
Normally, a game like the one between Nebraska and Missouri on Nov. 3, 1962 — one that featured three Husker fumbles and resulted in a 16-7 loss for the Cornhuskers — should have been relegated to the footnotes of the program’s history.
No one knew it then, but that day kickstarted one of the most unbreakable records in college sports — Nebraska football’s unbelievable sellout streak.
Sixty-one years and 10 months later, the unprecedented mark continues.
Nebraska has reached the highest of highs since then, winning five national championships. Nebraska has plummeted to low lows since then, like the worst stretch in program history.
Through it all, though, there’s been one constant.
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Every game has been sold out.
In an era of college football where there has been constant change, Nebraska’s sellout streak is like an emotional comfort blanket. It’s something that can almost be taken for granted when you’ve become so accustomed to full stands when the play on the field may or may not have warranted 80,000-plus.
“When you’re a part of it, you don’t know any better,” Nebraska’s defensive coordinator Tony White said. “This is all we know. This is all Nebraskans know.”
But this isn’t normal. Far from it.
And Nebraska’s coaching staff hasn’t taken it for granted — especially knowing the attendance habits of some of their previous schools.
Nebraska’s NCAA-record sellout streak at Memorial Stadium hit 350 games in 2016. The Huskers defeated Oregon, 35-32.
Journal Star file photo
Temple, for example, averaged 22,473 fans per game for Matt Rhule’s first year leading the Owls in 2013 — ranking No. 91 out of 128 FBS programs at the time.
San Diego State, for example, averaged 32,406 fans per game for White’s fourth season coaching cornerbacks in 2014 — ranking No. 65 out of 129 FBS programs at the time.
“I go back to what I tell my colleagues and friends back home. ‘We get 66,000 for the spring game, guys,’” White said. “‘That’s more almost every other place I’ve been when they were playing during the season. To go out there and see 90,000?
“… Feeling the electricity from the fans and when we take the ball away, now you’ve got all the crowd doing the dance. It is something that is truly special. You talk to recruits after the game and they’re just like, ‘Wow. I’ve been to a lot of games, but it’s different.’ That’s just being a part of something truly, truly magical, truly special.”
Celebrating the 400th sellout on a Friday night feels like the antithesis of college football, though.
Friday night’s clash against No. 24 Illinois will be the first Friday night game in Memorial Stadium. Ever.
There’s no denying that it’s frustrating. There’s no denying that it’s annoying. There’s no denying that it will be a logistical mess. There’s no denying that it feels like a money and power grab from the Big Ten’s broadcast partners. There’s no denying that it sure feels like a slight when Michigan and Ohio State aren’t asked to do this.
But it’s the hand we’re all dealt. From players to coaches to fans to parking attendants to concession workers to high school coaches and players to everyone else affected, there’s not much we can do about it now.
And we’re going to make the most of it.
If you need to be convinced, just listen to sophomore running back Emmett Johnson.
“I love playing on Friday nights because it feels like a high school game,” Johnson said. “I love playing here, especially at night time. It’s gonna be a great environment.”
The environment in Memorial Stadium over the last few weeks has been incredible. The Colorado game was deafeningly loud. The Northern Iowa game was tinnitus-inducing, too.
Being able to play in that environment — let alone win in it — is something that isn’t lost on Nebraska’s Ty Robinson, one of the team’s elder statesmen.
It wasn’t too long ago for him that Memorial Stadium sat empty while they played in 2020. Knowing what that experience was like compared to this season so far, makes him “100%” more appreciative of the edge the fans have brought this season.
“They say there’s no better place. I really believe that,” said Robinson, an Arizona native. “I’ve always told how appreciative I am of the support that the fans gave us over the last six years I’ve been here. There’s never been a drop. Was definitely weird during COVID not being able to have everyone in there, but just to be able to play in front of these people who pour their heart and soul into us and just want us to win so badly and be good, I think it’s just awesome to be able to go out there and represent.”
Other than sellout No. 1, Husker teams who have played in previous milestone games have handled their business. Nebraska has earned victories in sellouts Nos. 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350.
Sellout No. 50: a 42-6 win over Utah State in 1971.
Sellout No. 100: a 42-17 win over No. 18 Penn State in 1979.
Sellout No. 150: a 42-33 win over No. 3 UCLA in 1987.
Sellout No. 200: a 24-7 win over No. 2 Colorado in 1994.
Sellout No. 250: a 44-13 win over Utah State in 2002.
Sellout No. 300: a 55-0 win over Louisiana-Lafayette in 2009.
Sellout No. 350: a 35-32 win over No. 22 Oregon in 2016.
Sellout No. 400? We’ll see.
Rhule knows the task at hand this week. He’s well aware of how important this one is.
“Getting to 400 will be great,” he said. “My job, though, is to make sure we win that game so people leave happy.”
Photos: Nebraska football back under the lights vs. Northern Iowa — Sept. 14

Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola signals during the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule reacts after losing a challenge against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule argues an interception call with game officials in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) tackles Northern Iowa’s Desmond Hutson (18) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini (13) holds the ball as kicker Tristan Alvano (30) scores a field goal in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg runs off the field in the third quarter on Saturday against Northern Iowa at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Northern Iowa’s Tye Edwards (2) gains a few yards by spinning past Nebraska defenders in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Jake Nelson, father of Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (29) talks with his son after the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (7) celebrates with teammate Tommi Hill after making a stop against Northern Iowa in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen (left) and Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule walk off the field together after the win over Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Northern Iowa’s Amauri Pesek-Hickson (5) is brought down by Nebraska’s Tommi Hill (6) and DeShon Singleton (8) in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (9) celebrates after blocking a pass in the second quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) and Dylan Raiola (15) stand together on the sideline on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) tackles Northern Iowa quarterback Aidan Dunne (10) as he tries to run the ball on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (29) runs the ball while pressured by Northern Iowa’s JJ Dervil (3) in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) battles through a tackle attempt by Northern Iowa’s JJ Dervil (3) to score a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

After being tripped up by Northern Iowa’s JJ Dervil (3), Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) dives forward for a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska assistant coach Tony White walks the field during warm-ups on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska players exit out of the tunnel walk before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15), Bryce Benhart (54), and Mikai Gbayor (42), lead the Huskers in the tunnel walk before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (right) is embraced by former classmates Jackson Knust (left) and Trey Smith after the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Jaylen Lloyd (19) runs with the ball as Northern Iowa’s Bradley Vislisel (90) chases on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson carries the ball against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola runs with the ball against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Brian Buschini kicks the ball against Northern Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Carter Nelson scores a touchdown against Northern Iowa’s Jonathan Cabral-Martin in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Northern Iowa’s quarterback Aidan Dunne (10) is helped off the field after an injury in the second half, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Princewill Umanmielen (left) pressures Northern Iowa’s Aidan Dunne, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (right) hands the ball to Heinrich Haarberg in the third quarter against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg carries the ball in the third quarter against Northern Iowa, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule shakes hands with Northern Iowa’s Mark Farley, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson scores against Northern Iowa in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (right) celebrates his touchdown against Northern Iowa with teammate Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (right) is embraced by former classmates Jackson Knust (left) and Trey Smith after the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (7) and Keona Davis (97) bring down Northern Iowa’s Tye Edwards (2) on a run in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) pumps up the crowd in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (7), Mikai Gbayor (42), and Vincent Shavers (10) tackle Northern Iowa’s Amauri Pesek-Hickson (5) in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Northern Iowa’s Keith Moko (20) breaks up a pass intended for Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (24) dives toward the end zone after being hit by Northern Iowa’s Ben Belken (33) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Stefon Thompson (56) and Isaac Gifford (2) tackle Northern Iowa’s Tye Edwards in the third quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (23) sheds a tackle by Northern Iowa’s Fletcher Marshall (6) in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Northern Iowa’s Aidan Dunne reacts after recovering a fumble in the second quarter during the Nebraska game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson celebrates a defensive play against Northern Iowa in the second quarter, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor dances after scoring against Northern Iowa in the second quarter on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor scores against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola takes a snap against Northern Iowa in the first quarter on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Fans cheer as the Nebraska football team takes the field before the Northern Iowa game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
JUSTIN WAN, Journal Star

The moon rises behind the North stadium on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (right) blocks a pass by Northern Iowa quarterback Aidan Dunne (10) in the second quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Kai Wallin (93) celebrates after making a tackle against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles after a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles while walking the sideline with quarterback Dylan Raiola during the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

A pass intended for Northern Iowa’s Sergio Morancy (21) is broken up by Nebraska’s Marques Buford (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) dances in the endzone as he celebrates scoring a second quarter touchdown against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (29) hits Northern Northern Iowa’s Caleb Frazer (17) as he runs into the end zone for a first quarter touchdown on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star

Nebraska’s Janiran Bonner (16) celebrates with teammate Isaiah Neyor (18) as Neyor runs in a touchdown in the first half on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen is seen on the sideline before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen speaks with Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) warms-up with his teammates before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Fans arrive outside Memorial Stadium ahead of the Northern Iowa game, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.
JUSTIN WAN Journal Star

Young Husker fans line up for players to high-five them during the Legacy Walk before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Nebraska fan Truman Stubbendieck, 12, of Omaha, relaxes ahead of the Legacy Walk before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

Hudson Hill, 5, of Omaha, and Grayson Will, 7, of Lincoln play on The Husker Legacy Statue before the game against Northern Iowa on Saturday, Sep. 14, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star

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