# 2015 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team

The 2015 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team represented the University of Nebraska in the 2015 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team was coached by first-year head coach Mike Riley and played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska. They were members of the West Division of the Big Ten Conference.
Nebraska struggled with many close losses in the 2015 season and finished the regular season with a 5–7 overall record, but was able to hand a playoff-bound and Big Ten champion Michigan State team their only loss of the regular season. Nebraska still qualified for a bowl game, one of three teams to do so with a 5–7 record (the others being in-conference rival Minnesota and San Jose State). This was due to the lack of six-wins teams to fill the 80 bowl slots in the FBS and because of their APR score in relation to other FBS teams that also had a 5–7 record. The Huskers took on the UCLA Bruins in the Foster Farms Bowl in Santa Clara, California and won 37–29 to end the season with a 6–7 record.

## Before the season
### Recruiting
#### Scholarship recruits

College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40$^‡$ | Commit date |
| Alston, Lavan WR | Ventura, CA | St. Bonaventure | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 173 lb (78 kg) | 4.43 | Jan 31, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Anderson, Avery CB | Colorado Springs, CO | Pine Creek | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | – | Feb 2, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Barnett, Jalin OG | Lawton, OK | Lawton | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 303 lb (137 kg) | 5.2 | Jan 14, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 84 |||||||
| Barry, Mohamed LB | Loganville, GA | Grayson | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | 4.50 | Jan 29, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Davis, Alex DE | West Palm Beach, FL | Dwyer | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | – | Feb 1, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ESPN grade: NR |||||||
| Davis, Carlos DT | Blue Springs, MO | Blue Springs | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | – | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Davis, Khalil DT | Blue Springs, MO | Blue Springs | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 270 lb (120 kg) | – | Mar 1, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Decker, Michael OG | Omaha, NE | Omaha North | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 288 lb (131 kg) | 5.3 | Apr 9, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 77 |||||||
| Ferguson, Tyrin LB | New Orleans, LA | Edna Karr | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | – | Dec 6, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Gaylord, Christian OT | Baldwin City, KS | Baldwin | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 290 lb (130 kg) | 5.1 | Feb 3, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Lee, Eric CB | Highlands Ranch, CO | Valor Christian | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 184 lb (83 kg) | – | Feb 1, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 82 |||||||
| Morgan Jr., Stanley WR | New Orleans, LA | St. Augustine | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | – | Nov 7, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 81 |||||||
| Neal, DaiShon DE | Omaha, NE | Omaha Central | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 245 lb (111 kg) | 4.8 | Apr 9, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 75 |||||||
| Ober, Jordan LS | Las Vegas, NV | Bishop Gorman | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4.8 | Feb 1, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ESPN grade: NR |||||||
| Ozigbo, Devine RB | Sachse, TX | Sachse | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.7 | Jan 9, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Reed, Antonio S | Southaven, MS | Southaven | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.5 | Apr 9, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: N/A ESPN grade: NR |||||||
| Snyder, Matt TE | San Ramon, CA | California | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 245 lb (111 kg) | – | Dec 30, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Stevenson, Jordan RB | Dallas, TX | South Oak Cliff | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) | – | Jul 30, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 80 |||||||
| Talan, Adrienne LB | Pembroke Pines, FL | Flanagan | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | 4.5 | Feb 4, 2015 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 72 |||||||
| Williams, Aaron S | Atlanta, GA | Carver | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | – | May 15, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 78 |||||||
| Young, Dedrick RB | Peoria, AZ | Centennial | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | – | Dec 15, 2014 |
| Star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN: ESPN grade: 76 |||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 33 Rivals: 31 ESPN: 31 |||||||
| ‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Yahoo Sports: Rivals.com 2015 Nebraska Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 8, 2015. "Scout.com 2015 Nebraska Commitments". Scout.com. Retrieved February 8, 2015. "ESPN 2015 Nebraska Commitments". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 8, 2015. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 8, 2015. "2015 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 8, 2015. |||||||

#### Walk-on recruits

College recruiting information :
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight |
| Anderson, Fyn OT | Lincoln, NE | Lincoln Southeast | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 247 lb (112 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Brugmann, Jared LB | Gretna, NE | Gretna | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Cleveland, Brody LB | Ogallala, NE | Ogallala | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 210 lb (95 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Hemphill, Austin FB | Gretna, NE | Gretna | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Karel, Reid QB | Seward, NE | Seward | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Johnson, Noah RB | Sutton, NE | Sutton | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 195 lb (88 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Mazour, Wyatt ATH | Albion, NE | Boone Central | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Weinmaster, Jacob LB | Loveland, CO | Loveland | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Young, Conor ATH | Cozad, NE | Cozad | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) |
| Star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: N/A 247Sports: N/A ESPN: N/A ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: ||||||
| Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "2015 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. ||||||

## Schedule

| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
| September 5 | 2:30 p.m. | BYU* | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ABC | L 28–33 | 89,959 |
| September 12 | 7:00 p.m. | South Alabama* | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | BTN | W 48–9 | 89,822 |
| September 19 | 2:30 p.m. | at Miami (FL)* | Sun Life StadiumMiami Gardens, FL (rivalry) | ABC/ESPN2 | L 33–36 $^{OT}$ | 53,580 |
| September 26 | 11:00 a.m. | Southern Miss* | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPNews | W 36–28 | 89,899 |
| October 3 | 3:00 p.m. | at Illinois | Memorial StadiumChampaign, IL | BTN | L 13–14 | 40,138 |
| October 10 | 2:30 p.m. | Wisconsin | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE (Freedom Trophy) | ABC/ESPN2 | L 21–23 | 89,886 |
| October 17 | 2:30 p.m. | at Minnesota | TCF Bank StadiumMinneapolis, MN (rivalry) | ESPN2 | W 48–25 | 54,062 |
| October 24 | 11:00 a.m. | Northwestern | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPN2 | L 28–30 | 89,493 |
| October 31 | 11:00 a.m. | at Purdue | Ross–Ade StadiumWest Lafayette, IN | ESPNU | L 45–55 | 31,351 |
| November 7 | 6:00 p.m. | No. 6 Michigan State | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE | ESPN | W 39–38 | 90,094 |
| November 14 | 2:30 p.m. | at Rutgers | High Point Solutions StadiumPiscataway, NJ | BTN | W 31–14 | 45,606 |
| November 27 | 2:30 p.m. | No. 3 Iowa | Memorial StadiumLincoln, NE (Heroes Game) | ABC | L 20–28 | 90,830 |
| December 26 | 8:15 p.m. | UCLA* | Levi's StadiumSanta Clara, CA (Foster Farms Bowl) | ESPN | W 37–29 | 33,527 |
| *Non-conference gameHomecomingRankings from AP Poll released prior to the gameAll times are in Central time ||||||||

## Rankings

Ranking movements Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes :
| | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week | Week |
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Coaches | RV | RV | RV | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| CFP | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | Not released | — | — | — | — | — | — | Not released |

## Game summaries
### BYU

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • BYU | 7 | 17 | 0 | 9 | 33 |
| Nebraska | 14 | 0 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| First meeting |||
BYU snapped Nebraska's 29-game season-opening winning streak on a last-second 42-yard Hail Mary pass from backup quarterback Tanner Mangum to Mitch Mathews. This was Nebraska's first season opening loss since 1985. BYU outgained Nebraska in total offense 511 yards to 445 yards. Nebraska was led by Tommy Armstrong who went 24-of-41 through the air for 319 yards with three touchdown passes and 1 interception. Terrell Newby was the team's leading rusher with 46 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown and Jordan Westerkamp was the top Husker receiver with seven catches for 107 yards and a touchdown. Taysom Hill was 21-of-34 for 268 yards with a touchdown and an interception before being knocked out of the game. His backup, Tanner Mangum was 7-of-11 for 111 yards with the game-winning hail mary touchdown pass. Hill was the leading Cougar rusher with 83 yards and two scores and Nick Kurtz was the top BYU receiver with five catches for 123 yards.
BYU Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide receiver | Lane Hovey |
| Wide receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight end | David Sutton |
| Left tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive end | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive end | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Daniel Davie |
| Nickelback | Aaron Williams |
| Strong safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### South Alabama

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| South Alabama | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| • Nebraska | 14 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 48 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| First meeting |||
Nebraska used a balanced offensive effort and a stingy defense to put together four solid quarters of football in a 48–9 victory over South Alabama on Saturday night. Junior I-Back Terrell Newby raced to career highs with 28 carries for 198 yards and two touchdowns on the night, he also hauled in two catches for 38 yards and another score in the win. Tommy Armstrong was 21-of-30 for 270 yards and two scores. Nebraska totaled 561 yards of offense in the game with 258 yards on the ground and 303 in the air. The Huskers held South Alabama to 332 total yards, with 313 through the air and limiting the Jaguars to just 19 total yards rushing.
South Alabama Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Sam Cotton |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmolaun |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Chris Weber |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Cornerback | Daniel Davie |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Miami (FL)

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | OT | Total |
| Nebraska | 0 | 3 | 7 | 23 | 0 | 33 |
| • Miami | 17 | 3 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 36 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 6–5 | September 20, 2014 | Nebraska, 41–31 |
Tommy Armstrong Jr. and the Huskers orchestrated a fourth-quarter comeback, erasing a 23-point deficit in the final 8:36 of regulation, but Miami escaped with a 36–33 overtime win on Saturday at Sun Life Stadium. Trailing 33–10 after Miami's Michael Badgley connected on his fourth field goal of the game. Armstrong led Nebraska to 23 unanswered points to send the game to overtime tied at 33. Nebraska's comeback included a trio of fourth quarter touchdown passes from Armstrong to Alonzo Moore, Brandon Reilly and Stanley Morgan Jr., and a pair of two point conversion passes to Jordan Westerkamp and Cethan Carter. In overtime Armstrong opened the extra period with an interception on the first play. Miami took over and kicked a 28-yard field goal to end the game. Armstrong ended the day going 21-of-45 for 309 yards with 4 TDs and 3 INTs. Terrell Newby was the top Husker rusher with 14 carries for 82 yards and Jordan Westerkamp led Nebraska's receivers with five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown. The Huskers gained 462 yards in the game and allowed 511 to the Hurricanes. Nebraska fell to 1–2 for the first time since 1981.
Miami Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Lane Hovey |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Williams |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Daniel Davie |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Southern Miss

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Southern Miss | 0 | 0 | 7 | 21 | 28 |
| • Nebraska | 10 | 12 | 7 | 7 | 36 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 4–1 | September 7, 2013 | Nebraska, 56–13 |
Tommy Armstrong, Drew Brown, Andy Janovich, Brandon Reilly and Jordan Westerkamp all produced career days to lead Nebraska to a 36–28 win over Southern Miss on Homecoming at Memorial Stadium. Brown tied an NCAA record by kicking five field goals in the first half to help Nebraska jump to a 22–0 halftime lead. He also tied the Memorial Stadium record for field goals made in a game. Westerkamp notched a career-high with 11 receptions for 118 yards and Reilly notched a career-high with 112 yards. Andy Janovich notched career highs rushing and receiving from the fullback position and Tommy Armstrong notched a career-high with 431 yards of total offense. The Husker defense for the fourth game this year allowed 300+ yards passing as Southern Miss threw for over 400 yards. The Golden Eagles mounted a comeback in the second half, but came up short as the Huskers held on for the 36–28 win to end the non-conference season.
Southern Miss Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Williams |
| Defensive End | Freedom Akinmoladun |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Chris Weber |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Rose |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Illinois

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Nebraska | 0 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 13 |
| • Illinois | 0 | 0 | 0 | 14 | 14 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 9–2–1 | September 27, 2014 | Nebraska, 45–14 |
For the fourth time in five contests, the outcome of Nebraska's game was not decided until the opponent's final offensive play, and for the third time, Nebraska walked away on the short end of the stick with a 14–13 loss to Illinois to open the Big Ten season. The game was decided on a one-yard touchdown pass from Wes Lunt to Geronimo Allison with 10 seconds remaining to complete the Illini's 13-point fourth quarter deficit. Nebraska gained 292 yards on the day, and allowed 382 yards. Tommy Armstrong had his worst passing day of the year, going 10-of-31 for 105 yards with an interception in the loss. Linebacker Chris Weber led the Blackshirts with a career-high 17 tackles, with three tackles for loss.
Illinois Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Kevin Maurice |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Chris Weber |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Rose |
| Nickelback | Joshua Kalu |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |

### Wisconsin

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Wisconsin | 0 | 7 | 3 | 13 | 23 |
| Nebraska | 0 | 14 | 0 | 7 | 21 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 4–5 | November 15, 2014 | Wisconsin, 59–24 |
For the fourth time this season, Nebraska lost a game in the final seconds on the opponent's last offensive possession as Wisconsin kicked a 46-yard field goal with 0:04 remaining to seal a 23–21 win in Lincoln. With the loss, Nebraska drops to 2–4 for the first time since 1959. It is the seventh time in the last eight Nebraska games that the outcome has been decided by a single score. Wisconsin outgained the Huskers 469 yards (147 rush, 322 pass) to 325 yards (196 rush, 129 pass). Tommy Armstrong was 11-of-28 for 129 yards with a touchdown pass. Andy Janovich had three carries for 59 yards and a touchdown and Terrell Newby had 15 carries for 59 yards to lead the rushers, while Tommy Armstrong had 50 yards on eight carries and a score. Alonzo Moore was the top receiver with one catch for 41 yards and the touchdown. Byerson Cockrell lead the team in tackles with 10.
Wisconsin Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | De'Mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Stanley Morgon |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg McMullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valetine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Chris Weber |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Rose |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Minnesota

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Nebraska | 14 | 10 | 7 | 17 | 48 |
| Minnesota | 7 | 7 | 0 | 11 | 25 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 22–31–2 | November 22, 2014 | Minnesota, 28–24 |
Nebraska clinched their first Big Ten victory under Mike Riley with a 48–25 win over Minnesota in Minneapolis. Nebraska jumped to a 17–7 lead and then scored 21 unanswered to secure the win. Tommy Armstrong was 18-of-26 for 261 yards and had eight carries for 38 yards to lead the Huskers. Terrell Newby rushed 13 times for 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the win with the Huskers gaining 464 total yards of offense while Blackshirts held Minnesota to 366 yards and forced three turnovers.
Minnesota Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | De'Mornay Pierson-El |
| Wide Receiver | Taariq Allen |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Zach Streup |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Rose |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Northwestern

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Northwestern | 7 | 10 | 3 | 10 | 30 |
| Nebraska | 5 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 28 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 6–2 | October 18, 2014 | Nebraska, 38–17 |
In another game that went down to the wire, Nebraska watched a two-point conversion attempt fall incomplete with 4:23 left, allowing Northwestern to escape Memorial Stadium with a 30–28 win. With Nebraska's fifth loss of the season by five or fewer points, the Huskers slip to 3–5 overall and 1–3 in the Big Ten. Nebraska's five losses have come by a total of 13 points. Nebraska outgained Northwestern in total offense 373 yards (291 pass, 82 rush) to 333 yards (177 pass, 156 rush). Tommy Armstrong was 24-of-48 for 291 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT in the loss. Terrell Newby was the top rusher with 16 carries for 53 yards and Jordan Westerkamp the top receiver with five catches for 92 yards.
Northwestren Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Taariq Allen |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Zach Sterup |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Joshua Kalu |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Daniel Davie |

### Purdue

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| Nebraska | 3 | 6 | 7 | 29 | 45 |
| • Purdue | 7 | 14 | 21 | 13 | 55 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 2–1 | November 1, 2014 | Nebraska, 35–14 |
Nebraska turned the ball over five times and suffered a 55–45 loss to Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Huskers slipped to 3–6 overall and 1–4 in the Big Ten. Ryker Fyfe made his first career start at quarterback in place of injured starter Tommy Armstrong and threw for 407 yards and four touchdowns despite also throwing four interceptions and losing one fumble. The five turnovers were converted into 28 points by the Boilermakers. The Huskers were also without receivers Alonzo Moore and De'Moarnay Pierson-El and running back Terrell Newby to injury as well. Nebraska outgained Purdue in total offense with 484 total yards compared to Purdue's 457 yards. Nebraska rallied with 29 fourth quarter points, the second-best point total in the quarter in school history, trailing only 30 points scored at Hawaii in December 1982. Jordan Westerkamp hauled in nine passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the loss to help lead the Huskers. The loss marked the 1st time in Huskers football history that they lost 6 games before the start of November.
Purdue Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Ryker Fyfe |
| Running Back | Terrell Newby |
| Wide Receiver | Lane Hovey |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Chongo Kondolo |
| Right Tackle | Zach Sterup |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Ross Dzuris |
| Defensive tackle | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Joshua Kalu |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Daniel Davie |

### Michigan State

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| #6 Michigan State | 3 | 14 | 14 | 7 | 38 |
| • Nebraska | 10 | 3 | 7 | 19 | 39 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 7–2 | October 4, 2014 | Michigan State, 27–22 |
Nebraska scored two touchdowns in the final 1:47 of the game to rally for a 39–38 upset over #7 ranked Michigan State. The Huskers' 12-point rally in the fourth quarter tied for the largest fourth quarter rally in school history. Nebraska outgained MSU in total offense 499 yards to 491 yards. Tommy Armstrong finished the day going 19-of-33 for 320 yards with 2 TDs and 2 INTs. He also added 19 yards rushing and two scores on the ground. Imani Cross had 18 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown while Jordan Westerkamp had the top day for the receivers with 9 catches for 143 yards and a touchdown. Brandon Reilly added three catches for 87 yards and the game-winning touchdown. It was the first time an unranked Nebraska team beat a Top 10 ranked opponent since 1977.
Michigan State Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Imani Cross |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Zach Sterup |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Rutgers

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Nebraska | 14 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 31 |
| Rutgers | 0 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 14 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 2–0 | October 25, 2014 | Nebraska, 42–24 |
Nebraska jumped out to a 21–0 lead and never looked back in a 31–14 victory over Rutgers at High Point Solutions Stadium. The Huskers wasted little time, marking 78 yards in eight plays to score on the game's opening drive. The Blackshirt defense played its most complete game of the year, coming up with six sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions in the win. The Huskers held the Scarlet Knights to just 259 yards of offense. Nebraska gained 362 total yards on the day (174 rush, 188 pass). Tommy Armstrong was 14-of-21 for 188 yards with 3 TD passes and 3 INT. Cethan Carter was the top receiver with four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown while Imani Cross led the Huskers on the ground with 20 carries for 94 yards.
Rutgers Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Imani Cross |
| Wide Receiver | Alonzo Moore |
| Wide Receiver | Lane Hovey |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Zach Sterup |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Joshua Kalu |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Jonathan Rose |

### Iowa

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| • Iowa | 0 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 28 |
| Nebraska | 0 | 10 | 7 | 3 | 20 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 29–13–3 | November 28, 2014 | Nebraska, 37–34 $^{OT}$ |
Despite outgaining Iowa in total yardage, time of possession and plays run, the Hawkeyes held on for a 28–20 win over Nebraska in the HyVee Heroes Game on Black Friday. Nebraska's defense held Iowa to 0-of-9 on third downs, but four interceptions by the Huskers and untimely penalties doomed Nebraska. Nebraska outgained Iowa 433 yards (296 pass, 137 rush) to 250 yards (97 pass, 153 rush). Tommy Armstrong was 25-of-45 for 296 yards with 4 INT. Imani Cross was the leading rusher with 19 carries for 58 yards and two TDs. Terrell Newby had a team-high five receptions for 22 yards in the loss, while Cethan Carter caught four passes for a team-high 76 yards.
Iowa Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Imani Cross |
| Wide Receiver | Lane Hovey |
| Wide Receiver | Brandon Reilly |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Zach Sterup |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Marcus Newby |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Linebacker | Dedrick Young |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Byerson Cockrell |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

### Foster Farms Bowl

| | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
| UCLA | 7 | 14 | 8 | 0 | 29 |
| • Nebraska | 7 | 14 | 9 | 7 | 37 |
| Overall record | Previous meeting | Previous winner |
| 6–6 | September 14, 2013 | UCLA, 41–21 |
Tommy Armstrong threw and ran for touchdowns to help Nebraska cap its season on a bright note with a 37–29 win over UCLA in the Foster Farms Bowl. Nebraska scored 30 straight points after falling behind 21–7 early on. The Huskers rushed for a season-high 326 yards (151 in the third quarter alone) in the win and ended the game plus-one in turnover margin. Armstrong ended the night going 12-of-19 for 174 yards with a touchdown pass and added 76 yards rushing on 10 carries with a score on the ground. Freshman Devine Ozigbo led all rushers with 20 carries for 80 yards. Jordan Westerkamp was the top receiver for Nebraska with two catches for 44 yards. For his effort, Tommy Armstrong was named Offensive MVP of the Foster Farms Bowl. Also, head coach Mike Riley became the first coach to win this bowl game twice, after also having won the game in (2007)
UCLA Game starters
| Position | Player |
| Quarterback | Tommy Armstrong |
| Running Back | Imani Cross |
| Wide Receiver | Jamal Turner |
| Wide Receiver | Taariq Allen |
| Wide Receiver | Jordan Westerkamp |
| Tight End | Cethan Carter |
| Left Tackle | Alex Lewis |
| Left Guard | Dylan Utter |
| Center | Ryne Reeves |
| Right Guard | Zach Sterup |
| Right Tackle | Nick Gates |
| Position | Player |
| Defensive End | Greg Mcmullen |
| Defensive tackle | Maliek Collins |
| Defensive tackle | Vincent Valentine |
| Defensive End | Jack Gangwish |
| Linebacker | Michael Rose |
| Linebacker | Josh Banderas |
| Cornerback | Chris Jones |
| Nickelback | Byerson Cockrell |
| Strong Safety | Nate Gerry |
| Free Safety | Aaron Williams |
| Cornerback | Joshua Kalu |

## Big Ten awards
### Player of the Week Honors

| Week | Award | Player | Position |
| Week 2 | Offensive | Terrell Newby | RB |
| Week 4 | Offensive | Tommy Armstrong Jr. | QB |
| Week 5 | Special Teams | Sam Foltz | P |
| Week 10 | Offensive | Tommy Armstrong Jr. | QB |

## Personnel
### Depth chart

Defense :
* FS
* Byerson Cockrell
* Aaron Williams
| OUTSIDE | INSDIE | OUTSIDE |
| Dedrick Young | Josh Banderas | Marcus Newby Michael Rose-Ivey |
| Brad Simpson | Chris Weber | Luke Gifford |
* SS
* Nate Gerry
* Kieron Williams
* Antonio Reed
* CB
* Joshua Kalu
* Daniel Davie
| DE | DT | DT | DE |
| Jack Gangwish | Vincent Valentine | Maliek Collins | Greg McMullen |
| Freedom Akinmoldun | Kevin Williams | Kevin Maurice | Ross Dzuris |
| ⋅ | Mick Stoltenberg | ⋅ | ⋅ |
* CB
* Jonathan Rose Chris Jones
* Trai Mosley
Offense :
* WR
* Alonzo Moore
* De'Mornay Pierson-El
* WR
* Brandon Reilly
* Stanley Morgan
* Lane Hovey
| LT | LG | C | RG | RT |
| Alex Lewis | Dylan Utter | Ryne Reeves | Zach Sterup | Nick Gates |
| David Kneval | Jerald Foster | Paul Thurston | Chongo Kondolo | Zach Sterup |
* TE
* Cethan Carter
* Sam Cotton
* David Sutton Trey Foster
* WR
* Jordan Westerkamp
* Taariq Allen Jamal Turner
* QB
* Tommy Armstrong
* Ryker Fyfe
* A.J Bush
* Key reserves
* FB Andy Janovich
* FB Harrison Jordan
* Special teams
* PK Drew Brown
* P Sam Foltz
* KR Stanley Morgan Jordan Stevenson
* PR De'mornay Pierson-el Jordan Westerkamp
* LS Jordan Ober
* RB
* Terrell Newby
* Imani Cross Devine Ozigbo
* Mikale Wilbon

### All Conference Honors

2015 Big Ten All-Conference Honors
* Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year
* Sam Foltz
| Position | Player | Team |
| Coaches All-Big Ten |||
| P | Sam Foltz | First Team |
| WR | Jordan Westerkamp | Second Team |
| OT | Alex Lewis | Second Team |
| DT | Maliek Collins | Second Team |
| K | Drew Brown | Honorable Mention |
| S | Nathan Gerry | Honorable Mention |
| FB | Andy Janovich | Honorable Mention |
| CB | Joshua Kalu | Honorable Mention |
| Position | Player | Team |
| Media All-Big Ten |||
| P | Sam Foltz | First Team |
| WR | Jordan Westerkamp | Second Team |
| OT | Alex Lewis | Third Team |
| DT | Maliek Collins | Third Team |
| S | Nathan Gerry | Third Team |
| TE | Cethan Carter | Honorable Mention |

## NFL draft

* Maliek Collins (DT, 3rd round, 67th pick, Dallas Cowboys)
* Vincent Valentine (DT, 3rd round, 96th pick, New England Patriots)
* Alex Lewis (OT, 4th round, 130th pick, Baltimore Ravens)
* Andy Janovich (FB, 6th round, 176th pick, Denver Broncos)