NU6265

The race for a new head coach was on after Bill Jennings was fired and one name not under consideration was Wyoming's head coach Bob Devaney. Among other "big names" he was not a candidate until receiving a strong referral by Michigan State head coach Duffy Daugherty whom Devaney had served as an assistant. Upon being announced as head coach in January of 1962, Devaney stated tongue-in-cheek that "We don't want to win enough to get on probation, just enough to be investigated." He also pledged to focus on in-state recruiting. Devaney brought most of his staff and a multiple offense from Wyoming which allowed QB Dennis Claridge to blossom. With "Thunder" Thorton and soph Kent McCloughan (future Raider DB) behind big Bob Brown at guard, Devaney turned the team around in one season, all the way to 9-2 and a victory over George Mira's Miami team in the Gotham Bowl. Devaney had ditched the red helmets of Jennings' era for a simple white shell adorned only with 3" black player numerals placed high on the sides of the Huskers' helmets. Now considered a conference contender, Brown became the first of Devaney's All Americans in 1963 going both ways at guard and as a 260 pound outside linebacker. Future Steeler DT Lloyd Voss, senior Claridge, McCloughan, current and long term NFL assistant/coordinator Monte Kiffin (DT), and newcomer Ted Vactor (a Redskins stalwart) began the talent pipeline NU became known for, making 1963 an even better season than Devaney's debut. The 10-1 record and Orange Bowl win over Auburn placed NU in the middle of the national title picture where for the most part, they remained for almost forty years. Still wearing the same white helmets with black side numerals through 1964 and '65, the Huskers followed their debut seasons with outstanding 9-2 and 10-1 records much to the delight of the fans and the in-state recruiting emphasis had paid off handsomely. The 1964 team was especially satisfying as graduation losses made for dire pre-season predictions but Weirton, West Virginia's TE Tony Jeter, brother of former Iowa star Bob Jeter and QB Fred "Zippety" Duda teamed with soph HB Harry Wilson to provide great offense while future Giant Freeman White stood out at both offensive and defensive end positions. After their second Big 8 Championship, the '65 team again faced graduation losses but both Duda and alternate QB Bob Churchich still had White and Jeter at the ends and Wilson was joined by exciting Ben Gregory for a potent offense. Two way line play was bolstered by LaVerne Allers and Wayne Meylan who made a few All American squads and Devaney had succeeded in winning his third consecutive Big 8 title, an accomplishment that was not diminished by an Orange Bowl loss to a great Alabama squad.