Created & Edited by: David Pillen
The 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers represented the University of Nebraska in college football. The team Coach Tom Osborne fielded in 1995 is widely believed to be the best team in the history of college football. In a live, 2-hour broadcast on the ESPN2 and ESPN Classic networks, on December 14, 2006, viewers selected the 1995 Nebraska team as the greatest team in the history of college football.
Following the success of the 1994 season, in which Tommie Frazier led the team to Tom Osborne's first national championship, the 1995 version improved in every facet. With the powerful rushing offense and a dominating defense, Nebraska captured its second consecutive national title. The 1995-1996 season set up a record-breaking three championships in four years, as the 1994 and 1995 seasons were followed by Tom Osborne's third title in 1997.
Entering the 1996 Fiesta Bowl, Nebraska was thought of by some an underdog (including Sports Illustrated in their 12/26/1995 issue), even though it came into the game riding a long streak as the #1 team in the country. Their opponent, the University of Florida Gators, were considered to possess a defense with overwhelming speed. Many favored the Florida defensive speed in contrast to the traditional run-first, power-option offense of Nebraska, even though odds makers had made Nebraska a 3-point favorite. On January 2nd, 1996, Nebraska defeated Florida 62-24, marking the largest margin of victory and highest score in a national championship game in history.
Due to their performance against Florida as well as beating 4 teams that finished in the top 10 by an average score of 49-18, their record setting offensive performance, and their statistically impressive defense throughout the season, the 1995 Nebraska Cornhuskers are widely considered one of the greatest teams in college football history. Comparisons to current highly-regarded champions, such as the 2001 Miami Hurricanes (who defeated Nebraska in the Rose Bowl to claim the title), the 2004 USC Trojans, and the 2005 Texas Longhorns, are often made. Such comparisons, as noted by the experts themselves, are nearly impossible to make, as rankings vary from evaluation to evaluation.
National Champions
Won 12, Lost 0, Tied 0
Big 8: Won 7, Lost 0, Tied 0, 1st
Coach Tom Osborne
Oklahoma St. W 64-21
Michigan St. W 50-10
Arizona State W 77-28
Pacific W 49-7
Washington St. W 35-21
Missouri W 57-0
Kansas St. W 49-25
Colorado W 44-21
Iowa State W 73-14
Kansas W 41-3
Oklahoma W 37-0
Florida W 62-24
Tags: 1995 Nebraska Football
