No longer playcaller, Scott Frost primed to see ‘dialed in’ and ‘tight-knit’ Huskers
Scott Frost #ScottFrost
DUBLIN — Scott Frost worried a bit. Even with the work his operations staff had put in for months this summer, the coach wondered how his team might react once the Huskers landed and began practicing in Ireland.
Standing in the corner of Aviva Stadium on Thursday, Frost’s concerns were gone. The staff’s plans went off without a hitch. The players, Frost said, have handled the week with a mix of good humor and detailed preparation.
“They’re dialed in and ready to play,” Frost said of his players. As the coach talked, stadium personnel began to make yard marker lines on the grass. “They’re doing a really good job of enjoying things when they need to enjoy them and focusing when they need to focus, which is a sign of maturity.”
NU’s strategy to keep players awake on Tuesday after their plane landed, Frost said, paid off, producing one of the team’s best practices on Wednesday. On Thursday, NU’s brisk workout on a grass field adjacent the stadium had a loose vibe with music blaring and Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTE, on hand for a report.
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In Frost’s perfect world, he wants a team that’s tough and confident enough to play free of fear. He thinks he has that in these Huskers. Players get along well, Frost said, as evidenced by a night of “traditional Irish music and Irish dancing.” Only the older coaches, Frost said, knew many of the lyrics, but the players still “got into it and enjoyed it.”
“This is a tight-knit group,” Frost said. “I think they’re going to be here for each other all year, and it’s going to be fun to watch.”
For the first time at Nebraska, Frost will have a different role when his offense, full of transfer talent and coached largely by new assistants, takes the field. He won’t ditch the headset, but he won’t have the call sheet, either, after handing off playcalling duties to coordinator Mark Whipple. The two may even stand together at times on the turf; Whipple is the rare playcaller who prefers to view his chess match at field level.
“I’ve already been thinking a lot about the other things I can add if I don’t have my head buried in a call sheet,” Frost said. “It’ll be a different experience for me, but everybody else is going to be doing what they’ve always done and what they’re good at. I’m going to trust that and try to help where I can with more than one phase.”
He’ll able to make more decisions on special teams, and even talk to those units as they take the field. He’ll be able to better watch the game more on both sides the ball now that he doesn’t have to think about the next playcall – “particularly as fast as we went,” Frost said – he’ll be able share more thoughts on NU’s defense and invest more in clock management.
Until kickoff arrives, and Frost detaches himself from playcalling, the next 48 hours should seem familiar.
NU will conduct its “Fast Friday” pregame practice at Aviva again before settling into its typical pregame hotel routine. Nebraska is hosting a Friday pep rally in Merrion Square at 4:30 p.m. Dublin time, but few to no players will attend, a spokesman said. Frost, Nebraska Athletic Director Trev Alberts and UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green will talk as Husker fans further convene in Dublin.
“Pretty much the hay is in the barn,” Frost said. “I think we’re ready. So we’re looking forward to it.”
Notes
» On special teams, Frost said NU’s roster has “more speed” than recent years, and returners who catch the ball better.
“We didn’t create many big plays last year on special teams,” Frost said. “Had some big plays against us that cost us. In general, I think we’ve got to be more aggressive and in tune to making plays that can change a game on defense and special team. I think the guys are ready to do that.”
» For NU’s defense, Frost’s only question relates to how the Blackshirts will respond “if anything goes bad.”
“We’ve got a confident team, a really close-knit team, we haven’t hit any adversity yet but, when we do, I want to make sure they keep attacking,” Frost said. “Up 40, down 40, up seven, down seven, we need to be on the attack. Our defense is dialed in. They know their calls, they know where they’re supposed to be, they communicate well, they play hard. I’m anxious to watch them.”
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Photos: Nebraska in Ireland for season opener
Denise and Jay Kennedy Spokane, Wash. “We’ve always wanted to visit Ireland.”
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Frank and Patti Estaniqui Bellevue, Neb. “This has been incredible. We’ve never been abroad together, and we’ve been married 47 years.”
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Trisha and Sonny Carlson. Grape View, Wash. “I was born and raised in Nebraska, and once you’re a Husker fan, you’re a Husker fan for life.”
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Scott and Beth Doht / Lonita and Jim Webster. Lyons, Neb. / Decatur, Neb. “It has been a bucket list item to come to Ireland, and we are loyal Huskers fans.”
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Diane and Coy Hoover / Allison Hoover and Chris George Parachute, Colo. / Columbus, Ohio “This is our first time overseas and we love the Huskers.”
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Tommy Stoller Omaha, Neb. “I came here for the Huskers. That’s it.”
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Grant Kobes / Allison and Ross Johnson Bennington, Neb. / Grand Forks, N.D. “We’ve got family in London, but mainly, ‘Go Big Red’.”
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Denny Webb Castle Rock, Colo. “My birthday is in two days. That’s all I wanted for my birthday, to go to Ireland for the Husker game.”
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Kristina Davis and Corey Burger Troy, Ill. “We don’t have kids, so we can do whatever we want. And this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
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Dean and Judy Schnitzler / Larry and Bonnie Schumacher / Dean and Ann Preistler / Harry and Jane Kurtenbach Breckenridge, Colo. / Omaha, Neb. / Humphrey, Neb. / Lindsay, Neb. “We’re Husker fans and family. That’s Nebraska. We’re all related.”
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Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Scott Frost, the Nebraska head football coach, leads some players onto the stage as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Jason Thomsen, of Elkhorn, Neb., cheers alongside thousands during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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A pint at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
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Myles Farmer (4) and the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Travis Vokolek (83) smiles during a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Herbie Husker leads fans in a chant as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Husker players smile on stage as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Jonathan Santana, a visitor experience ambassador, pours a pint during a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
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Casey Thompson (11) and the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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The Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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A you fans takes a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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The Cornhusker marching band performs as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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The spirit squad performs as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, takes a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Donna Berryman, of Bellevue, Neb., cheers alongside thousands during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Garrett Nelson (44) hypes up his team as the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Garrett Nelson (44) hypes up his team as the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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The Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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A view of Dublin, Ireland, from the top of the Guinness Storehouse on Thursday. Aviva Stadium can be seen in the distance. The stadium is where Nebraska and Northwestern will play Saturday in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
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Meabh Corcoran, 5, of Dublin, watches as the Cornhusker marching band perform during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Fans stretch all the way to the back fence as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Scott Frost, the Huskers head coach, speaks following a practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Lines are painted ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Aviva Stadium home of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland. Photographed on Thursday.
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A fan holds out Flat Herbie for a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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People walk through a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
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Scott Frost, the Huskers head coach, speaks following a practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Zach Duvall, the head football strength & conditioning coach, leads a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Chubba Purdy (6) and the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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People walk through a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
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Charles and Charlene Tilson, of Elwood, Neb., received a signed football to congratulate them on 50 years of marriage during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Nick Henrich (42) dances during a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Ty Robinson (99) and the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Quinton Newsome (6) and the Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, speaks as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
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Chubba Purdy (6) and Casey Thompson (11) warm up during a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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A pint at the Guinness Storehouse with a view of Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
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The Huskers practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska near Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday.
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Aviva Stadium ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic with Nebraska vs. Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Nebraska players walk to the edge of the field following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Mark Whipple, offensive coordinator for Nebraska, speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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A crew members cleans between seats at Aviva Stadium ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic with Nebraska vs. Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Luke Reimer (28) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Gabe Ervin Jr., (22) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Ty Robinson (99) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
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Eteva Mauga-Clements (22) and other Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Balloons welcome travelers at the airport ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, on Tuesday.
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Scott Frost, Huskers head coach, and Nebraska players, from left, Brant Banks (74), Hunter Anthony (77) and Teddy Prochazka (65) arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Nebraska fans and other tourists walk near Dublin Castle on Tuesday ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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The River Liffey as Nebraska fans arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Bridges over the River Liffey as the sun begins to set in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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A bird flies over the River Liffey on Tuesday as Nebraska fans arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Graeme Derham, of Dublin, performs in the Temple Bar district Tuesday as Nebraska fans and other tourists arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Signs welcomes Nebraska and Northwestern fans arriving ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
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The Temple Bar district on Tuesday as Nebraska fans and other tourists arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Husker and Wildcat flags and Irish and American flags fly over a bar Tuesday as Nebraska fans arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Signs welcomes Nebraska and Northwestern fans arriving ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Shadows and people as the sun begins to set in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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The courtyard at Dublin Castle in Dublin, Ireland.
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Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, Ireland.
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The Temple Bar in Dublin, Ireland, on Tuesday.
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Balloons welcome travelers at the airport ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland.
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Casey Thompson (11) and other Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, and Angela, his wife, arrive alongside players for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Defensive players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Nebraska players Travis Vokolek (83), Ezra Miller (66), Chris Hickman (87) arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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Scott Frost, Huskers head coach, and Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
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