Huskerkill: Thurman Thomas
11 comments so far
June 10, 2008 by
Thurman Thomas had a Hall of Fame career as a running back for the Buffalo Bills. He played in four Super Bowls and five pro-bowls. Before that, he was a trash-talking All-American running back at Oklahoma State.
Thomas’ first experience against the Huskers was in a 34-24 NU win in which he tallied 71 yards on 22 carries and scored on a third-quarter two-yard touchdown run that pulled the Cowboys within 3 points of Nebraska. Not a huge day, but not a horrible one either. The Cowboys were ranked fifth nationally going into the game and the Huskers ninth. Much like the Super Bowl, it would be all downhill from the first game.
A year later, the third-ranked Huskers hosted the Cowboys for homecoming. Led by All-American nose guard Danny Noonan (an animal of a player who was double-teamed more times in his career than Jenna Jameson), NU held Thomas to just 38 yards on 22 carries and the OSU offense was held without a touchdown in a 30-10 Husker win. Yet that might still be considered a high point compared to what was to come.
Some words were exchanged between the players prior to the 1987 contest and Thurman Thomas was right in the middle of it. The twelfth-ranked Cowboys were hosting the second-ranked Huskers and as the nation’s leading rusher Thomas wasn’t content to do his talking on the field. Led by Broderick “The Sandman” Thomas and Neil Smith Nebraska blanked OSU in a 35-0 rout. Thomas managed only 7 yards on 9 carries. The Huskers had not only the last laugh, but pretty much every laugh in Thurman Thomas’ career.
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darren Jun 10 08
GREAT stuff, Steve.
It's easy to forget about Thomas because of Barry Sanders' exploits while at OSU. It's nice to remember when the Huskers stuffed and NFL HOF player.
And, your reference to Noonan/Jameson about made me spit out my morning coffee.
Johnny Vito Jun 10 08
I thought the term "Husker kill" meant getting blown out 45-14 in your home stadium. Down 38-0 at the half? Couldn't even score until the 4th when OSU had their scrubs in. There was a collective gasp coming from the stadium as Dantrell Savage ran all over the huskers 212 yards. Maybe you guys forgot that OSU has won 3 out of the last 4. Just keeping remembering the good old days when the Big Red used to be better than Kansas and Mizzu. Now you guys are about 4th in the North and probably the 9th worst team in the Big 12.
You have to mouth OSU's HOF running back because your best players bust in the NFL or beat their wives, girlfreinds, mistresses, and mommas. Thomas may have been a trash talker but at least he wasn't a wife beater. cough.... Lawrence Phillips... cough.
saunders45 Jun 10 08
Look kids, a Troll. Isn't he cute!?Kids, the troll is a creature who spends his days trying to start arguments with others to feel better than himself. Now the troll, whose bark is much worse than his bite, and often suffers from personal issues such as feelings of inadequacy and low self esteem. To make himself fell better, he tries to puff himself up by putting down others with random left-field arguments and 'insults.' Trolls often reside in their mother's basements, feasting on cheese puffs and sodie pop!!!
darren Jun 10 08
Hi there Johnny.
Steve mentioned in his first article that the "Husker Kill" series is the more Husker positive counterpart to a series we ran earlier this year called Husker Killers. There we described, in pretty ugly detail, some of the players we thought crushed NU the most.
Since you're clearly more in to that kind of topic, maybe give them a look. Or you can just keep running your yap about how bad Nebraska was last year. Because, yeah, none of us remember that at all. Wow.
Savor the flavor of that very ugly year NU now if you like. Because I'm willing to guess it won't be back very soon. And, of course, thanks for dropping by BRN. (smile)
bnahusker Jun 10 08
Dear Johnny Vito,
Welcome! I must admit that I can't comment on last years game, as I live "Out of Market" but yeah, ya'll laid a whoopin' on our Huskers. Congratulations. We've met your cousins from Manhattan and Columbia, and we have welcomed them too. We have also listened to their "We Kicked your a**" lines, and allowed them to have their day. Funny though, I don't remember any Jayhawkers coming in and thumping their chests after beating us soundly last year. They must have a different mind set in Lawrence.
Dear Saunders45..........Don't be a hater of the Cheese Puffs!
GBR
Bob
PS NU Leads the OSU Series 36-5-1 with an average score of NU 30, OSU 13.
cvldfg Jun 10 08
Hey wanna be gangster, (really..., Johnny Vito). Was Johnny "I'm an idiot" taken? Go back to the osu websites and learn the history of the series and your program before you spout diarrhea out of your mouth.
Maybe "The Man of 40" can teach you. I'm sure he can regale you with stories of how he got his ass kicked on a regular basis when he played against NEBRASKA.
While it is true we have been down the last couple of years, doesn't make you guys good. It's like beating up a person on their death bed and claiming you are a tough guy. Oh wait, with a name like Johnny Vito, you must be a tough guy.
This is why interlopers should be treated like children in a grown up conversation. BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD!!!!
aaron Jun 10 08
I guess if you're feeling down, you can always think back to the good times. Or you can see a psychiatrist for medication. If you run out of things to write, I'd suggest cocaine and an amusement park. After that, if you're still this needy, buy a bullet and rent a gun.
ze bop Jun 10 08
Is it our fault that J. Vito hasn't grasped the context of the 'Husker Kill' series?
Whatever...
Greg Morrow Jun 10 08
Looking back on that period, I'm reminded of what Osborne said, probably more that once. To the effect of, "Oklahoma State's 1st team talent is as good as anybody's in the conference, they just don't have the depth." In the 24 consecutive seasons his teams beat Okie st., there were definitely some close shaves. I didn't catch any of "Thermal's" college games, just the HoF career. What a multi use back!
I rather enjoyed the Okie posters comments, from the "feisty" standpoint. All Nebraska's conference opponents are now scrappy, with fans who are quite confident of their teams prowess.
Quality points wise, Vito and aaron are "guppys" that I'll leave in the pond (why disrupt the food chain?)
I expect Nebraska to play in the conference title game, in one of the next two seasons, but most likely Okie st. won't be there to join them. So, we'll have to wait for the '10 season.
James Moore Jun 12 08
John Vito and Aaron,
Better get that oil money and buy some players and a football program before the global oil markets crash. After that you're window has closed Poke State. You're Oklahoma's red-headed stepchild and you always will be. Only T Boone's money has put a heartbeat back into the program. . .
Nanc Jun 16 08
At least OUR running backs are memorable - (OSU) - Tailback U, anyone?
Sure didn't refer to Nebraska.
I'm sorry that Thomas didn't kiss your rears....but I wouldn't trade him for anybody!
(and here I have always had great respect for Nebraska fans - must now consider that a past-tense kind of phrase.--beginning to remind me of some fans south of us....