By the numbers

This will be Scott Frost’s fourth season in Lincoln, but he’ll try to even up his opening day record to 2-2 after losing at Ohio State a year ago by the score of 52-17.
He’ll do so at Illinois on Aug. 28 with a fourth year starter at quarterback and numerous five-year super seniors on defense.
These are just a few numbers to ponder. Here are some more:
5 college football games played during the opening weekend. The Huskers and Illini will basically be it besides Hawaii at UCLA. So Nebraska better be ready because there’s going to be a lot eyeballs watching.
16 games played on Thursday night, Sept. 2. Boy that seems like a lot when I have to go to work the next morning.
644 days since the Huskers last played in front of a sold out crowd in Lincoln. If you remember, Keith Duncan kicked a last second field goal as Iowa beat the Huskers 27-24 on Nov. 19, 2019. And yes, that one still stings.
14 teams in the Big Ten. Someone please explain that one to me.
2 upcoming opponents ranked in the top four of the USA coaches poll...Oklahoma and Ohio State.
8 as in pre-season No. 8, as in Iowa State. I have to be living in an alternate galaxy.
3 Huskers from Aurora before you get to the “Cs” on the alphabetical roster.
18 returning starters including 10 on defense.
5 seasons as a head coach. I think we keep forgetting Frost is still young and still learning.
13 the jersey worn by Husker defender JoJo Domann. He’s proved there’s nothing cursed about that number.
18 Husker players listed at 6 ft. 6 in. or taller.
43 the longest catch of Austin Allen’s career, last season against Illinois.
13 of 15 made field goals a year ago for Connor Culp, who was named Big Ten Kicker of the Year.
20 my all-time favorite Husker’s number...the incomparable Johnny Rodgers.
0 the jersey numbers worn this season by outside linebacker Pheldarius Payne and backup running back Jaquez Yant.
9 home and away venues called “Memorial Stadium” during the 2021 season.
3,787 miles from Lincoln to Mililani, Hawaii, the home of freshman linebacker Wynden Ho’ohuli.
3 key transfer players in running back Markese Stepp (USC), linebacker Chris Kolarevic (Northern Iowa) and receiver Samori Toure (Montana). Three big upgrades.
0 coaching changes for the first time since 2014.
236 receiving yards for Austin Allen a year ago. Look for that number to at least triple.
2 home games prior to Oct. 2.
41 points given up to Illinois a year ago in Lincoln.
50 years since the “Game of the Century” against Oklahoma. Seems like only yesterday.
391.5 total offense average a year ago.
386.5 total offense average allowed a year ago.
10 more days until the first kickoff. Let’s goooooo!
DAVE BRADLEY can be reached at advertising@hamilton.net.