Nebraska Football: Power Ranking the 20 Most Memorable Plays in Huskers' History

The Nebraska Cornhuskers have provided more than a few unforgettable plays over the years.

There have been long touchdowns that have brought the crowd to their feet, unthinkable mistakes that haunt the memory of even the most optimistic fans and one-of-a-kind plays that no one could have predicted.

No matter whether the memory induces a cringe or a reminiscent grin, here are the 20 plays that were so unique and extraordinary that they will not soon be forgotten.

Honorable Mention

-Any of about a dozen different Ndamukong Suh highlights, 2009

-Terrence Nunn's fumble vs. Texas, 2006

-Eric Crouch's overtime touchdown run vs. Notre Dame, 2000

20. Le Kevin Smith's Fumble vs. Texas Tech, 2005

The countdown starts on a sour note as we travel back to 2005. The Big Red had a chance to start 6-0, upset an undefeated Texas Tech side, avenge its 70-10 loss in 2004 and complete a comeback from a 21-0 deficit. Le Kevin Smith intercepted Red Raider quarterback Cody Hodges with just over a minute left and had seemingly clinched the victory. But he attempted to advance the ball, and eventually fumbled allowing Texas Tech to score the go-ahead touchdown moments later.

19. Ndamukong Suh Interception vs. Colorado, 2008

The interception was nothing spectacular and the touchdown did not win the game for the Huskers. It only iced it. But thanks to a brutal stiff arm and the cleat marks he left on the chest of Colorado quarterback Cody Hawkins, Ndamukong Suh snatches his first spot in the rankings.

18. Joe Dailey vs. Southern Miss, 2004

Down four with only seconds remaining, Joe Dailey scrambled out of the pocket in the Southern Miss red zone. Unable to find anyone free in the end zone, he did the unthinkable. As time expired, Dailey ran out of bounds to avoid a hit, solidifying the Huskers' first loss of a dismal 5-6 campaign.

17. Alex Henery vs. Colorado, 2008

Moments before Ndamukong Suh's pick-six, Alex Henery gave the Huskers the lead by hitting a 57-yard bomb. Although Henery was previously knocked for his perceived lack of range, this kick erased all doubt and began his legendary career for Nebraska.

16. Ndamukong Suh vs. Texas, 2009

The 2009 Big 12 Championship Game was Ndamukong Suh's masterpiece as he almost single-handedly captured the conference title for the Big Red.  Even though the game itself was practically one giant Suh highlight, his hurling of Colt McCoy has become the embodiment of his strength and dominance during his senior season.

15. Additional Time vs. Texas, 2009

This one is still hard to watch. But no matter how painful an ending it was, it will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable finishes in Nebraska, if not all of college football, history.

14. Eric Crouch Facemask vs. Kansas State, 1998

Late in the second half Nebraska found itself behind at Kansas State. But as Eric Crouch tried to mount a late comeback he endured one of the most gruesome fouls to ever go uncalled.

13. Alamo Bowl vs. Michigan, 2005

Often forgotten is the chaotic end to the 2005 Alamo Bowl. Michigan tried its best Stanford-Cal impression after time expired. And if it was not for a touchdown-saving tackle amidst the coaches, players and media personnel already flooding the field, this ending could have been the craziest in all of college football.

12. Eric Crouch Run vs. Missouri, 2001

Any 95-yard touchdown run is worth remembering. But what sets this spectacular run by Eric Crouch even further apart is that it started three yards deep in the end zone with what should have been a safety. Yet 103 yards and a number of broken ankles later it was six points for the Big Red.

11. Blown Call vs. Penn State, 1982

The only blemish on the 1982 Cornhuskers' season was an early trip to State College. The Nittany Lions' upset was greatly aided by a mind-boggling call that Husker fans still claim stole a national championship from the Big Red.

10. Eric Crouch Hit vs. Iowa, 1999

Nebraska has long prided itself on playing hard-nosed, smash-mouth football. Nothing better illustrated this style of play than Eric Crouch laying out a Hawkeye defensive back on his way to the end zone.

9. Taylor Martinez Run vs. Wisconsin, 2012

The 2012 Big Ten Championship Game was one that Husker fans would rather just forget about entirely. But ignoring the other 59 and a half minutes of embarrassment, Taylor Martinez gave the Big Red something to smile about with one of the greatest runs in Nebraska history.  

8. Mike Rozier Run vs. UCLA, 1983

Eventual Heisman winner Mike Rozier initially turned heads during his 1983 campaign thanks to his iconic two-yard touchdown run against UCLA. Looking like a 1980's Reggie Bush, Rozier went coast-to-coast as he covered almost 100 yards before finally crossing the goal line.

7. Eric Crouch Catch vs. Oklahoma, 2001

In 2001, the Huskers and Sooners revitalized their old Big Eight rivalry when Oklahoma visited Lincoln for yet another 1 vs. 2 matchup. The close game was broken open by Nebraska with the help of some trickery midway through the fourth quarter. The reverse pass gave the Big Red the win and likely clinched the Heisman for Eric Crouch.

6. Fumblerooski vs. Miami, 1984

Whether it is considered clever or unfair, the "fumblerooski" implemented by the Huskers in the 1984 Orange Bowl is one of the most iconic plays in Nebraska football lore. It also makes Husker fans yearn for the days when Big Red quarterbacks fumbled on purpose.

5. Osborne Goes for Two vs. Miami, 1984

Had it not been for the Huskers' dynasty through the 90's, this monumental decision might not be viewed in the same light. But as it stands, Tom Osborne captured three national championships as head coach. And this refusal to settle for a tie does not haunt his legacy as a missed opportunity, but instead highlights Osborne's commitment to principles and dedication to excellence.

4. Johnny Rodgers Punt Return vs. Oklahoma, 1971

This electric return by Heisman winner Johnny Rodgers simply has it all. The ability to break tackles, the explosive burst, the change of direction, the breakaway speed and the touchdown dance. And let's not forget about a couple great crack-back blocks and the famed commentary. Man, woman and child!

3. The Catch vs. Missouri, 1997

Nebraska's chase for a third national title in four years seemed to have met its end at Missouri as the run-oriented Huskers were forced to throw for the end zone to keep their season's hopes alive. But thanks to a creative kick and great opportunism from Matt Davison, Nebraska pushed the game to overtime and saved their championship season.

2. The Run vs. Florida, 1996

How many tackles can one man break? Nine by my count. Tommie Frazier's touchdown run against Florida helped Nebraska capture its second straight national championship and solidified his spot in Husker football lore.

1. Jack Hoffman, Spring Game 2013

So many Husker greats have provided us electrifying plays and dominant performances. But only one Husker has given us the perspective that Jack Hoffman offered during Nebraska's 2013 Spring Game. His touchdown will not bring home a Heisman or deliver the Big Red a national championship. Instead, it reminded us of what truly matters, returning football to its proper place and in doing so became the most memorable play in Nebraska football history.