4 Amazing Facts About Nebraska Hullers And The Crop They Honor

Although you’ve probably heard of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, have you heard of the Nebraska Bugeaters? The sports teams at the University of Nebraska have a long and rich history. In particular, the school’s soccer team has consistently ranked as one of the best teams in the country. Here are some facts that you may not be familiar with, regarding the university named after one of the tastiest beans on the planet:

1. Nebraska’s nickname pays tribute to America’s most valuable crop.
It’s true. In terms of volume produced and its value, corn is the top crop in the US Therefore, the Nebraska Cornhuskers represent America’s number one crop! Here are some other fascinating facts about corn:

o The United States produces twice as much corn as any other crop.
o Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska grow 50% of the corn grown in the United States.
o Iowa sells 55% of its corn to foreign countries.
o Corn is a main ingredient in soda, peanut butter, and snacks.
o An average ear of corn includes 16 rows and 800 kernels.

2. The Nebraska Huskers were once the Nebraska Rattlesnake Boys
Nebraska Cornhuskers have been known as such for about a century. Charles “Cy” Sherman, a sportswriter for the “Nebraska State Journal,” proposed that people refer to the University of Nebraska sports teams as the Cornhuskers. Prior to that time, various nicknames for the team included: Antelopes, Bugeaters, Nebraskans, Old Gold Knights, Rattlesnake Boys, and Tree Planters.

3. The Cornhuskers won a national championship without winning all of their games.
The Nebraska soccer team has never been defeated during its five national championship seasons (1970, 1971, 1994, 1995, 1997). However, in 1970 his record was 11-0-1, and it included a 21-21 draw against the University of Southern California. Arguably, the Huskers should have won the game. In the fourth quarter, Nebraska missed a 12-yard field goal after a poor play by the Center. USC then scored a touchdown, to tie the game. Ultimately, the Associated Press college football poll ranked Nebraska as the number one team in the country.

4. The Cornhuskers have retired 22 athlete numbers.
This total includes 15 men, including soccer stars Mike Rozier and Tommie Frazier. Rozier had an outstanding career in Nebraska, as a running back on the soccer team. During his senior year (1983), Rozier won the Heisman Trophy, which the NCAA awards annually to the best college football player. Unfortunately, during Rozier’s senior year, Nebraska lost the championship game to Miami.

Meanwhile, Tommie Frazier led Nebraska to consecutive national championships (1994, 1995). In an ESPN.com poll (2006), voters chose the 1995 Huskers team as the best team in college football history. Tragically, the NFL never selected Frazier, due to a severe blood clot that contained his left leg.

Regardless of how many years we’ve been fans of an NCAA team, we can always learn something new about the team. You know past NCAA titles, but not future ones. Use Nebraska Cornhuskers merchandise to cheer on the team for another national championship!

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