = 10| V3 = 7| V4 = 7

| H1 = 14| H2 = 20| H3 = 10| H4 = 3

| Date = August 30

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 6:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 84,485

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Rich Baldinger (Color), & Stacy Paetz (Sideline)

| TVStation = FSN PPV

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska opened the season with expectations below average after finishing 5–7 in 2007. However, there was a buzz in the air as first year head coach Bo Pelini returned to Lincoln to improve a maligned defense and to re-energize the program. Nebraska played very well as the defense seemed much improved from 2007. LB Cody Glenn was the bright spot on defense and seemed to be in on almost every play. The offense continued to be as productive as usual with Joe Ganz at quarterback, en route to a 47–24 win.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = San José State at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = San Jose State

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 6| V2 = 3| V3 = 0| V4 = 3

| H1 = 14| H2 = 0| H3 = 0| H4 = 21

| Date = September 6

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 11:30 a.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 84,146

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Dave Lapham (Color), & Joel Goldberg (Sideline)

| TVStation = FSN PPV

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:NebraskaCornhuskers-Flags-9-6-08.jpg

Nebraska came into its second game of the year with a little more certainty. San Jose State quickly put a stop to that. The Spartans marched all over Nebraska's defense on the first drive with Kyle Reed scoring on a 12-yard run. Nebraska scored two touchdowns to recapture the lead going into the second quarter. The game turned mostly defensive with San Jose State scoring field goals in the second and fourth quarters. After San Jose State's field goal in the fourth quarter, Niles Paul returned the kickoff 85 yards for a Nebraska touchdown. The return sparked the Cornhuskers as they scored three more touchdowns sealing the game.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = New Mexico State at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = New Mexico State

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 0| V2 = 0| V3 = 0| V4 = 7

| H1 = 7| H2 = 14| H3 = 14| H4 = 3

| Date = September 13

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 6:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 84,821

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Thulin (Play-by-play) & Matt Davison (Color)

| TVStation = FSN PPV

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska, entering the game 2–0, felt confident going against the New Mexico State Aggies who were playing their first game of the season. On their second drive, the Aggies went down the field with ease only to have their field goal kick blocked by Zach Potter. Nebraska's offense finally looked like it came together, scoring 35 points. The scoring included Marlon Lucky taking a toss and throwing it downfield to quarterback Joe Ganz and then Ganz running 33 yards on an option play.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Virginia Tech at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Virginia Tech

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 9| V2 = 9| V3 = 10| V4 = 7

| H1 = 7| H2 = 3| H3 = 7| H4 = 13

| Date = September 27

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 7:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,831

| TVAnnouncers = Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Chris Spielman (Color), & Erin Andrews (Sideline)

| TVStation = ABC

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska, 3–0, headed into the Virginia Tech game looking for a win over a ranked team in the first year of Bo Pelini's first year. Virginia Tech got on the board first, blocking a Dan Titchner punt for a safety. The Hokies controlled the game for most of the night, until senior Nate Swift returned a punt 88 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Cornhuskers needed a big defensive stop and seemed to have got it on a 3rd down run by Tyrod Taylor. Taylor was tackled out of bounds, but Nebraska defense tackle Ndamukong Suh appeared to have leaped on top of Taylor, prompting an official to throw a flag for a late hit. Bo Pelini, obviously upset, berated the official about the call until the official threw another flag for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Coach Pelini. The penalties put Virginia Tech near the end zone and continued the Hokies' drive, which resulted in Taylor scoring a touchdown to ice the game.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Missouri at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Missouri

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 14| V2 = 17| V3 = 21| V4 = 0

| H1 = 7| H2 = 3| H3 = 0| H4 = 7

| Date = October 4

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 8:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,372

| TVAnnouncers = Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Chris Spielman (Color), & Rob Stone (Sideline)

| TVStation = ESPN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Missouri came into this game having not won in Lincoln since 1978. That streak was broken as Missouri won by a wide margin, scoring in bunches. After a close first quarter which saw Nebraska tie the game, the Tigers pulled away, building a three touchdown halftime lead. The Cornhuskers were set back by 14 penalties for 101 yards. Tigers on the other hand were not forced to punt in the game. Nebraska managed to make the final score a little more respectable with a late touchdown and by stopping Missouri on fourth down earlier in the quarter.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska at Texas Tech [box score]

| Visitor = Nebraska

| Host = Texas Tech

| V1 = 0| V2 = 7| V3 = 3| V4 = 21| VOT = 0

| H1 = 7| H2 = 10| H3 = 7| H4 = 7| HOT = 6

| Date = October 11

| Location = Jones AT&T Stadium, Lubbock, Texas

| StartTime = 2:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 53,449

| TVAnnouncers = Joel Meyers (Play-by-play), Gary Reasons (Color), & Jim Knox (Sideline)

| TVStation = FSN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After being routed by Missouri, Nebraska was expecting more of the same against Texas Tech. Instead, they found themselves in the midst of a battle. Todd Peterson caught a touchdown pass with :29 left to tie the game at 31 forcing it into overtime. In overtime, the Red Raiders scored a touchdown but had their extra point blocked, opening the door for Nebraska to win. However, on 2nd down, Joe Ganz' pass was intercepted by cornerback Jamar Wall, ending the game. This was Nebraska's first overtime loss in school history.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska at Iowa State [box score]

| Visitor = Nebraska

| Host = Iowa State

| V1 = 7| V2 = 14| V3 = 0| V4 = 14

| H1 = 0| H2 = 0| H3 = 7| H4 = 0

| Date = October 18, 2008

| Location = Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa

| StartTime = 11:30 a.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 48,794

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Glenn Parker (Color), & Lindsay Soto (Sideline)

| TVStation = Versus

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Playing Iowa State was the trick for Nebraska to solve their three-game losing streak. Nebraska roared to a 21–0 lead at halftime. Iowa State stifled Nebraska's offense for the third quarter and scored a touchdown of their own, but going into the fourth, Nebraska took back momentum, scoring twice to finish off the Cyclones.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Baylor at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Baylor

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 14| V2 = 6| V3 = 0| V4 = 0

| H1 = 7| H2 = 10| H3 = 7| H4 = 8

| Date = October 25

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 11:30 a.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,104

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Thulin (Play-by-play), Kelly Stouffer (Color), & Lewis Johnson (Sideline)

| TVStation = Versus

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska let Baylor jump on them for a 20–17 lead going into the half. Nebraska came back from a halftime deficit for the first time since 2003, scoring 15 points in the third and fourth quarters including a safety and a 9-yard touchdown catch by Nate Swift, a catch that broke Johnny Rodgers' record for career catches.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska at Oklahoma [box score]

| Visitor = Nebraska

| Host = Oklahoma

| V1 = 0| V2 = 14| V3 = 7| V4 = 7

| H1 = 35| H2 = 14| H3 = 13| H4 = 0

| Date = November 1

| Location = Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma

| StartTime = 7:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,212

| TVAnnouncers = Mike Patrick (Play-by-play), Todd Blackledge (Color), & Holly Rowe (Sideline)

| TVStation = ESPN

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska ran into an offensive explosion in Norman and in a matter of minutes was down 35–0. Three first-quarter turnovers doomed the Cornhuskers as Oklahoma capitalized on all of them. Nebraska fought through the circumstances to put up a respectable 28 points as the Cornhuskers looked to regroup.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Kansas at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Kansas

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 7| V2 = 7| V3 = 7| V4 = 14

| H1 = 7| H2 = 7| H3 = 10| H4 = 21

| Date = November 8

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 1:30 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,486

| TVAnnouncers = Dan McLaughlin (Play-by-play), Matt Davison (Color), & Stacy Paetz (Sideline)

| TVStation = FSN PPV

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska vowed the start of a new season heading into this game, one that consisted of three games. Needing only one win to become bowl eligible, Nebraska played exceptional on a frigid day in Lincoln. Nebraska and Kansas went blow for blow until the fourth quarter when a 52-yard touchdown run by Roy Helu Jr. and a 2-yard touchdown catch by Ndamukong Suh opened up the game for Nebraska.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska at Kansas State [box score]

| Visitor = Nebraska

| Host = Kansas State

| V1 = 14| V2 = 21| V3 = 0| V4 = 21

| H1 = 7| H2 = 7| H3 = 7| H4 = 7

| Date = November 15

| Location = Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium, Manhattan, Kansas

| StartTime = 2:35 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 48,444

| TVAnnouncers = Dan McLaughlin (Play-by-play), Rich Baldinger (Color), & Joel Goldberg (Sideline)

| TVStation = FSN PPV

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Nebraska felt confident heading into Manhattan against Kansas State as lame-duck coach Ron Prince had never beaten them, nor had former Nebraska commit, Josh Freeman. Also, Nebraska's defense got their blackshirts back for the first time this season. Nebraska made a crucial mistake early allowing a 57-yard interception return for a touchdown. Barring that play and a long touchdown pass by Freeman, Nebraska played sparkling defense in the first half. Kansas State scored only twice more one on a methodical drive by backup Carson Coffmann and a kickoff return by Brandon Banks.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Colorado at Nebraska [box score]

| Visitor = Colorado

| Host = Nebraska

| V1 = 14| V2 = 10| V3 = 7| V4 = 0

| H1 = 14| H2 = 10| H3 = 3| H4 = 13

| Date = November 28

| Location = Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Nebraska

| StartTime = 2:30 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 85,319

| TVAnnouncers = Ron Franklin (Play-by-play), Ed Cunningham (Color), & Jack Arute (Sideline)

| TVStation = ABC

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Colorado came into this game fighting for bowl eligibility at 5–6. Nebraska had already secured a spot in a bowl game, but a win would help improve where they would be headed. Colorado would have none of it, taking an early 14–0 lead. Nebraska came back taking a 24–17 edge and was looking to add on going into the half. On a fake field goal play, holder Jake Wesch was supposed to flip it over his head and kicker Alex Henery was supposed to catch it and throw it, a play that was made against Kansas. This time, Colorado's Jimmy Smith picked off the flip in mid-air and returned it 58 yards to tie the game. Late in the fourth quarter, Nebraska trailed 31–30 and had the ball deep in the Buffalo's territory when Patrick Mahnke sacked Joe Ganz for a 15-yard loss, setting up a 4th & 25. It looked like Nebraska was out of Alex Henery's field goal range with the kick being 57 yards. Bo Pelini sent his kicker out anyway after Henery told him he could do it. With 1:55 left, he kicked the 57 yarder, giving Nebraska the 33–31 lead. On Colorado's next drive, Cody Hawkins pass was deflected by Zach Potter and intercepted by Ndamukong Suh who stiff armed Hawkins and rumbled 30 yards for a touchdown, icing the game at 40–31 and sending Colorado home with no bowl. Nebraska finished the regular season 8–4 and Big 12 North Co-Division Champions with Missouri.

{{Clear}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska vs Clemson [box score]

| Visitor = Nebraska

| Host = Clemson

| V1 = 0| V2 = 3| V3 = 20| V4 = 3

| H1 = 0| H2 = 14| H3 = 7| H4 = 0

| Date = January 1

| Location = Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida

| StartTime = 12:00 p.m.

| TimeZone = CST

| Attendance = 67,282

| TVAnnouncers = Craig Bolerjack (Play-by-play), Steve Beuerlein (Color), & Dan Fouts (Color)/Frank Frangie (Play-by-play), Gino Toretta (Color), & Mike Dempsey (Sideline)

| TVStation = CBS/TD Sports

}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:2009 Gator Bowl.jpg

Nebraska defeated Clemson in a come-from-behind 26–21 finish at the 2009 Gator Bowl on January 1, 2009. All 21 of Clemson's points came following Nebraska turnovers. The outcome remained in doubt until the end, as Clemson marched from their own 23 to the Nebraska 10. With 1st and goal to go and about two minutes remaining on the clock, the Blackshirts made their stand, resulting in a 16-yard sack and three Clemson incomplete passes to seal the game. The game was played only days after head coach Bo Pelini and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini returned from their father's funeral in Ohio.

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2008 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

| finalpollweek = 15

| AP_pre = NR

| AP_1 = NR

| AP_2 = NR

| AP_3 = NR

| AP_4 = NR

| AP_5 = NR

| AP_6 = NR

| AP_7 = NR

| AP_8 = NR

| AP_9 = NR

| AP_10 = NR

| AP_11 = NR

| AP_12 = NR

| AP_13 = NR

| AP_14 = NR

| AP_15 = NR

| coaches_pre = NR

| coaches_1 = NR

| coaches_2 = NR

| coaches_3 = NR

| coaches_4 = NR

| coaches_5 = NR

| coaches_6 = NR

| coaches_7 = NR

| coaches_8 = NR

| coaches_9 = NR

| coaches_10 = NR

| coaches_11 = NR

| coaches_12 = NR

| coaches_13 = NR

| coaches_14 = NR

| coaches_15 = NR

| harrisfirstweek = 4

| harris_4 = NR

| harris_5 = NR

| harris_6 = NR

| harris_7 = NR

| harris_8 = NR

| harris_9 = NR

| harris_10 = NR

| harris_11 = NR

| harris_12 = NR

| harris_13 = NR

| harris_14 = NR

| bcsfirstweek = 7

| bcs_7 = NR

| bcs_8 = NR

| bcs_9 = NR

| bcs_10 = NR

| bcs_11 = NR

| bcs_12 = NR

| bcs_13 = NR

| bcs_14 = NR

}}

| valign="top" |

|}

The reputation of the Blackshirts, whose trademark black jerseys quietly disappeared during the disappointing 5–7 (2–6) 2007 season, was restored with emphasis during 2008 as the coveted black jerseys were once again distributed to defensive starters on November 11{{cite web |title=The Blackshirts Are Back! |url=http://www.huskerlocker.com/blogs/view/bid/338/i/the_blackshirts_are_back |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712231927/http://www.huskerlocker.com/blogs/view/bid/338/i/the_blackshirts_are_back |archive-date=2011-07-12 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 25, 2009 }} following a key emotional win over the Kansas Jayhawks.

The season concluded January 1, 2009 with a come-from-behind 26–21{{cite web |title=Blackshirts help Nebraska beat Clemson |url=http://www.huskerlocker.com/blogs/view/bid/625/i/blackshirts_stand_tall_turn_back_clemson |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110712231950/http://www.huskerlocker.com/blogs/view/bid/625/i/blackshirts_stand_tall_turn_back_clemson |archive-date=2011-07-12 |url-status=dead |access-date=May 25, 2009 }} Nebraska victory over the Clemson Tigers in the 2009 Gator Bowl. Nebraska finished as co-division Champions of the Big 12 North Division, with a final record of 9–4 (5–3). Head Coach Bo Pelini's overall career record improved to 10–4 (.714), 5–3 in conference, and 2–0 in bowl games. Pelini's 2008 regular season record of 9–4 was the highest among all 28 Division 1A teams with new head coaches and staffs that year.{{cite web|title=The Red, White, Green and Vanilla Husker Spring Game |url=http://www.huskermax.com/huskerdan/20090424dan.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090428092920/http://www.huskerpedia.com/huskerdan/20090424dan.html |archive-date=April 28, 2009 |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2009 }}

{{cite web|title=2008 Husker Honors |url=http://www.huskermax.com/honors/honors_2008.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102025829/http://huskerpedia.com/honors/honors_2008.html |archive-date=January 2, 2010 |url-status=live |access-date=May 25, 2009 }}

• Prince Amukamara, 2011 1st–round pick of the New York Giants
• Larry Asante, 2010 4th–round pick of the Cleveland Browns
• Chris Brooks, 2010 free agent signee of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Phillip Dillard, 2010 4th–round pick of the New York Giants
• Joe Ganz, 2009 free agent signee of Washington Redskins
• Cody Glenn, 2009 5th–round pick of the Washington Redskins
• Eric Hagg, 2011 7th–round pick of the Cleveland Browns
• Roy Helu, 2011 4th–round pick of the Washington Redskins
• Alex Henery, 2011 4th–round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles
• Ricky Henry, 2011 UFL 1st–round pick of the Hartford Colonials
• D.J. Jones, 2011 UFL 6th–round pick of the Omaha Nighthawks
• Marlon Lucky, 2009 free agent signee of Cincinnati Bengals
• Lydon Murtha, 2009 7th–round pick of the Miami Dolphins
• Matt O'Hanlon, 2010 free agent signee of Carolina Panthers
• Niles Paul, 2011 5th–round pick of the Washington Redskins
• Todd Peterson, 2009 free agent signee of Jacksonville Jaguars
• Zach Potter, 2009 free agent signee of New York Jets
• Matt Slauson, 2009 6th–round pick of the New York Jets
• Mike Smith, 2011 UFL 5th–round pick of the Omaha Nighthawks
• Ty Steinkuhler, 2009 free agent signee of New York Jets
• Ndamukong Suh, 2010 1st–round pick of the Detroit Lions
• Nate Swift, 2009 free agent signee of Denver Broncos
• Barry Turner, 2010 free agent signee of Detroit Lions
• Keith Williams, 2011 6th–round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers

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