Mavric Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 In a Nov. 6, 1964 edition of The World-Herald appeared 12 pictures of Nebraska football players under the subhead “These Are N.U. Black Shirts, Nation’s No. 1 Defensive Unit.” The idea of “Black Shirts” — not until years later would it be merged to one word “Blackshirts” — was still in its infancy back then. The practice began at the start of the 1964 season as a way to distinguish the top defensive players from the rest, as the two-platoon system had only just been instituted in college football. The first mentions of “Black Shirts” in The World-Herald had come a couple months prior, and Bob Devaney himself mentioned them when awarding a game ball in late October. But by the start of November, the “Black Shirts” had started to gain national prominence as the country’s leading defense. The aforementioned mugshots accompanied a story previewing an upcoming game against Kansas with the headline “Crunch! Kansas and Nebraska Will Match Grudging Defenses.” The Huskers would win that, 14-7, in what lived up to expectations as a defensive slugfest. From there, the “Black Shirts” became a thing of legend for Nebraska football. The tradition that still carries on today — the 2016 Blackshirts were handed out Tuesday — owes a lot to the 12 men who served as the foundation. That “Black Shirt” unit in 1964 featured an All-American, multiple All-Big 8 selections and eventual Nebraska Football Hall of Fame inductees. OWH Quote Link to comment
Count 'Bility Posted September 1, 2016 Share Posted September 1, 2016 According to Musberger, Charlie McBride started the Blackshirts in the 90's. Quote Link to comment
84HuskerLaw Posted September 2, 2016 Share Posted September 2, 2016 According to Musberger, Charlie McBride started the Blackshirts in the 90's. LOL Isn't Brent in a nursing home in New Jersey now? Quote Link to comment
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