Heartbreak in the Heartland

Not unlike like millions of fans, players, coaches, alumni and followers associated with what became known as the Big Red Machine, Frank Solich had no idea what a profound effect Tom Osborne would have on his life. In 1962 Solich was a fullback for Bob Devaney's Huskers, and a young assistant football coach named Tom Osborne was teaching classes on the side to help supplement his meager coaching stipend. Solich was enrolled in an educational psychology. Osborne was his instructor. Thus began a relationship both on and off the field that culminated this past December when Solich was named as the successor to his instructor at the helm of the Cornhusker dynasty. The passing of time has made it one of life's little ironies. The student of long ago has replaced his teacher, though not in the classroom. When Osborne walked off the field at Pro Player Stadium in Miami after the Orange Bowl