mood of the late 70's mid 80's

[AR Husker Fan]

I seem to recall NU having in the neighborhood of 150 players on scholarship in the '70s. However, I know that Texas was doing the same in the old Southwest Conference - as were most of the elites.

Perhaps it also speaks to the walk-on program - the unlimited scholarships meant that players who walked on had a better chance of getting one. And since a decent number of guys who walked on actually became contributors, some of the lower-echelon players would opt for NU for that reason.

Otherwise, I dunno - as I said, all the elites had tons of scholarship players in the '70s...

 

[BIGREDFAN_in_OMAHA]

it is hard to compare todays team with the earlier teams but one thing i did learn reading a book by a ex-sooner that got busted for selling coke was that back then there werent limitations of scholarships so teams like OU, NU etc would give out all kinds of scholarships just so other teams wouldnt get those kids..today that cant happen so parody it much greater because of it so is harder to beat those teams you should beat all the time.....

but great info bout the earlier years...how well was the option received in the first few years...i assume it didnt take off right away

There was an interview with Barry Switzer last year where he said OU had 7 or 8 assistants that never set foot on campus and just roamed the country recruiting. I'm sure the other programs were the same then.

 

[HSKRNOKC]

it is hard to compare todays team with the earlier teams but one thing i did learn reading a book by a ex-sooner that got busted for selling coke was that back then there werent limitations of scholarships so teams like OU, NU etc would give out all kinds of scholarships just so other teams wouldnt get those kids..today that cant happen so parody it much greater because of it so is harder to beat those teams you should beat all the time.....

but great info bout the earlier years...how well was the option received in the first few years...i assume it didnt take off right away

There was an interview with Barry Switzer last year where he said OU had 7 or 8 assistants that never set foot on campus and just roamed the country recruiting. I'm sure the other programs were the same then.

Ah the good old days. I miss the TO- BS rivalry. Each meeting was like two gun slingers about to have showdown.

 

[nebraskapit]

Nice thread. It's good to hear alittle perspective on things. I do agree that things have changed with the scholarships. Now every weekend warrants attention (as some teams have found out). It's just a matter of when we get to the point where our coaching and recruit align and propel us to a Nat'l Champ.