Overview
Firsthand tales of the most memorable moments in Cornhusker football history
A traditional powerhouse, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are one of the most successful NCAA football teams, with five national championships and the highest winning percentage of any program over the last half century. Authors Jerry Murtaugh, an All-American linebacker at Nebraska in 1970, Jimmy Sheil, George Achola, and Brian Rosenthal, through interviews with current and past players, provide fans with a one-of-a-kind, insider’s look into the great moments, the lowlights, and everything in between in Cornhuskers history. Readers will hear from players, coaches, and administrators as they discuss their moments of greatness as well as their defeats, making If These Walls Could Talk: Nebraska Cornhuskers a keepsake no fan will want to miss.
Author Biography
Jerry Murtaugh is the host of the Legends Radio Show, in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. He was an All-American linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a captain on the 1970 national champion team. He is the founder of the Nebraska Greats Foundation, an organization that helps former Nebraska college athletes with their medical and emergency needs. Jimmy Sheil has covered college sports for ESPN the Magazine and the Omaha World-Herald. They both live in Omaha, Nebraska. Brian Rosenthal has covered the Nebraska sports for the Lincoln Journal-Star since 2001. He is an adjunct journalism instructor at Hastings College and is the coauthor of Sports Journalism: An Introduction to Reporting and Writing. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska. George Achola is a former running back for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and was a member of two Big 8 championship teams. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
Press Releases
If These Walls Could Talk: Nebraska Cornhuskers
By: Jerry Murtaugh, Jimmy Sheil, Brian Rosenthal, George Achola and Brian Brashaw
Contact: Samantha Frontera, Triumph Books, 312.676.4224, s.frontera@triumphbooks.com
Today, the Nebraska Cornhuskers are a well-loved team with devoted fans. However, it wasn’t long ago that the University of Nebraska struggled to fill its football stadium. But through hard work and dedicated leadership, the Cornhuskers have persevered and become one of the country’s most respected football teams. Coach Tom Osborne held the key to its successful rebuilding. Osborne had a natural ability for choosing well-rounded players, picking up on their talents and knowing which position was right for them. One such player was defensive linebacker Jerry Murtaugh who became a key player in 1968. Around this time, the Cornhuskers’ offense had two solid running backs: Joe Orduna and Dick Davis. However, it was the critical quarterback position that was suffering. The Cornhuskers were throwing more interceptions than they were making tackles. Osborne used his extraordinary coaching abilities to turn things around. He went on to lead the team as head coach for 25 years, 1973 to 1997, and also had the highest winning percentage of any Nebraska coach during his tenure. The Cornhuskers won three national titles under Osborne, including one in his final season.
If These Walls Could Talk: Nebraska Cornhuskers (Triumph Books, October 2015), by Jerry Murtaugh, Jimmy Sheil, Brian Rosenthal, George Achola and Brian Brashaw, shares exclusive insight about prominent players who impacted the Cornhuskers. By 1983, Nebraska had established itself as one of the most physical rushing teams in the country. Their offensive linemen had won back-to-back Outland Trophies and a three-year streak of All-America Awards. This book gives the reader Cornhuskers football from the players’ perspectives, allowing the reader to experience all the action front and center. Exclusive details include commentary on the following:
- “The Fumblerooski,” invented by famous Cornhusker John Heisman and successfully used to score a touchdown for Nebraska in the 1984 Orange Bowl, narrowing Miami’s 17 point lead
- Former Cornhusker Bret Clark becoming a two-time All-Big 8 selection along with All-America honors before a solid four-year professional career that was sadly cut short by injuries
- Former Cornhusker Jay Foreman’s experience winning three championships with the Cornhuskers (1994, 1995 and 1997); he is also the son of former NFL great Chuck Foreman
If These Walls Could Talk: Nebraska Cornhuskers is a collection of extensive interviews in which the authors bring the stories of generations of Cornhuskers to life, from Michael Kennedy in 1963 to Ameer Abdullah in 2014. This title is ideal for any Nebraska Cornhuskers fan wanting an inside look at this winning organization.
About the Authors:
Jerry Murtaugh is a cohost of the Legends Radio Show in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. He was an All-American linebacker for the Nebraska Cornhuskers and a cocaptain of the 1970 national championship team.
Jimmy Sheil cohosts the Legends Radio Show and has covered college sports for ESPN the Magazine and the Omaha World-Herald. He lives in Omaha, Nebraska.
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