Hi, everyone. This is my first post here. I like to watch the Huskers like lots of people in Nebraska do. And I've been wondering something.
Ever since Nebraska defeated Northwestern on that last-second Hail Mary in 2013, I've often wondered what if Nebraska was still in the Big 12 (along with Colorado, Missouri and Texas A&M) and did that to Oklahoma–Beat them on a last second Hail Mary? How exciting would that be?
I could see the scenario:
It's 2013, the Saturday before Thanksgiving (November 23rd) and Nebraska (still in the Big 12 along with Colorado, Missouri and Texas A&M) is playing Oklahoma at Memorial Stadium here in Lincoln. The game is televised nationwide on ABC/ESPN.
There are 4 seconds left in the game. The score's Oklahoma 34-Nebraska 31. Ron Kellogg tried to throw a pass to Quincy Enunwa to get into field goal range and tie the game, but he dropped it. So Nebraska decides to go for a Hail Mary. Oklahoma calls a timeout first.
Then, the players all get into position, the ball is snapped, the receivers all run downfield while the offensive and defensive lineman all go at each other trying to hold the other off. Ron Kellogg throws a 51-yard Hail Mary pass into the air. As it goes down, it gets tipped back by an Oklahoma defender and caught by Jordan Westerkamp. It's a touchdown! Nebraska players all empty their benches and run out onto the field and dogpile on top of Westerkamp. Kellogg takes off his helmet and runs in the other direction. The crowd inside the stadium erupts into a VERY loud roar not heard in the stadium in a long time. The officials review the play, but eventually confirm the call as a touchdown. The game is over. Nebraska wins 37-34.
For Nebraska, it's jaw-dropping excitement. For Oklahoma, it's devastating and heartbreaking. They played their butts off, played hard, had victory within their grasp and then at the last second, it was taken away from them just like that. It was a slap in the face to the players. But both sides agreed that this was Oklahoma vs. Nebraska. It didn't get any better than that.
The play goes down as one of the most memorable moments in college football. Needless to say, the whole state of Nebraska is in non-stop party mode all night long, especially Lincoln. It gets REALLY busy in the Haymarket. The restaurants and bars are packed.
So basically, what doesn't change:
-Nebraska's last second Hail Mary win still happens in 2013, in Memorial Stadium in Lincoln
-Ron Kellogg still throws it, Jordan Westerkamp still catches it
-When Westerkamp catches it, it gets really loud inside the stadium and Nebraska players empty their benches and run out onto the field and dogpile on top of Westerkamp
-Kellogg still takes off his helmet and runs in the other direction
What does change:
-Nebraska, Colorado, Missouri and Texas A&M are all still in the Big 12
-Nebraska pulls off this miracle against Oklahoma
-The game is on ABC/ESPN
So anyway, how exciting would that be?