Nebraska Sets Series With Volunteers Ten Years From Now
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June 26, 2006 by
I was really excited to learn the Huskers would be playing a home and home series with Tennessee…until I saw the date. The Volunteers will visit Lincoln on September 10, 2016 and the Huskers will travel to Knoxville on September 9, 2017. Darn, I was already booked to get my teeth cleaned the day of the home game and need to be home for the cable guy the day of the road game. Could they give us a little warning next time?
Really, this is what you call “job security scheduling”. Is there any reason to believe that that Nebraska Athletic Director Steve Pederson, NU head coach Bill Callahan, Tennessee head coach Phil Fulmer, and Volunteer AD Mike Hamilton will all still be employed by their respective schools when this game finally comes around? I’d bet the under. All four could be wildly successful between 2006 and 2015 but even then the lure of retirements or bigger jobs could end their runs at their respective schools.
But at least for now there’s some buzz and positive press. But really, is there any need to line up these games three presidential elections from now? Maybe one or both sides wanted the option to back out and so 10 years gives enough time to come up with an excuse. Either way, I refuse to give the series another thought until the recruiting season of 2012 begins.
That doesn’t give me much time-that’s only six years away, when Nebraska might face a slate of both UCLA and Penn State. Between now and then Husker fans can look forward to topping the Nittany Lions in the all-time series. Joe Paterno? Let’s just say he’ll be there in spirit.
Truthfully, right now I’m more excited by the Florida Atlantic game. NU finally scheduled a division I-A team as its appetizer game for the season instead of these embarrassing I-AA squads we’ve seen lately. Even better, they are led by former Miami head coach Howard Schnellenberger, a man Nebraskans love to hate. Now that’s progress!
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darren Jun 26 06
Good post, Steve.
Personally, I'm thinking of this game has a chance to be my daughter's "first big game"...since she's 3 month's old today. I guess 10 is the right age for a kid to be a really big fan. :-)
You're right that there is no way of knowing if either coach will still be employed by thier school in 2016. After all, both programs HAVE had a losing season within the last 2 years. Still, these are great brand names in college ball.
Finally, I have to give some credit to Steve P. for the recent scheduling run. USC this year, then VT, UCLA and now Tennessee. Still room for one more in that decade. Bring on the Big 10!