Story and photo by Brian McKim
All the hype, all the lead-up, the fans, especially the Boneyard, were whipped into a frenzy. Optimism was in the air Saturday night in Lincoln and across the state, something that had been missing for a while now.
Minutes away from the revamped Tunnel Walk, media pass holders were already jostling for position for pictures of Coach Frost and his team. Celebrities and past players roamed the sidelines. Actress Gabrielle Union and NBA all-star Dwayne Wade were on hand as well as all-pro defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who walked to the student section to ‘throw the bones.’
“It’s our favorite day of the year,” Union told the Journal.
As the team entered through the northwest corner of the stadium, the music was barely audible on the field. The gates opened, and there they were, Scott Frost and his Husker football team. All 90,000 people on hand had been waiting for this moment since early December when Frost and his staff were hired, and the roar of approval was deafening as they ran onto Tom Osborne field for the first time.
The opening kickoff by Akron sailed through the end zone, and the Huskers would begin the game at the 25-yard line with no time off the clock. It was here, a true freshman QB under center to start the season for the first time and Scott Frost on the sidelines.
Then came the moment everyone had dreaded. An official ran onto the field to stop the contest before it ever officially began. After 2 ½ hours, the game was finally postponed, then canceled due to scheduling conflicts.
So, we have to wait one more week until the Frost era officially begins in Lincoln.
In case you were wondering, it seems this may be the first-ever regular season Husker game to get canceled due to weather. Back in 1943 a game vs. Pitt was canceled due to travel restrictions during the war, and a spring game was canceled in 2012 but not a regular season game. Even though the 90,000 in attendance didn’t get to see a game, they were all still part of history.
Husker fans will have to wait one more week when old rival Colorado comes to town for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff.
