Nebraska Faces Indiana Spotlight With Historic Series Context

Nebraska and Indiana meet at Memorial Stadium with both programs undefeated, marking the first time in their series history that the Cornhuskers and Hoosiers enter a matchup without a loss. The game draws national attention after major changes in both programs.

According to Sports Illustrated, Indiana leads the all-time series 11-9-3, with much of its advantage coming during Nebraska's struggles from 1941 through the 1950s. The matchup has not traditionally been considered a major rivalry.

Nebraska's most notable moment in the series came in 1977, when sophomore walk-on I.M. Hipp rushed for 254 yards against Indiana in a 31-13 victory, breaking the Huskers' single-game rushing record, according to the report.

The series also produced a recurring joke from Lee Corso, who later became a broadcaster after coaching Indiana. Corso often referenced losses to Nebraska teams coached by Tom Osborne during the 1970s, according to Sports Illustrated.

The latest meeting arrives as Indiana brings a 21-game winning streak and a national championship from the previous season, while Nebraska seeks a major victory after a long stretch without defeating a ranked opponent, according to the report.

National coverage has increased around the game as FOX's Big Noon Kickoff comes to Lincoln. The appearance follows previous high-profile broadcasts at Memorial Stadium that ended with Nebraska losses.

Sports Illustrated reported that ESPN College GameDay's 2019 visit to Lincoln preceded a 48-7 Nebraska loss to Ohio State. The program's previous GameDay appearance in 2007 also ended with a defeat against Southern California.

Tad Stryker described his 2019 fan survey while covering Nebraska football history and asked, "When will ESPN GameDay return to Lincoln?" wrote Tad Stryker, writer.

The current matchup represents Nebraska's return to a nationally featured Saturday morning broadcast after a seven-year gap, according to Sports Illustrated. The game continues a series that has changed significantly since Hipp's record-setting performance.