Podcast
Common Fan - A Nebraska Football Podcast
Hosted by T.J. Birkel, Matt Owens, Geoff Langenberg · EN
A Nebraska football podcast by the Common Fan, for the Common Fan.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Middle Four Games Represent the Ghosts of Nebraska Football Past
Aug 2000:28:57Tap to summarizeMike’l Severe joins the Common Fans for the second of a three-episode series, breaking down every game on Nebraska’s schedule. The episodes will be released Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week, in anticipation of Nebraska’s first game next week. Today, Mike’l and the Common Fans go through the middle four games of the Huskers’ schedule. On the game against Michigan State:The crew sees Nebraska as being more talented than Michigan State, despite having a lot of respect for Spartan Head Coach Jonathan Smith. With everyone having picked a win over Michigan the week before, there is some concern about a letdown following a huge win against a ranked, big name opponent. Picks:Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: LossOn the game at Maryland: Lots of red flags and warning signs for this year’s Maryland team. Curious comments recently from Head Coach Mike Locksley about problems in his locker room in 2024. There have been some suggestions–even from Maryland sources–that the Terrapins will be a dumpster fire this season. Nebraska can’t take anyone for granted, especially in their first road game of the season, but all four of the guys see the Huskers coming out on top in this one. Picks: Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: WinOn the game against old nemesis PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers in Minneapolis: Mike’l points out that Nebraska has not won back-to-back road games in consecutive weeks since 2006. With the game being played on a Friday night, Huskers will have a short week after having traveled to Maryland.This is a sneaky candidate to be one of the most challenging games on the schedule for the Big Red. Picks:Mike’l: LossMattyO: LossGeoff: LossT.J.: WinOn the game against Northwestern in Lincoln: The new world of NIL and transfer portal don’t exactly work in Northwestern’s favor. Mike’l doesn’t know what to think about this year’s Wildcats, as he wouldn’t be surprised to see them go 8-4 and wouldn’t be surprised to see them go 4-8. Lots of respect for Head Coach David Braun. Picks:Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: WinDon’t forget–this is part of a three-episode series, all of which will be airing this week! With kickoff just around the corner, the Common Fans will have you frothing at the mouth in anticipation for Husker Football. Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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First Four Games Will Set the Tone for the Entire Season for Nebraska Football
Aug 1800:25:05Tap to summarizeMike’l Severe joins the Common Fans for the first of a three-episode series, breaking down every game on Nebraska’s schedule. The episodes will be released Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week, in anticipation of Nebraska’s first game next week. Today, Mike’l and the Common Fans go through the first four games of Nebraska’s schedule. On the opener against Cincinnati:The crew sees some concern with this one. After two consecutive losing seasons to begin their tenure in the Big 12, Cincinnati is expected to be better this year.Mike’l even suggested that he would be less surprised to see Nebraska lose to the Bearcats than he would to see them lose to Michigan. The Huskers have struggled in the recent past with openers very similar to this one: away from home against Power 5 opponents. Nebraska will be favored, but the Big Red will need to show up dialed in and ready to play. Picks:Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: WinOn Akron and Houston Christian: The guys see the Huskers rolling to victory in both of these games. Perhaps beating Akron–the team Scott Frost was supposed to play in his first game back at Nebraska before it got canceled due to lightning–will help to expel whatever demons have possessed the program these last several years. HCU will be an 11am kickoff against an FCS opponent. Husker fans will need to make their own energy for this one…or at least bring some coffee. Picks for both games: Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: WinOn the big one against Michigan, Nebraska’s first conference game of the year: Mike’l predicts the Wolverines will be better in 2025 than they were in 2024, and sees them as a top 25 team. Some intrigue with this game: Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore will not be in attendance, as part of Michigan’s punishment for the sign-stealing scandal from a few years ago. This game will be a huge tone-setter for the Huskers. They are unlikely to be favored, and a loss will certainly not derail the season. But a win would be a huge boost as the Big Red looks to take a leap in year three under Matt Rhule. Picks:Mike’l: WinMattyO: WinGeoff: WinT.J.: WinDon’t forget–this is part of a mini three-episode series, all of which will be airing this week! With kickoff just around the corner, the Common Fans will have you frothing at the mouth in anticipation for Husker Football. Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Tim Brando Talks Nebraska Football with the Common Fans
Aug 1300:51:58Tap to summarizeBroadcasting legend Tim Brando joins the Common Fans to discuss the upcoming season, the outlook for Nebraska, his favorite to win the Big Ten, his old friend Lee Corso, plus much more! Brando sees the Huskers taking another step forward in 2025:Last year, Brando came on the Common Fan Podcast and correctly predicted Nebraska would make a bowl game and have a winning season in 2024. He believes Dana Holgorsen will have a significant impact on the offense and the team overall this season. He also sees Dylan Raiola taking a big step forward in year 2 under center. The Huskers will need to get past a good Cincinnati team in the opener, and beat Michigan at home in their first conference game of the season, but Brando sees the schedule as lining up well for the Big Red…and even floated the idea that they might start 6-0.He thinks the Huskers could get as high as 10 wins in 2025!Thoughts on Lee Corso, who will be honored later this month in a one hour special tribute on ESPN:Corso will be retiring at age 90. Brando, who was the first ever host of College Gameday, actually interviewed Corso for his spot on Gameday. According to Brando, Corso is the best ever coach to move into broadcasting.His combination of charisma plus knowledge of the game is unrivaled. Poking fun at Beano Cook…you don’t want to miss Tim’s impression of the famous Beano! Looking at the big picture in the Big Ten:Brando predicts Ohio State to win the conference. He’s very high on Illinois and Indiana.Watch out for Rutgers to play spoiler. Sees the quality and depth of the conference improving from top to bottom. Plus, the Common Fans even get into a little Husker hoops:Brando celebrated his 40th anniversary in broadcasting by calling the Nebraska-UCLA game in January (which, of course, was a solid Nebraska W). Brando likes what Fred Hoiberg is building and was happy to see the Huskers win The Crown, even though they fell short of the NCAA tournament. Finally, on whether or not Nebraska football should be considered a blue blood:Yes, yes and yes!With less than three weeks before kickoff, the Common Fans help you start getting ready for Husker football! GBR for LIFE!Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Will Dana Holgorsen and Mike Ekeler Push Nebraska Football Over the Top in 2025?
Aug 4, 202500:42:40Tap to summarizeThe Common Fans discuss the impact offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen and special teams coordinator Mike Ekeler will have for Nebraska football in 2025. In order to take the patented Year 3 leap under Matt Rhule, the Huskers will almost certainly need to win close games. What can turn close losses into wins? Improvement on offense and special teams. Holgorsen brings swagger and a simplified playbook that should work to Dylan Raiola’s benefit.Ekeler brings boundless energy that is infectious to the entire team.Big steps forward by the offense and special teams should be good for 2-4 more wins in 2025.Plus, thoughts on the Big Red Preview practice, beer in Memorial Stadium, and so much more! With little more than three weeks before kickoff, the Common Fans help you start getting ready for Husker football! GBR for LIFE!Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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What is Tom Osborne’s Legacy?
Jul 28, 202501:01:49Tap to summarizeTom Osborne biographer Henry Cordes of the Omaha World Herald and Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read Newsletter join the Common Fans for the final episode of the Tom Osborne series. Simply put, TO is the best coach in Nebraska football history, and one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. Beloved by his players to this day.Deep and lasting connection to his players, built on a concern for them first as people and second as football players.The Lawrence Phillips question. What if TO had kept coaching? Can TO’s development-focused approach still work in today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal? How has the standard of excellence established by Osborne and Devaney affected every Nebraska coach who came after him?And so much more!Thanks to Henry Cordes and Brandon Vogel for joining us for this fantastic conversation. GBR for LIFE!Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Tom Osborne: Dynasty
Jul 21, 202501:10:22Tap to summarizeCollege Football Hall of Famer Grant Wistrom and Omaha World Herald legend Tom Shatel join the Common Fans for the fifth episode of the Tom Osborne series. This episode focuses on the 1995-1997 seasons. The dominance of the 1995 team.Averaged over 53 points per game; gave up just 14 and a half.They averaged more than 556 rushing yards per game. No team came within 14 points of them on the final scoreboard.Of the three Top 10 teams they played during the regular season, they won 49-25, 44-21, and 41-3. Completely dismantled #2 Florida in the Fiesta Bowl. The Lawrence Phillips event. Was TO’s handling of the situation fair/appropriate?National backlash.Impact on the team.Losing Brook Berringer. Step back in 1996.TO’s steadiness.Wistrom and Jason Peter’s decision to return in 1997.Osborne’s decision to retire.Miracle at Missouri.The question is not if Nebraska would have beat Michigan in 1997. The only question is how many touchdowns the Huskers would have won by. Plus so much more! Thanks to Grant Wistrom and Tom Shatel for joining us for this outstanding discussion. GBR for LIFE! Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Tom Osborne: Reaching the Mountaintop
Jul 14, 202501:14:37Tap to summarizeFor Episode 4 of the Tom Osborne series, the Common Fans are joined by All Big 8 wingback Abdul Muhammad and longtime Nebraska sports writer Mitch Sherman. This episode focuses on the period from 1990-1994. Toward the end of the 1990 season, the Huskers were #2 in the country.Then they blew a 12-0 lead against Colorado, and suffered back-to-back blowouts against Oklahoma and vs. Georgia Tech in the bowl game. They would finish the season ranked 24th, the team’s lowest final ranking since 1968. They finished outside the top 10 for the fourth consecutive season.TO gathers his staff for a meeting in South Stadium. Ultimately, there were several things that resulted from this meeting. But perhaps none was more important than a decision to get faster on defense. Defensive backs would be turned into linebackers. Linebackers would become defensive ends. Eventually, the 5-2 would give way to the 4-3. Nebraska had to catch up to the speedier Southern schools they were losing to in bowl games. Plus, insights from Abdul and Mitch about those early ‘90s teams:Tommie Frazier = the x-factor.The 1991 no-nonsense recruiting class–Abdul Muhammad, Dwayne Harris, Barron Miles, Christian Peter, and others.“The war was in practice.”The “refuse to lose” bunch in 1993.The 1994 season–Frazier’s blood clot, Brook Berringer, the Matt Turman game, the Colorado game, the Orange Bowl against Miami.Finally, TO reaches the mountaintop. This and much more! Thanks to Abdul Muhammad and Mitch Sherman for joining us for this conversation. GBR for LIFE! Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR Check out our website: www.commonfan.co Our Partners: You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers. For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/ For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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