Husker Doc Talk

This week's Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, has former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka fired up! The only thing hotter than Dr. Rob is Matt Rhule's seat!

Washington 17, Nebraska 10. The Huskers blow a fourth-quarter lead for the 3rd straight week. Nebraska is the only FBS team in the country to lead every game this season going into the fourth quarter. However, when it mattered the most, against Indiana, Oregon, and now Washington, the Huskers come up short and leave a faithful fan base as mad as we've seen since 2007.

How mad are the fans? Well, they started throwing stuff on the field at the end of the game on Saturday. As Dr. Rob points out during the episode, when he played, they threw projectiles on the field; they were oranges to indicate they were going to the Orange Bowl. Now you get the feeling that Husker fans are one more loss away from taking to the streets like the rioters in Paris.

Nebraska fans are passionate; there's no doubt. They've finally had enough. They've been asked to be patient; at the same time, they've been asked to give more, and the price tag is going up even higher with the stadium renovation.

Dr. Rob points out that what we've seen this year happens once; you can blow it off. If it happens three games in a row, that is a coaching problem. It starts with Matt Rhule, who, at best, is a middle-of-the-road coach since arriving at Nebraska. But he shouldn't shoulder all the blame. Dana Holgersen, the offensive coordinator, all but abandoned the run in the 3rd quarter against the Huskies, and he relies too much on the quarterback and doesn't do what it takes to win the Big 10: run the football!

Full transparency, this episode is more about the state of the program and spends little time talking about the actual game against Washington and the next game against Illinois. For good reason, it's what everyone is talking about.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and favorite the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions Sanitation

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit; learn more atStrategic Solutions Sanitation.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that's trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers' compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it's game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it's Husker-related, they've got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Episode 21 of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, focused on making sense of a chaotic college football weekend while Nebraska enjoyed a bye week, keeping our focus squarely on what lies ahead for the Huskers.

We opened the show diving into the absolute madness across the national landscape. Between Scott Frost pulling off an overtime stunner against the number two team in the country, Indiana needing extra time to put away Michigan, and Oregon taking a loss at Illinois, college football is swimming in pure parity. Dr. Rob and Travis Justice debated how the transfer portal and NIL dollars have completely leveled the playing field, making the weekly Top 25 nearly impossible to handicap on any given Saturday, all while the coaching carousel spins with early pink slips at Maryland and Baylor.

Turning our attention to the 5-2 Huskers, Rob hit the nail on the head describing fan sentiment as "painful, disappointed optimism." The two strongest, most complete games of the year were narrow, one-score losses to Indiana and Oregon, which makes it tricky to evaluate how close this team really is. On offense, we agreed that while Dana Holgorsen's RPO looks good for Anthony Colandrea, Nebraska cannot survive with the quarterback as the primary ball carrier. The game plan has to be to establish a downhill run game and lean on Jamal Rule (if healthy) to grind defenses down in the second half.

What about this week's showdown with Washington? The Huskies have shown flashes of talent, but their glaring inconsistency and lack of quality wins mean we don't know how good this team really is. Earning win number six and securing bowl eligibility is the non-negotiable priority. Rob put his chips on Nebraska by 10, while Travis took the Huskers to cover comfortably with a 17-point win.

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and favorite the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions Sanitation

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit; learn more atStrategic Solutions Sanitation.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that's trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers' compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it's game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it's Husker-related, they've got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

On this episode of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, Travis Justice and former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka break down the late-night heartbreaker against Oregon and what went wrong in the closing minutes of a game that felt like a wild movie script.

A tough one for Big Red faithful to watch as former Husker Dylan Raiola’s came off the bench in the fourth quarter after sitting for three quarters to go 11-of-18 through the air and engineer Oregon’s go-ahead scoring drive. It’s almost like a broken record for the Huskers. We look closely at why Nebraska’s long-standing struggles to finish out high-stakes games go well beyond Raiola, examining how the offense must shoulder more responsibility to sustain drives and put points on the board.

The discussion dives deep into a tremendous effort by the Blackshirt defense, which held Oregon to two field goals through three quarters before gassing out under the weight of two massive Oregon possessions totaling 37 plays and nearly thirteen minutes of fourth-quarter clock. From burned defensive timeouts to Anthony Colandrea's gritty performance under pressure and the confusing final play where the offense failed to stop the clock, every critical mistake is put under the microscope.

What we saw throughout college football on Saturday was impressive, thanks to all the upsets. Is there more parity now in college football than ever before? We discuss the proposed 24-team playoff format. We push back against Nick Saban and the so-called traditionalist critics. We believe that a wider playoff bracket doesn't devalue the regular season; it creates high-stakes drama and gives deserving teams a legitimate shot to make a run.

Looking ahead to the bye week, what does Nebraska need from the break to get key personnel healed up before a crucial stretch run featuring matchups against Washington, Ohio State, and Iowa? Also, do the Huskers still have a shot at the College Football Playoff with two losses?

Be sure to subscribe on YouTube and favorite the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or wherever you listen so you never miss an episode!

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions Sanitation

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit; learn more atStrategic Solutions Sanitation.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska gave Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers everything they could handle on the stat sheet, dominating in almost every category, yet still walked off the field with a heartbreaking loss. How do you beat a top-ten squad in almost every single metric and still leave with an L? On this episode of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka break down the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating from the game with the Hoosiers. The loss means Nebraska has now lost 31 straight games to teams ranked in the Top 25. The last time the Huskers scored an "upset" was in September of 2016. They will get more chances as the season goes on, but Matt Rhule is in desperate need of a signature win.

Speaking of Rhule, were the Huskers outcoached?. Matt Rhule’s fiery, constant lobbying with the officiating crew helping this football team or hurting it? We dig into coaching composure, comparing Rhule’s sideline demeanor to the stoic, measured approach of Tom Osborne and Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz. Plus, what happened on that fourth-and-one breakdown where Indiana’s receiver was running wide open the second he cleared the line of scrimmage? When you give away big plays, miss field goals, and lose the turnover battle, winning close Big Ten games becomes an uphill climb.

There were bright spots. The interior defensive line showed real potential and a glimpse of what's to come against a physical front, with young disruptors stepping up and holding Indiana to a miserable 1-of-10 on third downs. On offense, quarterback Anthony Calandria showed serious playmaking chops with his legs, but Dr. Rob thinks he’s holding onto the ball too long, and absorbing coverage sacks continues to stall drives.

Up next for Nebraska, at Oregon. Dan Lanning’s Oregon squad dropped out of the top 25 after stumbling against UCLA, Dylan Raiola got benched during a brutal turnover fest, and the Huskers face a tough road into Eugene for a late-night 10:00 PM kickoff.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions Sanitation

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit; learn more atStrategic Solutions Sanitation.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Dr. Rob is out, but former TD Ameritrade CEO and Coastal Carolina head coach Joe Moglia steps into the studio to talk with Travis Justice for a powerhouse midweek episode of the Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation!

Joe is back in Omaha with a documentary film crew chronicling his improbable journey from a two-bedroom Bronx apartment to Wall Street dominance and championship college football sidelines. In this candid, wide-ranging interview, Joe and Travis discuss:

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The Making of a Movie: Inside the upcoming documentary and feature film project directed by Todd Robinson and produced by Mark Ciardi, plus what happened with Mark Wahlberg.

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Talking Leadership with Matt Rhule: Joe’s visit to Memorial Stadium and his perspective on building a culture versus navigating the modern portal era.

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Fixing College Athletics: Why NIL without contracts is unsustainable, what’s missing from current legislation, and why college football needs an NFL-style model with real transparency.

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The "BAM" Philosophy & Overcoming Adversity: Navigating severe childhood stuttering, family sacrifices, and building Coastal Carolina into a national power with zero rules and one uncompromising standard.

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Exclusive Book Reveal: Joe drops the title and cover of his long-awaited leadership book arriving this winter: No Rules, One Standard: Step the F*** Up.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions Sanitation

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit, learn more atStrategic Solutions Sanitation.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Hope is building in Nebraska football. The Huskers are 5-0 for the first time since 2016. Their 2-0 start is their best in Big Ten Conference play since 2017.

Welcome to the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, with Travis Justice and former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka.

Nebraska got off to a slow start last Saturday against Maryland. After a bad first quarter, the Huskers rebounded in the final three quarters to beat the Terrapins 48-23. Not only is Nebraska off to its best start since 2016, but they have beaten every team this year by 17 or more points. It's the first time they have done that since 2001.

When the Huskers started playing well, it was impressive. They intercepted Maryland quarterback Malik Washington twice, including an 81-yard return for a touchdown by Dwayne McDougle III. It was Nebraska's first pick-six since 2024. One stat that may get overlooked is third-down conversions. Maryland was held to 1-for-14 on third down.

Things start to get real for the Big Red on Saturday. Defending National Champion and seventh-ranked Indiana comes to Memorial Stadium. The Hoosiers have the current longest winning streak in college football at 21. We assume Indiana is good, really good. But do we really know? The Hoosiers have played a weak schedule so far; their best win is a home victory over Northwestern.

We are not guaranteeing a Nebraska win; we're just saying the Hoosiers have been tested only once. Saturday is a big one for both teams. Dr. Rob says if the Huskers win, fans should storm the field and the goalposts should come down. According to Dr. Rob, a win would be the program's biggest since 2001.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more atStrategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska still has a lot of the season left, but 2026 is already starting to look very different for the Huskers.

For the first time since 2016, Nebraska went unbeaten in September. The Huskers improved to 4-0 last Saturday with a 31-13 win at Michigan State. It's also the first time since 2019 that Nebraska won its Big 10 Conference opener. It may not seem like much, but for a fan base looking for a return to relevance, it's a big deal.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented byStrategic Solutions Sanitation, former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice dive into the win over the Spartans and look ahead to what is possible for Nebraska as the season moves along. Does this team have a ceiling?

The Huskers forced three turnovers against Michigan State. Those takeaways were a big reason the scoreboard made the game look like a blowout. But it also sparked a deep conversation on turnovers. Dr. Rob breaks down the difference between a takeaway and a giveaway. Most fans, even media members, see turnovers as just that: turnovers. But Dr. Rob, being the philosophical man that he is, says there is a huge difference.

In addition to forcing three turnovers, the Nebraska defense recorded six sacks against the Spartans for a 50-yard loss. Michigan State was held to a net 39 yards rushing.

Both Dr. Rob and Travis expect the Huskers to improve to 5-0 on Saturday when they play Maryland at home. Maryland got beat at home last week, 54-3 by UCLA. The Terrapins turned the ball over five times, including four interceptions. Their Head Coach, Mike Locksley, is on the hot seat. Locksley is 39-51 as Maryland's Head Coach, including a 17-49 Big Ten Record. One reason he hasn't been fired yet is that he still has $20 million remaining on his contract, which runs through 2028, but he'd be owed only $9.2 million if they fire him before December 31, according to USA Today.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more atStrategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska is in a familiar place, 3-0 after the first three non-conference games of the season for the third straight year. The Huskers beat North Dakota 34-7 last Saturday. Three straight 3-0 non-conference games is the Huskers' longest streak since 1997-2001.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, Travis Justice and former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka look back at Nebraska’s latest win. The offense was impressive: 493 yards, including 277 on the ground. Quarterback Anthony Colandrea continues to impress: 15-of-21 passing, 195 yards and a touchdown. The transfer also rushed four times for 19 yards and a touchdown.

Building momentum for what's to come, freshman running back Jamal Rule is solidifying himself as the number one running back: 15 carries, 119 yards and two touchdowns. Rule's longest run from scrimmage was a 55-yard touchdown in the third quarter that put Nebraska up 24-0.

Maybe the most impressive part of the win over North Dakota was the defense. Sure, North Dakota is an FCS team, but it is one of the best in that division and came into the game with a high-powered offense. The Blackshirts sacked Jerry Kaminski five times. The Fighting Hawks could only muster 205 total yards, more than 300 yards below their season average.

Do we really know how good Nebraska is? The short answer is no. We only say this because of the level of competition they've faced so far. The first real test comes on Saturday when the Huskers go on the road for the first time and open up Big Ten Conference play at Michigan State.

The Spartans are 2-1 on the season; they lost last Saturday at Notre Dame, 27-10. The score suggests the game was closer than most people thought. The stat sheet tells a different story. But we all know the only thing that matters is the final score.

Michigan State is coached by Pat Fitzgerald, the former Northwestern Coach. Fitzgerald is 6-6 against Nebraska. His last win against the Big Red was in 2022, 31-28 in a game played in Dublin, Ireland.

Michigan State has won two of the last three games with the Huskers; Nebraska hasn’t won in East Lansing since 2012.

Is this a MUST win for the Huskers? That’s a strong way to put it, and a loss wouldn’t be the end of the world. But a win would mean Nebraska has passed its first major test of the season, building even more confidence as the schedule gets tougher week by week.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more atStrategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride year-round.

Shop online athttps://www.huskerhounds.com/.

On the bright side, Nebraska is 2-0 on the season with two very easy wins against teams from the MAC.

The downside is this: with the inferior competition the Huskers have played so far, we really don’t know how good this team is.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, Travis Justice and former Husker offensive lineman Dr. Rob Zatechka take a look back at the Bowling Green game and look ahead to Saturday’s showdown with North Dakota.

On paper, the numbers echo the glory days. Averaging 535 yards a game, 256 yards a game on the ground, and 53 points per game! A mobile quarterback in Anthony Colandrea who can make plays with his feet and his arm. Jamal Rule, a running back who has future All-Conference written all over him, and maybe All-American.

The defense may finally be worthy of being called “The Blackshirts” again. Giving up just 28 points in two games. Bowling Green was held to just a touchdown.

Is this for real, or just smoke and mirrors? How about too early to tell.

Up next is North Dakota. The Fighting Hawks are one of the best teams in FCS. Sure, they may be playing down a division, but they will most likely be the best team Nebraska has played so far this year.

North Dakota has a potent offense led by quarterback Jerry Kaminski. Kaminski has 11 touchdown passes in three games and is completing 77% of his passes. North Dakota averages 540 yards and 50 points per game. However, Nebraska will be the best team it has played this season.

North Dakota and Nebraska last played in 2022. The Huskers won 38-17. However, the game was much closer than the final score suggests. The Huskers needed two touchdowns in the 4th quarter to make the game out of reach.

Travis and Dr. Rob always have lively and somewhat thought-provoking conversations; enjoy the episode!

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska opens the season with a convincing win over Ohio, 49-21.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice dive deep into the game, highlighting the positives and areas for improvement for the next game.

The Nebraska running game was impressive against the Bobcats. The Huskers racked up 248 yards on the ground, led by true freshman running back Jamal Rule, who carried the ball 15 times for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rule also caught a touchdown pass.

Rule is the first true freshman to rush for 100+ yards since Adrian Martinez did it in 2018. He did not start the game, but his performance against Ohio was clearly the best among the running backs who played.

Anthony Colandrea had a very good debut at quarterback for Nebraska. 18-32, for 275 yards and three touchdowns. As Dr. Rob discusses in this episode, Colandrea clearly fits the Nebraska system and makes the offense run more efficiently.

Nebraska did have 9 penalties in the game. Yellow flags have plagued the Huskers in the past, and if they want the season they hope to have, they need to clean up this issue.

Dr. Rob also breaks down the offensive and defensive line play; here's a hint: he was hoping for a better pass rush from the Huskers.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

The talking is over! It's time to start playing the games. On this episode of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and former Husker Dr. Rob Zatechka preview the Huskers' season opener against Ohio.

This is the first meeting between Nebraska and the Bobcats. Call it the Frank Solich game. Solich will receive the Legends Award from the Nebraska football Hall of Fame and be part of the coin toss. Solich was also head coach at Ohio from 2005-2020. In total, he won 173 games coaching both schools, 58 at Nebraska and 115 at Ohio.

Nebraska will be looking to build early-season momentum and get its timing down with a handful of transfers. Sure, the newcomers have lots of experience, but this will be the first time playing together as a unit.

The Huskers have a good balance of returning experience to mesh with the transfers, with six returning starters on offense and six on defense.

All eyes will be on transfer quarterback Anthony Colandrea. There are huge expectations on the UNLV transfer. He's started 31 games and has 8,693 total yards of offense in his career, including 7,542 passing yards. On paper, his dual-threat ability makes him a better fit for Dana Holgorsen's offense.

There will be lots of new faces to watch, including the coaching staff. It's only the first game, but it could give everyone a glimpse of what is to come for Nebraska, good and bad.

Also, Dr. Rob shares his predictions for the biggest surprise teams in the Big 10 this season and his potential disappointments.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

We are less than two weeks away from the kickoff of the 2026 season, and the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, is coming with some fresh analysis.

Travis Justice and former Husker All-American, Dr. Rob Zatechka, dive deep into the defensive side of the ball.

Dr. Rob believes that if the Huskers are going to move beyond six or seven wins in 2026, they'll need to improve significantly on defense. Especially upfront on the defensive line and in their ability to stop the run against Big 10 opponents.

Dr. Rob believes that with a new Defensive Coordinator, new defensive position coaches, and a good mix of returning players and transfers, the pieces are in place. But he’s been burned before, and that’s why he’s taking a wait-and-see approach before he comes to any conclusion on how talented the defense really is.

One of the last remaining records for Husker Football going back to the “Glory Days” is the sellout streak. It currently is at 410 consecutive games, dating back to 1962. The streak is in serious jeopardy, and the athletic department is selling attractive ticket packages to try to keep it going. Is now the time to let it stop? Sure, the sellout streak is a source of pride, but it has also become something of an eye-roll in the college football world, as TV often shows a stadium far from full when the Huskers are on TV. Holding on to the sellout streak can, and in many ways does, look like desperation when you are giving away tickets or buying them up just to keep it alive.

In the end, the best way to sell out the stadium is to put a good product on the field that fans can be proud of. If we are being honest, Nebraska hasn’t done that in over a decade.

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Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule told the Big 10 Network that the 2026 Huskers are his best team, by far! If that’s the case, the offense is going to have to make some major improvements if that statement reflects in the win column.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka dive deep into Offensive Coordinator Dana Holgorsen and specifically the running back room.

Holgorsen is in the last year of his two-year contract with Nebraska. In his first full season as the Big Red’s play caller, the Huskers offense made significant improvement in every offensive statistic with the exception of passing yards per game, where they actually went backward.

We aren’t saying Holgorsen is on the hot seat, but if this is the best team by far since Rhule arrived in Lincoln, the offense will be expected to make another big jump.

A lot is still unknown about whether that will happen. An offensive line that has not played together. A new quarterback who last took a snap against a Big 10 team in 2023 when he was at Virginia. And the Huskers must replace All-American running back Emmett Johnson, who accounted for 40.7% of Nebraska’s offensive yards last season. The running back room has virtually no starting experience to speak of as the season starts.

No, Nebraska does not have a Johnson-like back on the roster; expect a more committee-based running back attack.

• Mekhi Nelson (Sophomore)
• Isaiah Mozee (Sophomore)
• Kwinten Ives (Junior)
• Jamal Rule (True Freshman

Others could work into the mix, like Conor Booth and Tikey Hayes. However, based on the Huskers' schedule, the offense and the running game will be huge factors in whether Nebraska can reach eight, or even nine, wins.

Here are Nebraska’s offensive statistics and rankings from last season.

Category 2025 2025 Rank 2024 Rank Scoring Offense 28.7 58th 103 Total Offense 370.5 80th 94th Passing Offense 224.6 70th 65th Running Offense 145.9 79th 96th Yards Per Play 5.8 68th 106th 3rd Down % 45.7% 72nd Top 20

Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and send us an email if you have a question: doctalksports@gmail.com.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

If there's one thing Dr. Rob Zatechka knows a lot about, well, it's actually two things. Medicine and offensive line play. For the sake of this podcast, we will focus on the O-Line.

Welcome to another edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast presented by Strategic Solutions Sanitation.

Dr. Rob points out there is a lot to be optimistic about for a unit that has struggled over the last couple of coaching staffs.

This year's team has three incoming transfers and is expected to start or see significant playing time up front. But Dr. Rob says to hold your horses and expect the pipeline's return. He admits there is talent, but talent may not be as valuable as time! Listen to the episode for the full breakdown.

Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and send us an email if you have a question: doctalksports@gmail.com.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Welcome back to the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, now presented by Strategic Solutions.

A sure sign that the season is right around the corner, Big 10 Media Days take place this week. Six teams on the stage on Tuesday, six teams on Wednesday, and six more, including Nebraska, on Thursday.

Travis Justice and Former Nebraska All-American Dr. Rob Zatechka don't expect to learn a lot from the made-for-TV/Internet event. But they are interested in hearing what Big Ten Commissioner Tony Pettiti has to say about the "Save College Sports Act," which is not expected to pass before the November elections.

Pettiti isn't expected to be as straightforward as his SEC counterpart Greg Sankey, but it's no secret the Big 10 is opposed to the "Save College Sports Act" in its current form.

Matt Rhule will take the stage on Thursday; the ESPN Power Index has Nebraska finishing 7-5 on the season. If the Huskers do finish with this record, does it put Matt Rhule on the hot seat?

As we get closer to the season starting, Travis and Rob talk about fan apathy setting in for the Huskers. Is it really happening? This has been the least talked-about off-season they can remember for years.

Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and send us an email if you have a question: doctalksports@gmail.com.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Strategic Solutions

The food safety and contract sanitation experts built by industry veterans. They deliver 100% legal compliance, audit-ready performance, and elite sanitation for processing facilities nationwide. Stop worrying about your next audit—learn more at Strategic Solutions.

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

After years of talking about it, the renovation of Memorial Stadium is finally going to take place! On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka talk about the $600 million project.

The project will bring major changes to the 103-year-old stadium. The south stadium will be completely demolished and rebuilt. This will create a 360-degree concourse and more fan amenities. Capacity will drop to 80,000 but will include 20,000 additional chairback seats and a 7,000-seat student section.

Change does not come without complaints. People are unhappy with the project's price tag. They are also upset about the decision to eliminate legacy season tickets. As Travis and Dr. Rob Discuss, this is all part of doing business in today’s world of college football. Stealing a line from “The Godfather,” it’s not personal, it’s business.

The podcast covers a lot of ground, including the proposed 5-for-5 eligibility rule. The Big Ten’s record payout to schools from the first full year of the new media contract.

Also, the dangers to the transfer portal. We witnessed it firsthand recently with Brendan Sorsby at Texas Tech, who checked into a residential treatment facility for gambling addiction. The portal's shotgun marriages do not give teams enough time to conduct background checks on players. Unlike the NFL, which has a security team in place that knows everything possible about a player before the draft.

Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and send us an email if you have a question, doctalksports@gmail.com.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka are tapping into their artistic side.

Our guest is Ashley Spitsnogle. You may not know her name, but if you are a Husker fan, you have definitely seen her art. Some of you may even own one of her prints, or if you have a lot of money, an original painting.

Ashley is an officially licensed Husker Artist who has captured the hearts, minds, and emotions of Husker Nation.

Spitsnogle grew up on a farm in Odell, Nebraska. She attended Doane College and studied art. A lifelong Husker fan, she developed a passion for painting the Big Red after doing a live painting at a Teammates event. After that, opportunities kept presenting themselves, and her business continued to grow.

You can find prints of her work at Husker Hounds or on her website. Decorate your man cave with spectacular pieces of Memorial Stadium, or some of the best players and coaches in Husker History.

Getting to this point in her career has been a journey that she shares on this episode. Here’s a hint: becoming a licenced Husker artist is not as easy as one would think. There’s a lot of red tape, and now with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), it’s even more complicated. But for her, and you, it’s all worth it.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

In this episode of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka are joined by former Husker sharpshooter Cary Cochran to celebrate a historic milestone: Nebraska’s deep run into the Sweet 16. Recorded on the eve of their high-stakes matchup against Iowa in Houston, the conversation captures a fan base and a program operating on "house money," balanced by the anxiety of a storied regional rivalry.

The conversation centers on the transformative culture under Fred Hoiberg, a coach whose reputation has soared to the point where Cochran jokes they might soon build him a statue in Lincoln. The trio discusses how this particular roster has defied the "curse" of Nebraska basketball by embracing a brand of unselfishness that overcomes their lack of traditional first-round NBA talent. Cochran highlights the team's recent hot streak, noting that when the Huskers shoot as well as they have lately, specifically, their performance against teams like Vanderbilt, they become a threat to anyone in the country.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the tactical and emotional weight of the Sweet 16 appearance. Cochran posits that Nebraska's cohesiveness is their greatest strength, allowing it to play at a level that "out-shoots" more talented opponents. He predicts a double-digit victory over the Hawkeyes, citing that Nebraska played poorly in its previous loss at Iowa and still nearly won, whereas it dominated at home.

The conversation also touches on the broader implications of this success for the program's future. The hosts and Cochran speculate that this tournament run will finally trigger the necessary NIL investment in basketball, a move they deem essential if the program hopes to keep its developed talent from being poached by higher-paying schools. Amidst the excitement of being just "40 minutes from the Final Four," the episode serves as a tribute to a program that has finally traded its history of first-round exits for a seat at the "big kids' table" of college basketball.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

The Husker Doc Talk Podcast with Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka welcomes a guest Husker fans are going to enjoy: former Nebraska fullback Barrett Liebentritt.

Before the interview even starts, the guys go on a classic Doc Talk tangent—this time sparked by Rob sending Travis a “strange times, strange places” text… from the campus of Grand View University in Des Moines. That turns into a fun (and surprisingly informative) conversation about NAIA athletics, wrestling weekends, and why Rob is basically fluent in Olympic and Big Ten wrestling while Travis is… not.

Then it’s time for the main event: Barrett’s journey from being a Husker fan who wanted Nebraska first, to landing at Notre Dame during the weirdest recruiting era imaginable—COVID. Barrett explains what it was like to choose a high-level football path without camps, visits, or the normal recruiting process… and how his first real look at Notre Dame’s facilities happened when he literally showed up for school.

From there, Barrett gets candid about the reality of being a walk-on at Notre Dame, the culture divide between scholarship guys and walk-ons under Brian Kelly, and the “wait… that’s it?” moment when Kelly left for LSU—an exit Barrett says felt abrupt, cold, and very “business first.” On the flip side, he shares why Marcus Freeman made such a strong impression and why players were fired up when Freeman took over.

The heart of the episode is Barrett’s decision to come back home. He breaks down what pulled him to Nebraska—Matt Rhule’s vision, the idea of using a true fullback, and the chance to wear the N. The conversation expands into the modern state of college football: NIL, the portal, roster limits, and whether development-first coaching can still win in today’s “plug-and-play” world.

And because this is Husker Doc Talk, you also get a ton of personality: ACT score trash talk, “stab lab” stories from dental school, beer-at-10-a.m. debate, and Barrett’s future plans as he pursues dentistry at UNMC—plus the sobering reality of the injury that ended his playing career early.

It’s funny, real, and packed with insight on football, life, and the changing college landscape—exactly what Doc Talk does best.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.

Nebraska fans finally get the official 2026 football schedule, and on Episode 3 of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka waste no time breaking down what it really means: this thing is a gauntlet.

They debate how much the order of games matters (Rob’s “one game at a time” mindset vs. the reality of how fans live and die with back-to-back matchups), then land on a blunt early takeaway: five wins might be the expectation, and seven should be celebrated considering the slate. The guys walk through the opening stretch (including why North Dakota could be sneakier than people think), the early Big Ten swing at Michigan State, and the brutal middle chunk featuring heavyweights like Indiana, Oregon, and Washington.

From there, the conversation turns into a larger debate about modern roster building, how portal “rankings” can be fool’s gold, why production matters more than stars, and why recruiting services seem to magically boost ratings the second a player commits to a blueblood. It’s funny, cynical, and painfully familiar to anyone who’s followed college football for more than five minutes.

The back half hits two hot-button topics: Mike Eckler leaving for USC and what it means for Nebraska’s special teams momentum, and then the one that gets Rob fully fired up, Nebraska adding women’s flag football instead of women’s wrestling. Rob doesn’t hold back, and the episode ends with an all-time closing statement: “Flag football is not football.”

Watch on YouTube, drop your takes in the comments, and buckle up… because 2026 isn’t for the faint of heart.

If you like this podcast, please support our sponsors who make this all possible:

Orr Law Group

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more athttp://www.orrlawgrp.com/.

Husker Hounds

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at https://www.huskerhounds.com/.