A Conference Title and a Shot at the National Championship

This framed display celebrates Nebraska’s 1981 football team, which captured the Big Eight championship and earned a trip to the 1982 Orange Bowl to face No. 1 Clemson for the national championship.

Nebraska battled Clemson to the finish before falling 22-15 in Miami. Clemson completed an undefeated season and claimed the national title, while Nebraska closed the year 9-3. 

The display features co-captains Mark Mauer and Jimmy Williams and highlights two of the season’s biggest stars. Williams earned first-team All-America honors and was later selected 15th overall in the 1982 NFL Draft. Center Dave Rimington won the 1981 Outland Trophy, the first of two consecutive Outland awards in one of the most decorated careers in Nebraska history.

Take Home

• 1981 Nebraska Cornhuskers team display
• Celebrates a Big Eight championship season
• Commemorates Nebraska’s 1982 Orange Bowl national championship matchup
• Features co-captains Mark Mauer and Jimmy Williams
• Highlights All-Americans Jimmy Williams and Dave Rimington