There’s a lot of great Husker memorabilia out there. Husker Attic is how we’ve showcased those vintage finds in every issue of Hail Varsity since our very first one. In the weeks ahead we’re sharing some of those gems online for the first time. Brought to you by Husker Army Presents 2020 Husker Collectible and Autograph Show.
1997 National Championship Ball
The Bowl Alliance included the Fiesta Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl and lasted from 1995 to 1997. In the first season, those bowls were hosts to champions of the SEC, Big Eight, Southwest Conference, ACC and Big East, as well as Notre Dame, with one at-large bid. The Southwest Conference disbanded after the 1995 season; the Big 12 was formed, replacing the Big Eight; and the Alliance added a second at-large bid.
>>Nebraska played in two of the three Bowl Alliance championship games, defeating 62-24 in the Fiesta Bowl after the 1995 season to win an undisputed national championship and Tennessee 42-17 in the Orange Bowl after the 1997 season to earn the coaches' national championship. Michigan, which defeated Washington State in the Rose Bowl, was voted the Associated Press national champion.
>>I-back Atman Green rushed for 206 yards and two touchdowns and quarterback Scott Frost rushed for 60 yards and three touchdowns in the No. 2-ranked Huskers' victory.
>>The Bowl Alliance championship game matched the two highest-ranked teams from its conferences (or Notre Dame) and was rotated among the three bowls, which were played on consecutive days, Dec. 31, Jan. 1 and Jan. 2.
>>The Orange Bowl victory against No. 3-ranked Tennessee was Tom Osborne's final game as coach. The Volunteers' quarterback was Peyton Manning.
Looking to add some new Husker memorabilia to your own collection? The 2019 Husker Collectible and Autograph Show, presented by Husker Army, is the place for you the day after Nebraska’s spring game. Find full details of the event at the Husker Army Facebook page.
Mike is in his 40th year covering Husker athletics, after seven years of community-college teaching. He has written and edited a dozen books, all on Nebraska football except one, a brief history of Husker basketball. He previously wrote for the Lincoln Journal and Star and Huskers Illustrated. He enjoys music, from the Grateful Dead and Jack Johnson to Van Morrison, Bob Wills, Glenn Miller and pretty much anyone else.
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