This is probably the most memorable hit during the Nebraska vs Oklahoma rivalry, 35 years ago. The hit occurred at the 20 yard line and was recovered at the 10 yard line. In a recent Huskers poll, the 1978 upset was voted the fans favorite game in NUs NCAA record 300 consecutive home sellouts over 47 years at Memorial Stadium. John Ruud Delivers The Hit ... a Signature Play OU lost five more fumbles that day and, in fact, should have had one more turnover when Nebraskas John Ruud knocked the ball out of Kelly Phelps hands on a second-half kickoff return. That was the biggest hit of the game, and we got a break on that one, Sims said. That should have been ruled a fumble, and Nebraska would have only needed about 17 yards to score. Ruud almost de-cleated Phelps on that play, Berns said. To this day, Ive never seen a harder hit - in college or the pros. It was a signature play because it showed how much we wanted it and how much we were willing to give up to get it. Whenever it shows up in all the highlight reels, it doesnt surprise me. Every time you see it, you ooh, and you aah. Ruud, brother of former Nebraska All-America linebacker Tom Ruud and uncle of Barrett and Bo Ruud, says people he doesnt even know still ask him about The Hit. Ive seen the play no more than five times in my life, but a lot of people tell me they cant even count the number of times theyve seen it, and they never get tired of it, said Ruud, who has sold patio furniture for 25 years in Dallas. I live in Addison, Texas , and theres this neighborhood bar called Vernons, Ruud said. Its a Green Bay Packer bar, and they love the Huskers, too. I dont know how or why, but they know I made that hit. NU-OU game brings The Hit into high-definition Im flattered that its still considered a signature play in Nebraska football, Ruud said, admitting that rules now protect a ball carrier from getting hit that hard in the face. Hopes to See More Players Like Burkhead A signature play is nice, and it will always help John Ruud be a part of Nebraska football lore with his brother and his nephews. But frankly, hes more interested in a certain program and a certain coach getting a signature win. Its time for the Huskers, John Ruud said. Its time for the players to give Bo a signature win, and no one will be rooting for it harder than I will. For years, people at Vernons have talked about Rex Burkhead, Nebraskas freshman running back who inspired and impressed in Dallas before a broken foot put him on the sidelines at Nebraska. Hes the kind of kid who will bring Nebraska football back, Ruud said. The more guys we recruit like Rex Burkhead, the sooner well get back to the way we were. 1:30 youtube/watch?v=ZkwVy3uKE4A
Posted on: Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:49:33 +0000
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