Omaha Exploration

With Nebraska playing its third Big Ten game of the season this weekend, we continue our exploration with this weeks opponent – Rutgers. Probably not surprising to most of you is that these two teams have only played each other once before finding themselves in the same conference in 2011.

The first game between these two teams took place on election day 1920. Not only that but this game marks the first time that the Cornhuskers traveled to the East Coast. They came into the game with a 3-1 record under the guidance of Henry Schulte, his second and final season as head coach of the football team. Nebraska playing as an independent had wins against Washburn, Coloado State and South Dakota. Its only loss was against Notre Dame.

Below are pictures of Head Coach Henry Schulte and Nebraska Legend Clarence Swanson.

The size of the Nebraska faithful that travelled to New York to cheer on their team caught the local media by surprise. Once the game started, Nebraska quickly proved it was the dominant team with a quick paced attack. Right Halfback Harold Hartley scored the games first touchdown on the first play of the second quarter. Nebraska finished the half with a 14-0 lead after Ernest Hubka threw a 15-yard pass to Clarence Swanson for a touchdown. The Nebraska defense meanwhile held the Scarlet Knights to just one first down in the first half. In the second half, Halfback Vern Moore contributed a score on the ground to put the visiting team up 21-0. Swanson scored his second touchdown of the day after he snagged a deflected pass and took it to the house. Nebraska won the game 28-0.

On the left is a photo of the game between Nebraska and Rutgers and on the right is the Polo Grounds, site of the game.

Clarence Swanson was among the Huskers best players in its early days. He served as the captain for his senior year and earned All American honors was inducted into the College Football hall of Fame in 1973.

Nebraska also began honoring members of the Husker football family with the Clarence E. Swanson Memorial Award in 1972. The award honors a person “for outstanding contributions to the University of Nebraska and the Husker athletic department through personal service, personal support of athletic department programs and dedication to the Husker football program and intercollegiate athletics.” He also served three terms on the Nebraska Board of Regents. In 2007 he was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

Just four days after the win against Rutgers, Nebraska traveled to State College and lost to Penn State 20-0. In its remaining games they would tie against Kansas, beat Michigan State and finish the season with a one point loss to Washington State. Schulte’s 5-3-1 record wasn’t quite up to Nebraska’s standards at the and he was fired after the season though he did remain on as its track coach.

The two teams would have to wait 94 years for a rematch. Since then the two teams have played five more times. Nebraska remains undefeated against Rutgers with a 6-0 record. The 14-13 win in Piscataway, New Jersey two years ago was the series closest game.

Halfback Dante Dowdell on the left and Nebraska Coach Matt Rhule and Rutgers Coach Greg Schiano.

Let me know what you thought of the Purdue game and your prediction against Rutgers.

Until next time, keep exploring!

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