Nebraska Football: Recapping Bill Busch's Impressive Blackshirt Revival of 2022

Following Scott Frost’s departure as Nebraska football’s head coach, it didn't take long for interim Mickey Joseph's star to shine at radiant levels. One game later — a 49-14 drubbing by Oklahoma — and Erik Chinander, Frost’s long-time defensive coordinator, was similarly shown the door.

After a turbulent four quarters that saw the Huskers give up 580 yards, a change was made at the top of the defensive food chain. Enter special teams coordinator Bill Busch.

For all the ever-growing love for Joseph and the eventual push by fans to remove his temporary title, Busch's achievements remain criminally overlooked.

His No-Name Blackshirts made an impact with frequent, dependable brutality as the Big Red surrendered an average of 219 yards and 18 points fewer against FBS competition. Thanks to Busch's tightening of screws, the Huskers consistently frustrated Big Ten offenses, pitching five shutout halves.

Husker Nation also became familiar with budding stars in cornerback Malcolm Hartzog and linebacker Ernest Hausmann. The pair of true freshmen saw their stock race to the moon as part of Busch's scheme.

Hartzog made a statement during his first start against Indiana giving the Big Red not only its first blocked punt resulting in a touchdown since 2009, but its first FBS win in almost a full calendar year. He’d go on to lead the team in interceptions (3), including one that sealed a win versus Rutgers giving the Big Red its third win of the season.

Hausmann’s rise came after injuries demanded another reliable playmaker at linebacker opposite Luke Reimer. The native Ugandan started seven times, eventually climbing to sixth on the team tackle chart with 54.

One person who wasn't at all shocked by Busch's accomplishments was Tulane offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda. His head coach during playing days at Nebraska-Wesleyan, Svoboda knew the Huskers' defense was in excellent hands with his former pupil at the helm.

"He [Busch] had the insight to recognize what the issue was right away," Svoboda shared. "Statistically, they were twice as good, and that’s pretty remarkable."

Safe to say the person behind an offense that ushered in the Green Wave's flip from a 2-10 2021 campaign to 11-2 with a trip to the Cotton Bowl can identify a good defense.

"My first reaction was he’s going to get with those players and distill it down to what [they] can be good at. To simplify things and teach them to use their ability to play fast and not over-analyze."

While not retained by new head coach Matt Rhule, Busch’s positive contributions to Nebraska football span decades. From the upending of Iowa to cap this most recent season all the way back to 1990 as a graduate assistant under Tom Osborne.

His tireless work gave Nebraska a chance to continue building on fresh post-Frost culture. One that Rhule has been pouring copious amounts of energy to continue.

Svoboda also notes that no matter what the next step in his journey is, Busch will excel. "I think whatever he decides to do, he’ll be fantastic. There’s a reason he’s been employed all these years. People know they’re getting an outstanding coach and, more importantly, an outstanding guy."

Busch did far more than get his defense their coveted black jerseys back. He provided a glimpse of the type of effort it’ll take to revive the program built by Bob Devaney.

For that, Nebraska fans will no doubt fondly remember a temporary commander that put the Blackshirts in a position to succeed after failure was all too familiar.

— Written by Brandon Cavanaugh, part of the Athlon Contributor Network. Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@Bcav402). To contact him, click here.