Before the Nebraska football game against Iowa, tensions were high as the rivalry between the two Big Ten teams escalated. The Hawkeyes sent armed police to prevent the Huskers from holding their team prayer on the 50-yard line, setting off a chain of bad behavior that continued during the pre-game coin toss. Nebraska players, including team captains, refused to shake hands with Iowa captains, demonstrating poor sportsmanship before the game even began.
Former Nebraska football star Rob Zatechka criticized the team’s behavior, retweeting a video of the handshake snub with the caption “This isn’t my program.” The Hawkeyes also reported that Nebraska’s head coach disrupted their warmups before the game, setting a negative tone for the match.
Although Iowa has a history of poor sportsmanship themselves, especially after victories against Nebraska, it was disappointing to see the Huskers behaving disrespectfully leading up to the game. Fans were quick to condemn the behavior, noting that they would have criticized any other team that acted in a similar manner. Ultimately, Nebraska’s lack of sportsmanship did not fare well for them, as they ended up losing the game to Iowa.
The incident highlighted the need for better behavior and sportsmanship within the Nebraska football program. Despite the intense rivalry, it is important for teams to show respect for their opponents both on and off the field. The actions of the Huskers before the game left a poor impression on fans and former players alike, emphasizing the importance of maintaining good sportsmanship in competitive matchups.
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Photo credit huskercorner.com