Husker Doc Talk

2023 Episode 10: Nebraska’s Missed Opportunity Since 2009

After listening to this episode of the Doc Talk Podcast presented by Betfred Sports, Huskers fans may be astounded by what they hear. 
Iowa Western Community College Head Coach Scott Strohmeier is our guest. Scott is the 2022 Nationa Junior College Coach of the Year. Iowa Western won its second national title under Strohmeir in 14 years. The Reivers have also finished runner-up twice under Strohmeir, the IWCC's only head coach since the program started in 2009. 
Nebraska fans may need to remember that Tom Osborne was instrumental in Iowa Western getting a football program. He was a consultant for former IWCC President Dr. Dan Kinney. At the time, many people thought Iowa Western would become a pipeline of players to Lincoln. After all, there are no junior colleges in Nebraska that play football. 
However, the story plays out differently. Iowa Western has created a pipeline for sure, just not to Lincoln. You will have to listen to the podcast to get the exact number of Iowa Western Players that have worn the Scarlet and Cream; the number may shock you.
For the record, Stohmeier has put over 400 players into D1 Programs over the past 14 years and close to 100 at Power 5 Programs. 
Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice discuss his relationship with previous Nebraska coaches with Coach Strohmeier and what he expects moving forward with Matt Ruhle and the new Nebraska staff. They also talk about the critically acclaimed Last Chance U on Netflix and what the transfer portal and NIL mean to the JUCO game. 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and go to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to 50% of their losses back, up to $200 per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. 
Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Need a lawyer? At some point in life, everyone does. Call Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan when you do. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 

2023 Episode 9: Spring Game Wrap

Dr. Rob Zatechka was at Memorial Stadium for the Spring Game. On this edition of the Doc Talk Podcast presented by Betfred Sports, Dr. Rob talks with Travis Justice about what he liked and didn't like from the scrimmage. 
This episode was recorded at Kros Strain Brewing in LaVista, Nebraska. Besides football, Dr. Rob and Travis also talk Nebraska Craft Beer with Jeff Hardy from Kros Strain and Tickets with Chad Carr from Tickets For Less. 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and go to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to 50% of their losses back, up to $200 per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. 
Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Need a lawyer? At some point in life, everyone does. Call Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan when you do. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 
 

2023 Episode 8: Aaron Graham

Every college football program has its share of stars living off name recognition for generations. Rarely is there a position group that carries the same clout with fans. 
At Nebraska, you have three Heisman Trophy Winners and several Outland and Lombardi Trophy winners. Of course, all those winners continue to sign autographs and take photos with fans. But "The Pipeline" seems to evoke the emotions of greatness, dominance, athleticism, nastiness, and championships with Husker fans. Why? Probably because Nebraska has struggled for the last 20 years, and a big reason is average to poor offensive line play.
The original "Pipeline" was made up of:
Rob Zatechka
Zach Wiegert
Brendan Stai
Aaron Graham
Joel Wilks
These five will be at the Hail Varsity Club in La Vista on Friday night, April 21, from 6-9 PM. This meet and greet is the night before the Spring Game and is presented by Pipeline Jerkey. 
On this episode of the Doc Talk Podcast Presented by BetFred Sports. Dr. Rob and Travis Justice are drinking beer and eating Pipeline Jerky with the Center of the Pipeline, Aaron Graham. Aaron was the lone Junior starter on the 1994 National Championship O-Line and had the luxury of two National Championship rings. So, was the 1995 O-Line really the 1994 backups, as Dr. Rob has said hundreds of times on this podcast? 
After Nebraska, Aaron played six years in the NFL and is now living in Gretna and President at National Land Realty. The best part about having Aaron on the podcast, he has all the dirt and funny stories about Dr. Rob! 
It's going to be a busy weekend! First, see The Pipeline on Friday night. Then, the Spring Game is on Saturday. Then on Sunday afternoon, come to Kros Strain Brewing in La Vista, as we will be recording the podcast on location! Of course, there will be a food truck and always great beer! 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and go to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to 50% of their losses back, up to $200 per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. 
Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Need a lawyer? At some point in life, everyone does. Call Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan when you do. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 
 

2023 Episode 7: John Higgins

Fresh off the Final Four, college basketball Referee and Omaha resident John Higgins is the latest guest to come to the basement on the Doc Talk Podcast presented by BetFred Sports. 
John tells some incredible stories about his journey as a referee that started when he was a student at Kearney State. Now with nine Final Fours under his belt, John is one, if not the most recognizable college basketball referee in the country. 
The "fame" comes with a downside; he also might be one of the most despised officials. When you do big games, and fans don't like the calls you make, they will let you hear it. Sometimes it hits a little too close to home. Listen to the entire podcast for some crazy stories!
Off the basketball court, John owns and operates the Rooferees! John Higgins Weatherguard is a roofing and siding company.
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and go to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to 50% of their losses back, up to $200 per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. 
Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Need a lawyer? At some point in life, everyone does. Call Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan when you do. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 

2023 Episode 6: Bill Busch

Bill Busch was thrown into the Defensive Coordinator job after four games into Nebraska's Season.  The numbers don't lie; the Blackshirts got better with Busch in charge. Read this article for more information.
Busch didn't make a difference on defense for Nebraska in 2022; as the Special Teams Coordinator, Busch was in charge of a massive turnaround; again, the numbers don't lie! A +451 improvement in six different categories from 2021 to 2022.
Despite the numbers and being a Pender, Nebraska native, Matt Rhule did not retain Busch. Today he's hanging out doing morning radio on 93.7 The Ticket in Lincoln. Busch is also on the speaking circuit, talking to groups and companies about overcoming adversity. 
Well, now he is making his first appearance on the Doc Talk Podcast presented by BetFred Sports. Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice have been criticized before about not talking enough about football. That is not the case in this episode. If you like football, you will geek out for the next hour and forty-five minutes. 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and drive to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to $200 in Fred Bets per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Welcome back to the podcast for 2023, Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, a big thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 
 

2023 Episode 5: Spring Preview with Mitch Sherman from The Athletic

Spring practice for the Huskers starts on Monday, March 20. In the past Spring seasons, fans were focused on the quarterback battle or who the top running back will be. Instead, everyone will be dialed in on new Head Coach Matt Rhule and his staff this year. 
The expectations at Nebraska have never changed. However, it's no secret that the results have not matched the expectations, and that's why the Huskers are starting over with their sixth new Head Coach since 1998. 
On this edition of the Doc Talk Podcast presented by BetFred Sports, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatehcka sit down with Mitch Sherman from The Athletic and discuss the expectations for Spring Practice and if we are going to learn anything about what this team is capable of doing.
Also, how many players will be leaving after the Spring Season? It might be more than you think! Right now, there are not enough scholarships to go around.  
Mitch also gives us his insight into the recruitment of quarterback Dylan Riola. Riola made a big splash on his recent visit to Lincoln. Was his high visibility at the basketball an indication of his comfortability and maybe showing his cards on his college selection? We discuss. 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and drive to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to $200 in Fred Bets per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Welcome back to the podcast for 2023, Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, a big thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 

2023 Episode 4: Inside the NFL with Clete Blakeman

Clete Blakeman was a three-year letter winner at quarterback for the University of Nebraska. But he's made a more prominent name for himself as one of the top officials in the National Football League. 
Clete cut his teeth as an official following in his dad's footsteps in the high school ranks in Nebraska and small colleges in the Midwest. He jumped to the Big 12 Conference in 2000 and the NFL in 2008, where he spent two seasons as a Field Judge. He was promoted to the White Hat (Referee) in 2010. He was the Referee for Super Bowl 50.
On this edition of the Doc Talk Podcast presented by Betfred Sports,  we have a long conversation with Clete about all things officiating. A fascinating story of how he got started to where he is now. For you video game enthusiasts, Since 2013, Blakeman's voice and likeness have been used for penalty announcements in the Madden NFL franchise.
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and drive to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to $200 in Fred Bets per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Welcome back to the podcast for 2023, Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, a big thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast. 

2023 Episode 3: The Business of Husker Athletics with Doug Ewald

College athletics is a BIG business. So here's some news that will shock no one; it will keep getting bigger. 
When Trev Alberts took the job at Nebraska to be the Athletic Director, he wanted to surround himself with people he trusted. So one of the first people he turned to was Doug Ewald. The fancy title Ewald has is Executive Associate Athletic Director-Chief Financial Officer. In layman's terms, he's the bean counter for a budget of well over $ 100 million.
On this edition of the Doc Talk Podcast presented by Betfred Sports, Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice sit down and talk money with Doug. The ever-changing landscape of NIL and what the future holds for paying players. Has selling alcohol at Pinnacle Bank Arena been the financial windfall some people thought it would be? And with USC and UCLA joining the Big 10, what does this mean for travel budgets and the strain on student-athletes? 
There's a lot to digest in our hour-long conversation. But one thing is for sure; there's more to an athletic department than most of us even know. 
Betfred is THE local book for Eastern Nebraska; drive to Iowa. And in Western Nebraska, and drive to Colorado. 
If you use the BetFred Iowa app, new customers who make their first wager of $50 will get $111 in Fred Bets and up to $200 in Fred Bets per week for their first five weeks of Betting with Fred. Visit the Betfred Sportsbook Iowa App to start betting now! Must be 21 and located in Iowa. Gambling Problem, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
Are you listening from around the country? In addition to Iowa and Colorado, you can bet with Betfred in Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Louisiana, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. 
Welcome back to the podcast for 2023, Connor Orr from the law firm Orr and Horgan. Connor is a licensed athlete agent in the State of Nebraska. He works with athletes and businesses to help them navigate the exciting, developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness.
If you have a question for Dr. Rob, you can email doctalksports@gmail.com. Follow Doc Talk Sports on Social Media:
https://twitter.com/doctalksports
https://twitter.com/traviscreates
https://facebook.com/doctalksports
https://youtube.com/doctalksports
Finally, a big thanks to David Max and Joe Hudson at Huskermax for helping distribute this podcast.