Tom’s Takes: This Nebraska team never gave in. That’s a credit to them and their coaches

1. This was the fourth time I’ve seen a head coach win his last game. Of course, Tom Osborne in the 1998 Orange Bowl. But also: Frank Solich in 2003 at Colorado and Bo Pelini right here at Kinnick Stadium in 2014. In the case of Solich and Pelini, nobody knew at the time it would be their last game. That’s what made this one so unique. After the game Husker coaches and players said goodbye like the last day of school. Mickey Joseph brought son Mickey Reign to the postgame press conference. Joseph’s face was full of pride and his voice full of emotion as he gave his players credit and sidestepped questions about his future. I won’t forget this one. By the way, I ran into linebacker coach Barrett Ruud outside the locker room. Ruud said he was at the Solich finale in 2003 and Pelini finale in 2014. What are the odds?

2. When the last seconds ticked off the clock, a group of Huskers sprinted across the field and toward the end zone. My first thought: Where are they going? Well, genius, to get the Heroes Trophy. Remember that? You’re excused if you can’t remember what it looked like. I could not. It had been eight years since the last time NU won it. I was glad to see the players go after it so enthusiastically. NU hasn’t had a lot of trophy wins. But watching Garrett Nelson hug the trophy and parade it around the ring of Husker fans in the front row behind NU’s bench, it made me pause. I know Nebraskans don’t like to admit rivalries, that every game is the same, etc. But I hope the next coach really embraces and stresses the rivalries. I think they make teams better, give them something to focus on. I think it might be something the program needs.

3. They finished 4-8. They lost their coach. But I’ll always remember this Nebraska team. The way Casey Thompson and Trey Palmer kept coming at teams, week after week. The way Mickey Joseph got his team to handle and respond to gut punches. The way Bill Busch had the Blackshirts playing after those opening four games. This was a very likeable bunch, not only with how they conducted themselves but they never gave in. That’s a credit to them. It’s a credit to their coaching staff, which has been maligned by many (including here). I think they pass on important stuff. I don’t know how many players will be back, but those that do come back will bring a toughness to the program next year. There will be a carry over. That’s their legacy.