The Pick Six Podcast - Husker sports news and analysis

OWH Sports Editor Sam McKewon breaks down Nebraska's firing of OC Dana Holgorsen

Ahead of Nebraska football's game against Illinois, Sam McKewon gives his three keys to a Husker win.

Sam McKewon and Evan Bland break down Nebraska's stunning loss to Washington and the stakes now in play - good and bad - as an ominous November awaits. Also, what's the real issue with Nebraska's offense? Is it Dana Holgorsen or something personnel-related? 

After the stunning loss to Washington, World-Herald Sports Editor Sam McKewon breaks down what Nebraska can play for now that the College Football Playoff off the table. A look at NU's remaining games and the incredible slate of college football coming on Nov. 7 

Saturday felt like more than a defeat. Could it be a defining moment for Nebraska football?  Gary Sharp and Tom Shatel break down Nebraska's 17-10 loss to Washington, another fourth-quarter collapse and the growing frustration surrounding Matt Rhule's program. The Huskers led entering the fourth quarter but once again couldn't close.  What does this mean for Nebraska's future, and how much longer can fans keep waiting for things to change?  The frustration is growing, the questions are getting tougher and the stakes are rising. Gary and Tom tackle the conversations Nebraska fans can't afford to miss.

Sam and Evan discuss the start of a crucial three-game stretch for Husker football, Troy Dannen's comments about nonconference scheduling, Dana Holgorsen's challenge to running backs and which two teams will advance to the final Big Ten title game. WIlson Moore joins the show for a preview of the Nebraska basketball season. What's he think of NU's frontcourt, the team's potential record and a possible NCAA tournament designation to Omaha? 

World-Herald Sports Editor Sam McKewon unpacks Nebraska's real chances to make the College Football Playoff, which aren't as unlikely as folks might think - if NU goes on a run, that is.

Jordan Larson recently joined the World-Herald's Gary Sharp for the Liberty First Credit Union Husker Legends series to discuss the excellence of Husker volleyball during her time in the 2000s and her professional career.

Nebraska has a bye week, but the conversation isn’t taking a break. Gary Sharp, Sam McKewon, and Evan Bland settle in for a Pick Six Podcast reset after Matt Rhule brings some extra heat to the microphone. Passionate? Absolutely. A turning point? That’s up for debate.

The guys get into the big feelings around Big Red, the plays Nebraska needs to finish, and a familiar question: How close are the Huskers to putting it all together?

Plus, who’s catching passes, who’s protecting the quarterback, and who can get healthy in time to help...

World-Herald sports editor Sam McKewon discusses the likelihood of Nebraska football being ranked anytime soon and the memorable upset-filled Saturday of college football. 

Two weeks. Two gut punches. One very frustrated fan base. Nebraska let a fourth-quarter lead slip away at Oregon, losing on a touchdown with 28 seconds left. After the loss to Indiana, the Huskers are running out of ways to make heartbreak feel new.

Gary Sharp and Tom Shatel unpack the latest Nebraska football agony, Anthony Colandrea’s performance and the Dylan Raiola factor — because, of course, the former Husker quarterback had to be part of the story. Is Nebraska genuinely getting closer, or is “almost” becoming the most painful word in Husker football? 

Ahead of Nebraska football's game against Oregon, Sam McKewon gives his three keys to a Husker win.

Pack the caffeine and forget the sleep. Gary Sharp, Evan Bland and Sam McKewon break down the travel circus to Oregon — flights, late kick, a two-hour drive to Eugene and a possible postgame sprint for Sam and Evan to the airport.

Then, the football: Can Anthony Colandrea use his legs to stress Oregon’s defense? Can Nebraska’s pass rush disrupt the Ducks’ explosive offense, and can the Huskers eliminate the mistakes that doomed them against Indiana? The Pick Six Podcast breaks down the matchups, the keys to an upset and what this road test will reveal about Ne...

In this week's episide of Behind The Ballot, World-Herald Sports Editor Sam McKewon explains why Nebraska's loss to Indiana might make the best case yet for the Huskers to be ranked. 

Gary Sharp, Tom Shatel and Sam McKewon break down Nebraska’s frustrating loss to Indiana, the missed opportunities and what the Huskers must do to beat a ranked opponent. Was it a sign Nebraska is closer than ever to breaking through?

Tom sees reasons for optimism, Gary wants Nebraska to get over the hump, and Sam makes a bold prediction: Nebraska will beat Oregon — and win big. Is he onto something? The guys debate what comes next for Big Red.

Nebraska is back in uncharted territory. Indiana has become a force nobody can ignore. Both teams are 5–0, but only one can leave Memorial Stadium with its perfect record intact.

Gary Sharp and Sam McKewon break down Indiana’s unexpected rise, Nebraska’s evolving identity, and the high-stakes showdown that could reshape the Big Ten narrative. From coaching and execution to potential game-changing wrinkles, this matchup is about far more than staying undefeated.

For Nebraska, it’s a chance to silence the doubters and prove the program is ready for its next chapter.

Storylines, the stak...

On the latest Pick Six Podcast, Gary Sharp, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland look back at Nebraska’s wild comeback against Maryland and what that game revealed about this team heading into Indiana’s visit to Memorial Stadium.

The guys examine Indiana’s calm, process-driven approach, Nebraska’s evolving mindset and whether the Huskers can maintain their standard when the stakes — and the opponent — get bigger. Plus, who are Nebraska’s “cut stoppers” — the players who can make the biggest plays when the game turns?

Nebraska is 5-0, but Saturday’s 48-23 win over Maryland was anything but smooth.

Gary Sharp and Tom Shatel break down the 16-penalty afternoon, Nebraska’s sluggish start and how the Huskers settled in to pull away. They also discuss Anthony Colandrea’s emergence as Nebraska’s MVP, the need for a stronger running game and Jamal Rule’s potential return.

Now comes the real test. With Indiana and other playoff-caliber opponents ahead, can Nebraska keep winning — and show it belongs among the Big Ten’s best?

Plus, come for the football talk, stay for the m...

Gary Sharp, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland dig into what Nebraska’s 4-0 start really means — and what still needs to be proven. They break down the Huskers’ evolving offense and commitment to the run game. What has Rob Aurich changed, and is Nebraska’s defense developing an identity? Turtle power is coming to Lincoln — and we make our picks.

Ahead of Nebraska football's game against Maryland, Sam McKewon gives his three keys to a Husker win.

On Behind The Ballot, Sam McKewon and Ben Doody discuss whether Husker fans should expect their team to be ranked if Nebraska beats Maryland this weekend. Plus: Why Sam doesn't have a Big Ten team ranked higher than 10th, and why Michigan remains in his Top 25. 

Nebraska is 4-0 for the first time since 2016 — and for a program where a four-game winning streak has become historic, that alone says something. Gary Sharp and Tom Shatel break down what Nebraska’s 31-13 win at Michigan State really means. Is this simply a fast start, or are the Huskers showing signs of becoming a different kind of Big Ten team? Then comes the next challenge: Can Nebraska handle being a big favorite?

Gary Sharp, Sam McKewon and Evan Bland discuss whether Michigan State is a must-win for Nebraska to prove this team is different, how winning impacts the future of the Memorial Stadium project, and what the Huskers actually learned from three comfortable nonconference wins before the real test begins.

Sam McKewon and Ben Doody discuss whether Nebraska is deserving right now of a top-25 vote and why Big Ten teams dropped on Sam's ballot without losing. 

Back to South Bend. Back to 2000. The guys revist Nebraska's unforgettable trip to Notre Dame, when thousands of Husker fans took over South Bend. Plus, Anthony Colandrea's fast start, the potential of Nebraska's offense and an early read on the Big Ten after two weeks. What do the early results say about the conference schedule ahead. 

In the weekly installment of The World-Herald's Behind the Ballot show, Sam McKewon and Ben Doody look at the ranked teams on Nebraska's schedule and examine how they're faring this season compared with Sam's preseason expectations. 

Evan Bland and Gary Sharp break down Nebraska's 56-7 rout of Bowling Green. The Huskers are 2-0, and this one was never in doubt. Is Nebraska getting better, or just beating up on two overmatched MAC teams? A spin around the wacky world of week 2 of college football. Plus, we finish with two truths and a lie. 

What did Nebraska's opener tell us and what are we waiting to learn? Sam McKewon, Evan Bland, Justin Frommer and Gary Sharp break down Nebraska's first game, ask whether they showed a new identity and look ahead to the most intersting Week 2 Big Ten matchups. Plus, can football-sized venues handle volleyball?  

Kickoff is here! Sam McKewon, Evan Bland and Gary Sharp make their final bold predictions and depth chart thoughts before Nebraska gets rolling. What should we expect from Anthony Colandrea? Is there a former Husker QB comp? Who's in the Nebraska trust tree? Plus, a Colandrea nickname and everything you need before kickoff. 

Jay Foreman recently joined the World-Herald's Gary Sharp for the Liberty First Credit Union Husker Legends series to discuss the excellence of Husker football during his time in the 1990s.

Sam McKewon and Evan Bland react to Troy Dannen's sellout streak thoughts and his provocative comments about NIL support, unpack Nebraska football's robust confidence in its running backs after Emmett Johnson has left, and go over a series of 2026 season over/unders, including Anthony Colandrea's passing stats. 

How do you know when a Nebraska football season is actually a success? Omaha World-Herald Executive Editor Ben Doody sits down with Gary Sharp to talk about the season from a sports-talk perspective — and what would make 2026 a success. successful campaign for the Huskers.

Sam McKewon and Justin Frommer look at Nebraska VB's opening weekend, the Teraya Sigler/Skyler Pierce battle at L2, the Manaia Ogbechie/Kenna Cogill battle at middle blocker, and who might NU's X Factor this season. Also, Justin picks his Final Four - making a surprise omission.

Sam McKewon and Ben Doody return for another season of Behind The Ballot! Sam lays out his top 25 - which is different than the Associated Press Top 25 - while explaining why two Big Ten teams, ranked in the AP top 20, aren't on his list.

In this week's Pick Six Podcast, Tom Shatel, Gary Sharp and Sam McKewon discuss whether Nebraska football can show progress and even be a better team while a tougher schedule keeps the Huskers at the same record. Also: Why hasn't NU's offensive line play, over the last several years, been better? 

Sam McKewon, Tom Shatel and Gary Sharp break down the midway point of Nebraska football training camp. What's gone wrong along the offensive line, and can the Huskers finally fix it? Plus, is Indiana a grudge match for Nebraska? 

Sam McKewon and Evan Bland give their early takes on Nebraska football's linemen, wideouts and running backs, discuss just where Anthony Colandrea should rank - and needs to rank - among Big Ten quarterbacks before the season, and predict which Huskers will be voted to wear single-digit jerseys. 

Sam McKewon breaks down the new coaches’ poll and what it says about Nebraska’s brutal 2026 slate, including showdowns with Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Washington and Iowa. Sam also talks about Dylan Raiola’s “cornfields” comments, what they reveal about Oregon vs. Nebraska, and why the Huskers’ quarterback room — from Anthony Colandrea to T.J. Lateef — will be critical if Nebraska wants to turn a soft early schedule into momentum before a punishing November.

The pressure is real at Nebraska, but the Huskers are choosing to embrace it. Gary Sharp and Justin Frommer recap Big Ten Volleyball Media Day. Legacy talk, challengers to Nebraska's three-year reign as conference champions and feedback on reseating at the Devaney Center. 

Sam McKewon talks about his top takeaways from Husker football media day, why Anthony Colandrea isn't likely to lapse into a long monologue, the value of TJ Lateef talking with the press and where NU - and its opponents - landed in the coaches preseason top 25. Which one of the eight Big Ten teams inside the Top 25 shouldn't be ranked?