Huskerkill: Warren Sapp
14 comments so far
June 18, 2008 by
Once again, we pick a player that Nebraska faced only a single time. But Warren Sapp certainly made an impression in the 1995 Orange Bowl. The Miami defensive tackle was an All-American and won the Lombardi Award that goes to the best lineman nationally. He was the type of game-changing lineman that makes it so hard to be effective running the option.
The game had national championship implications for both programs. Nebraska was undefeated and with only a single loss for Miami, the Hurricanes could win the national championship with a victory over the Cornhuskers and a Rose Bowl loss by Penn State.
Early in the game, Sapp’s presence was obvious. He made a number of plays early in the game and celebrated boisterously. Humility was not necessarily one of Sapp’s talents. The Hurricanes forced a three and out on the Huskers’ opening possession and after a Tommie Frazier interception, he sacked Brook Berringer on his first series.
As the game wore on, the Huskers continued to hang in the game and the toll the Husker offensive line (which had a couple of All-Americans and an Outland winner) was taking on Miami was obvious. Sapp was famously seen with his hands on his hips, bending over to catch his breath, and sucking on oxygen trying to maintain his strength.
But as most every Nebraska fan knows, Tommie Frazier re-entered the game in the fourth quarter and marched the Huskers on two touchdown drives that would win the game. After one play Sapp famously asked Frazier, “Where you been Tommie?” To which Tommie replied, “It’s not where I’ve been fat boy, it’s where I’m going”.
Sapp still went on to become a high draft pick and have a storied NFL career. But the Huskers handed him and his Hurricanes their second home loss of the season, which was only the second home loss for Miami in ten years. In the end, he was shamed both for failing to maintain what had been a strong Miami tradition of dominance in their home stadium, but also his early-game antics seemed especially embarrassing when he ran out of gas.
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cvldfg Jun 18 08
Where's the video?
VarangianGuard Jun 18 08
I wouldn't really call Sapp a Huskerkill. He was effective early, but obviously was a non-factor when it counted. He is just a loudmouth that plays a mean two quarters of football.
Jerry B. Decker Jun 18 08
My sister who lives in Elwood NE had the perfect headline for that game. HUSKERS BEAT THE SAPP OUT OF MIAMI.
Ty Hughes Jun 18 08
This marked the early part of my days as an emerging Husker fan. I remembered watches him struggle for air and the Huskers do exactly what my mentoring fan was telling me would happen. This was a glorious moment I would never forget and the favorite Huskerkill entry I've read in this series so far.
ze bop Jun 18 08
I think our D was the story of that game, we had their QB on his 'A' alot. Who was it, Toretta, Kosar? Can't remember.
James Moore Jun 18 08
Ze, I believe that it was Frank Costa. Sapp qualifies for this series because of the well documented article depicting his early in game dominance regressing to the point of literal exhaustion of the Hurricane front 7. No small accomplishment considering behind Sapp was Ray Lewis. A harbinger of the things to come over the next 4 years was shown brilliantly in the 4th quarter of this game. Years of frustration in the Orange Bowl were exorcised and year 2 or our 60-3 run was around the corner. The physically dominating, psychologically imposing, and submission-killing offensive line that was one of the hallmarks of this run came of age that night in the Orange Bowl. . .
Bob Jun 19 08
Sapp...just another typical loudmouth cane thug.
ze bop Jun 19 08
Thanks James Moore, I think you are correct about Costa. I supposed I could have googled it...
Sapp was/still is(?) a great player, but it is funny that NE was in better condition than the Canes in that game, especially since it was on their home turf/climate. They probably were partying too much leading up to the game: overconfident.
I've pretty much hated Miami since they got good, especially since Schnellenberger, can't stand that guy. Was amazed when the Sooners took that guy on board as the HC in the dark years of that program.
I do like their 2nd year coach Randy Shannon though, but still can't get myself to like the Canes.
I've been to Miami twice, once when I was in the NU marching band back in '78 when we had to play the Sooners 4 a second time that year. Didn't have a good time on either visit, I just don't like Miami, period, though thers a bzillion hot babes there now.
Would rather go to California for a vacay.
Anyway, Miami has had a ton of great players go thru there, so you have to respect that.
AustinHusker Jun 20 08
One of my favorite memories as a Husker fan.
Thanks
Dywane Jun 20 08
My favorite huskerkill as well.
Remeber, Nebraska ran up the middle for the game tying and game winning touchdown. Right over Sapp and the heart of the Miami D. Definetly a huskerkill.
scott Jun 21 08
Hey flabufff27,
CU has gotten their own coaches fired too. "What do you mean it's wrong to get our players hookers?"
At least it wasn't a 70-3 drubbing in a championship game. Or a loss to a lower division school. And don't get me started on Rae Carruth.
Steve Jun 21 08
Sorry to break the continuity on the comments but it appears that an 11 year-old Buff fan got a hold of some Red Bull and decided to stay up all night and throw something of a tantrum online (I picture his Mom speaking in soothing tones and trying to get him to calm down as he kicks and cries).
It's not like Nebraska doesn't deserve this hostility from Buff fans:
http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2007/11/he_of_a_series_1.html
http://bigrednetwork.com/archives/2006/11/no_wonder_they_hate_us.html
scott Jun 22 08
Hey The Truth,
You say history is all we have to hold on to? How about CU hanging on to the 62-36 score? You should think before you speak. CU hasn't really done any better than NU as of late.
Montana Statekill: Colorado Buffaloes.
Wilbur Jul 01 08
This is the greatest idea ever. I f'n love it. Best thing I found on the blogs in a while.
War Eagle