The 1998 college football season opened with the Nebraska Cornhuskers entering as the fourth‑ranked team in the nation, a preseason expectation that set the stage for Frank Solich’s first year as head coach.
A Promising Start
Nebraska’s debut under Solich came against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs in the Nebraska Genuine Eddie Robinson Classic, where the Huskers exploded for five first‑half touchdowns, including a 99‑yard kickoff return by Joe Walker that swung momentum early.
Louisiana Tech’s quarterback Tim Rattay threw for 590 yards and four scores, and rookie Troy Edwards posted an NCAA‑record 405 receiving yards, but Nebraska’s defense answered with nine tackles from Eric Johnson and three sacks.
The Huskers outgained the Bulldogs 462 to 449 yards, racking up 289 rushing yards on the ground thanks to Correll Buckhalter, while Bobby Newcombe scored two early touchdowns before exiting with a knee injury; Dan Alexander and Willie Miller also reached the end zone.
Key Takeaways
After the 56‑27 victory, Solich praised his players’ composure under media scrutiny, calling the first half a well‑played game and noting that the team’s focus would be a hallmark of the season.
The win improved Nebraska to 1‑0 and kept the Huskers in the conversation for a championship run, as the coaching staff turned attention to the next opponent while the nation watched the new era unfold.