HUSKER BASEBALL BLASTS PAST NEW MEXICO STATE:
Nebraska jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings and posted a 12-6 win over New Mexico State on Tuesday night at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.
The Huskers (6-9) tied a season-best 12 runs on 10 hits and committed no errors, while the Aggies (9-5) had six runs on four hits and three errors.
Dawson McCarville dealt six shutout innings, allowing only a single in the fourth and striking out a career-high 10 Aggies. New Mexico State scored all six of its runs on a grand slam and two walks with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth.
Today’s first pitch between the Huskers and Aggies is set for 1:35 p.m. at Hawks Field at Haymarket Park.
FORMER HUSKER GREGORY SIGNS WITH BRONCOS, WHIFFS COWBOYS:
In a reversal of free-agency fortune, the Denver Broncos have agreed to terms with outside linebacker Randy Gregory.
The Dallas Cowboys announced on the team’s social media accounts Tuesday morning that Gregory had agreed to a deal to return to the team, but multiple Broncos sources later confirmed that he instead is joining Denver. The deal is the same in basic construction: five years, $70 million, with $28 million of guarantees largely coming in the first two years.
The former Blackshirt joins Bradley Chubb as the starting outside linebackers in the Broncos’ 3-4 defense. The Broncos are hopeful that Gregory can continue his career resurgence.
UNK SOFTBALL SWEEPS BEARCATS MONDAY, GRIFFONS TUESDAY:
Lefty Madison Rosenthal threw five shut out innings in game one and freshman Sydney Thomason delivered a two-out, game winning single in the top of the seventh in game two as Nebraska-Kearney swept Missouri Western State, 3-0 and 4-2, Tuesday afternoon in St. Joseph.
These games were pushed back three full days due to wintry weather. Both clubs started their MIAA seasons with sweeps, UNK (10-12, 4-0) beating Northwest Missouri and the Griffons (7-13, 2-2) besting Fort Hays State.
This is UNK’s best MIAA start, surpassing a 3-0 effort in 2020, and its best league start since the 2006 team went 8-0 in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) play.
The Lopers remain in St. Joe this week as they take part in the Drury Inn Invitational this Friday-Sunday, playing six Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conf. (NSIC) teams.
MATT MALCOLM: UNK NATIONAL CHAMPION & TEAM TITLE COMMENTS:
MALCOLM – INCREDIBLE FEELING KNOWING LOPERS WERE CHAMPS
The UNK Wrestling team claimed their fourth National Championship team title over the past weekend with a dominating performance, scoring the most points in team history in a national tournament. Super senior Matt Malcolm, an individual champion at 165 pounds, added the satisfaction his team felt after all the work they had put in…
The Lopers had wrapped up the national title prior to the finals of the national tournament. UNK outscored the runner-up by 41 points, one of the largest margins of victory ever at the D2 level.
MALCOLM – GLAD I HAD A CHANCE TO END UP ON TOP
UNK Super senior Matt Malcolm was already an individual national champion from 2019 but was looking to edge one more title to his name prior to his final match as a Loper. When Malcolm lost the opportunity to compete for a championship in 2020 at a new weight class due to the pandemic cancellation, the Iowa native knew he would be ready for the next chance…
Malcolm ended his Loper career as a two time national champion in two different weight classes, as well as being the only 5-time All-American in UNK History.
GARRETT NELSON: BUSSIN’ WITH THE BOYS PODCAST COMMENTS:
NELSON – WHAT IT MEANT TO EARN A BLACKSHIRT
Defensive hybrid Garrett Nelson was featured on former Blackshirt Will Compton’s ‘Bussin’ with the Boys’ podcast this week and was asked to describe the emotional moment he learned he had become a Blackshirt himself…
The Scottsbluff native has earned a blackshirt each season, and looks to be one of the key pieces to the Huskers defensive scheme this season as a defensive end and linebacker.
NELSON – NO DEFENSIVE FREAKOUT IN TOUGH SEASON
Garrett Nelson joined former Blackshirt Will Compton’s ‘Bussin’ with the Boys’ podcast this week and spoke about how the defense kept its composure over the course of a tough season last year…
The Blackshirts look to carry that same focus into this season to help aid a new offensive system being implemented for the Big Red.
NELSON – DEFENSE HAS NOW SET THE STANDARD
Defensive hybrid Garrett Nelson joined former Blackshirt Will Compton’s ‘Bussin’ with the Boys’ podcast this week and spoke about the new set standard for defense for Nebraska led by a stellar performance last year…
The Huskers aim to continue that success despite replacing major talent at each level of the defense.
STORM’S MILLER EARNS 6th CAREER WEEKLY AWARD
Tri-City Storm defenseman Mitchell Miller has been named the USHL’s Defenseman of the Week for the second time this season and the sixth time in his USHL career. Miller notched his second career USHL hat trick in the Storm’s 8-2 home victory over the Fargo Force on Friday.
He also scored a goal in Tri-City’s 6-1 win over the Force on Saturday. Miller currently leads all USHL defensemen this season in Goals (27), Points (63), Game-Winning Goals (8), Plus/Minus Rating (+35), Points-Per-Game (1.37), and Shots on Goal (199).
HUSKER T&F LEGEND CHARLIE GREEN PASSES AWAY:
Former Nebraska track and field world record holder and Olympic gold medalist Charlie Greene passed away at the age of 76 on Monday.
Greene was a six-time national champion on the track for the Huskers during his career from 1965-67, winning the most NCAA titles of any Nebraska male track and field student-athlete. Greene, who was inducted into the first Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015, won three straight 60-yard dash titles at the 1965, 1966 and 1967 NCAA Indoor Championships, and he was also the NCAA outdoor champion in the 100-meter dash in each of those years. The first Husker to successfully defend an NCAA title in any sport, Greene was also a seven-time All-American and 11-time conference champion. To this day, Greene holds Nebraska school records in the 50-yard dash, 60-yard dash and 100-meter dash.
A former world record holder in the 100-meter dash, Greene was a two-time U.S. Olympian.
HUSKER SOFTBALL SHUTOUT BY SAN DIEGO:
The Nebraska softball team (15-8) fell in game two, 4-0, to the San Diego Toreros (13-17).
Courtney Wallace (6-3) received the loss after starting and pitching 5.0 innings, striking out four and giving up seven hits. Kaylin Kinney pitched the final inning, facing four batters.
Nebraska will travel to Lawrence, Kan., for the Rock Chalk Challenge next weekend, March 18-20.
SPORTS NIGHTLY: NEBRASKA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL AMY WILLIAMS COMMENTS:
WILLIAMS – GONZAGA IS A CHALLENGING FIRST ROUND
Head Coach of the Nebraska Women’s Basketball team Amy Williams joined Sports Nightly on Monday to preview the Huskers NCAA Tournament run this week. Williams added that her team was not flustered with their selection as a lower-than-expected seeding…
The Huskers battle Gonzaga on Friday at 2:30 PM with pregame coverage beginning at 2:15 PM on KGFW.
WILLIAMS – REFRESHING TO FACE NEW TEAMS
Amy Williams, Head Coach of the Nebraska Women’s Basketball team, joined Sports Nightly on Monday and spoke on the Huskers’ excitement to face some new teams after facing mainly conference opponents for the past two seasons…
The Huskers were placed into the Wichita bracket with first contests being played at No. 1 seed host Louisville. Nebraska is placed at No. 8 and takes on No. 9 Gonzaga on Friday.
WILLIAMS – HUSKERS CONTINUE TO BELIEVE
Head Coach of the NCAA Tournament bound Husker Women’s basketball team Amy Williams joined Sports Nightly on Monday and spoke about how her team continues to believe in their ability to compete on the national stage…
Nebraska faces No. 9 seed Gonzaga on Friday, with the winner likely taking on No. 1 Louisville on Sunday.
CASEY THOMPSON: BUSSIN’ WITH THE BOYS PODCAST COMMENTS:
THOMPSON – FIRST CALL IN PORTAL WENT TO ADRIAN MARTINEZ
Former Texas quarterback and Husker transfer Casey Thompson spoke on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast hosted by former Blackshirt Will Compton last week, and spoke about his transfer portal process. The former Longhorn explains that one of his first decisions when looking at a new school was to call a former Husker…
Thompson picked Nebraska over the likes of Auburn, Oklahoma, among other major schools and is projected as the starting quarterback by major outlets.
THOMPSON – RECRUITMENT TO NEBRASKA
Husker transfer quarterback Casey Thompson opened up about his recruitment to the Big Red from Texas on the ‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ podcast hosted by former Blackshirt Will Compton. Thompson said he was confident in his choice due to the personal relationships built…
Thompson added that his first day in Lincoln was on January 18th, with first classes and winter conditioning beginning the following day.
THOMPSON – NIL DEALS ARE BETTER AT NEBRASKA
Casey Thompson joined the ‘Bussin’ With the Boys’ Podcast hosted by former Blackshirt Will Compton prior to Spring Break and spoke on a major reason he elected to transfer to Nebraska over other schools: the Big Red’s NIL opportunities…
Nebraska is one of the only schools in the country with NIL deals for student-athletes across more than three athletics.
HUSKER WRESTLING TRAVELS TO DETROIT FOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:
The Nebraska wrestling team heads to Detroit for the 2022 NCAA Championships in the quest for a national title. The three-day event will consist of six sessions beginning Thursday morning at the Little Caesar’s Arena.
Eight grapplers compose the field for Nebraska at this year’s national championship. Seven earned automatic bids as a result of their finishes at the Big Ten Championships, including Ridge Lovett (149), Peyton Robb (157), Bubba Wilson (165), Mikey Labriola (174), Taylor Venz (184), Eric Schultz (197) and Christian Lance (285). Chad Red Jr. earned an at-large bid.
The championships will be streamed on ESPNU and ESPN2, with championship matches on ESPN on Saturday.
HUSKER PRACTICE COMMENTS: LOGAN SMOTHERS:
SMOTHERS – QB COMPETITION MAKES EVERYONE BETTER
Junior quarterback Logan Smothers came from the state of Alabama as a freshman to compete for the starting quarterback job at Nebraska, and adds that even with the added transfer quarterbacks he thinks it will only make him a better player…
The quarterback is competing with returning talent Heinrich Haarberg as well as transfers Casey Thompson and Chubba Purdy for the starting role under center.
SMOTHERS – OFFENSE HEADING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Quarterback Logan Smothers spoke to the media prior to Spring Break for the Nebraska Football team and was asked his thoughts on the new offensive assistants to the coaching staff…
The Alabama native also added that certain elements of the offense and terminology have carried over from the prior offensive coaching staff.
SMOTHERS – I AM HERE TO STAY AND COMPETE
Logan Smothers ended the regular season as the starter for the Nebraska Cornhusker football team, leading the Huskers in the season finale against Iowa. The Alabama native entered the off-season facing adversity however, as talented transfers chose to join the Huskers. Smothers had no hesitation in his decision to stay in Lincoln…
Smothers will compete through the spring with Casey Thompson, Chubba Purdy, and Heinrich Haarberg for the starting gig behind center for the Big Red.
SMOTHERS – QUARTERBACK RUN IS HERE TO STAY:
The Huskers offense received a makeover in the form of new offensive coordinator Mark Whipple as well as other new offensive assistants. Quarterback Logan Smothers added however that some of Head Coach Scott Frost’s philosophies remain intact…
Smothers was used primarily in the run game in his only start on the season, rushing 24 times against the Hawkeyes in the season finale.
HUSKER PRACTICE COMMENTS: CASEY THOMPSON:
THOMPSON – OFFENSE IS DIVERSE, AGGRESSIVE
Nebraska transfer quarterback Casey Thompson spoke on the new offensive system put in place by offensive coordinator Mark Whipple last week during spring practices…
The Huskers are still determining their starting quarterback, but will have to wait another week with players excused from practices this past week due to Spring Break.
HUSKER PRACTICE COMMENTS: CHUBBA PURDY:
PURDY – MORE MENTAL REPS THAN ANYTHING
Nebraska received a second quarterback from the transfer portal over the off-season in Florida State transfer Chubba Purdy. Purdy has been
Purdy added that he is expecting to return from his injury after the conclusion of spring break when the Huskers return to the practice field on Monday.
HUSKER WOMEN READY FOR NCAA TOURNAMENT TILT WITH GONZAGA:
The No. 8 seed Nebraska women’s basketball team shoots for an NCAA Tournament win when the Huskers battle the No. 9 seed Gonzaga Bulldogs on Friday in the NCAA Tournament First Round in Louisville, Ky.
Tip time for Nebraska’s game with Gonzaga is set for 2:30 p.m. (CT) on Friday.
The Huskers (24-8, 11-7 Big Ten) are making their second NCAA appearance under sixth-year head coach Amy Williams after earning their 15th overall NCAA bid in program history.
Nebraska finished sixth in the Big Ten Conference standings and No. 23 in the NCAA’s NET rankings. NU’s 24 wins are tied for fourth in school history, and the Big Red’s three wins over AP Top 10 teams during the regular season also match the most in a season in program history.
Local Results & Schedules:
THIS WEEK IN LOCAL SPORTS:
TUESDAY:
- UNK:
-
- SOFTBALL: @ Missouri Western State – 12 PM, 2 PM
- UNK 3-0
- UNK 4-2
- SOFTBALL: @ Missouri Western State – 12 PM, 2 PM
WEDNESDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- N/a
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- N/a
- UNK:
- N/a
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
-
- SOFTBALL: @ Tucson Invite
- V. Valley State University – 10 AM
- V. Benedictine University – 2:30 PM
- SOFTBALL: @ Tucson Invite
THURSDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- BASEBALL: v. Lincoln Southeast – 1 PM
- GIRLS SOCCER: @ Lincoln Pius X – 5:45 PM
- BOYS SOCCER: v. Lincoln Pius X – 7 PM
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- BOYS SOCCER: v. York
- GIRLS SOCCER: v. York
- UNK:
- N/a
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
-
- SOFTBALL: @ Tucson Invite
- V. Viterbo University – 10 AM (Doubleheader)
- SOFTBALL: @ Tucson Invite
FRIDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- T&F: @ UNK Invite
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- T&F: @ UNK Invite
- UNK:
- SOFTBALL: @ Fairfield Classic (St. Joseph, MO)
- V. Concordia-St. Paul – 12 PM
- V. Upper Iowa – 2 PM
- SOFTBALL: @ Fairfield Classic (St. Joseph, MO)
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
-
- N/a
SATURDAY:
- KEARNEY HIGH:
- BOYS SOCCER: Bellevue East Invite
- GIRLS SOCCER: Bellevue East Invite
- BASEBALL: @ Fremont – 12 PM
- KEARNEY CATHOLIC:
- N/a
- UNK:
- WOMENS TENNIS: v. SW Minnesota St. – 9 AM
- SOFTBALL: @ Fairfield Classic (St. Joseph, MO)
- V. St. Cloud State – 12 PM
- V. Winona State – 4 PM
- HASTINGS COLLEGE:
-
- BASEBALL: @ Northwestern College – 1 PM (Doubleheader)
