On this episode of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, former Nebraska assistant coach Bill Busch joins Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka in the studio for a wide-ranging and insightful conversation. A fan-favorite guest, Bill brings his trademark knowledge, perspective, and strong opinions.

The discussion opens with Nebraska volleyball and the Huskers’ surprising Elite Eight loss to Texas A&M, then quickly shifts to football. The trio dives into Nebraska’s upcoming bowl matchup with Utah, a game with personal connections for Coach Busch, who previously worked with the Utes and counts head coach Kyle Whittingham among his closest friends.

They also tackle Nebraska’s recent coaching changes and evaluate how Matt Rhule’s staff is recruiting in the state, offering candid insight into where the program stands and where it’s headed.

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Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

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Nebraska closed the regular season with a thud, getting blasted 40–16 by Iowa and stumbling into the offseason searching for answers — and maybe an identity. On this edition of the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, Travis Justice and former Husker offensive lineman Dr. Rob Zatechka break down exactly how the Huskers unraveled in their final two games, getting outscored 73–26 and dropping their third straight Black Friday matchup against Iowa. Since joining the Big Ten, Nebraska has gone 4–11 against the Hawkeyes — and the gap feels wider than ever.

So now the question becomes: What changes are coming? Will Matt Rhule overhaul his staff? Will key players stick around or move on?

We dive into the big offseason decisions, including:

• Will QB Dylan Raiola enter the transfer portal?
• Is RB Emmett Johnson NFL-bound?
• What roster and coaching moves must happen to stop this downward slide?

It was also a wild weekend across college football — coaches fired, coaches hired, chaos everywhere, and Lane Kiffin doing what Lane Kiffin does: lighting a dumpster fire and then pretending he’s the one getting smoked out. One thing is certain: big changes are coming to the sport, and the ripple effects will hit everyone, including Nebraska.

Every runner, every athlete, every patient knows the moment when the body says “stop.” The ache takes over and you’re done. But most pain doesn’t start where you feel it — it travels through your body like a chain reaction.

That’s why G-DEFY shoes with VersoShock® technology — a mechanical spring system invented in 2006 — are such a game changer. They don’t just cushion impact; they absorb shock and return energy to help your body move the way it was meant to.

Try G-DEFY shoes now and get $30 off plus free shipping.

Visit www.gdefy.com and get back in motion.

Life throws legal challenges at all of us — and when it does, you need a team that’s trusted, respected, and proven. Orr Law Group provides expert legal representation with a client-first approach, specializing in personal injury, workers’ compensation, family matters, and more. When you need clear guidance and strong advocacy, the Orr Law Group is in your corner.

Learn more at www.orrlawgrp.com.

Whether it’s game day, bowl season, or the long wait until spring practice, Husker Hounds is your go-to source for the best Nebraska gear. Jerseys, hoodies, hats, collectibles — if it’s Husker-related, they’ve got it. Family-owned, locally operated, and serving Husker Nation for decades, Husker Hounds helps you show your Nebraska pride every day of the year.

Shop online at www.huskerhounds.com.

In the Husker Doc Talk Podcast 2025, Episode 19, Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka hit the reset button for new listeners and long-time fans alike. After more than 20 years together behind microphones and 13 seasons of this podcast, they remind you what you’re signing up for: football, beer, history tangents, and brutally honest Husker talk.

The guys crack into a “three-beer podcast” (that might quietly become a four- or five-beer show) featuring local favorites from Kros Strain Brewing and a deep dive into Pliny the Elder – yes, both the beer and the Roman author. Along the way, you’ll get craft beer notes, a quick Roman history lesson, and the usual Viking jokes at Dr. Rob’s expense before they shift into full football mode.

Nebraska’s 37–10 beatdown at Penn State takes center stage. Was this the worst performance of the year, or does Minnesota still hold that crown? Travis and Dr. Rob break down why pointing fingers at the quarterback is lazy analysis. They put the spotlight where they believe it belongs: on the offensive and defensive lines, development versus recruiting, and whether Nebraska has slipped backward on defense after losing Tony White and Terrence Knighton. They also dive into T.J. Lateef’s outing, how he compares to Dylan Raiola, and why the real issue isn’t under center.

Emmett Johnson’s monster season and quiet Heisman push get a serious look. Is he the best running back in the Big Ten, and what would he look like behind an elite offensive line? The guys talk NIL math, draft grades, transfer portal temptations, and whether Emmett’s future is in Lincoln, the NFL, or somewhere chasing a national title.

Then it’s rivalry week: Iowa vs. Nebraska on Black Friday. Travis explains why Hawkeye fans are strangely comfortable living in the 7–8 win world of Kirk Ferentz, while Dr. Rob shocks everyone by actually picking Iowa to win—and to score on both defense and special teams. They break down Iowa’s run game, their shaky passing attack, and how Nebraska should defend a team that can’t throw it deep.

There’s even time for some national drama: Lane Kiffin’s flirtation with LSU and Florida, the insanity of coaching expectations in places like Baton Rouge, and why Ole Miss might actually be Kiffin’s best long-term play.

Of course, the show is brought to you by their friends at G-Defy (GDEFY.com, promo code DocTalk50), Orr Law Group, and Husker Hounds. Hit subscribe on YouTube, drop a comment, and if you found the show through HuskerMax.com, Travis and Dr. Rob say thank you and welcome aboard.

This is the Husker Doc Talk Podcast, 2025 – Episode 18 with Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka, and even though Nebraska had a bye week, there’s no shortage of things to talk about.

Even without a Nebraska game, Husker football is never off the table. Travis and Rob revisit TJ Lateef’s performance against UCLA, why the timing of this bye week might actually be perfect for a true freshman quarterback, and whether fans are about to put unfair expectations on him heading into a night game at Penn State. They also talk about Nebraska–Penn State history, from classic Osborne–Paterno battles to the emotional post-Sandusky trip to Happy Valley.

Then it gets big-picture:

• Do bowl games even matter anymore?

• Is it time to ditch most bowls and move to a 16, 20, or even 24-team playoff?

• How has NIL money created more parity and changed who can realistically compete for national titles?

That leads directly into the Big Ten private equity conversation. Travis and Dr. Rob break down the proposed multi-billion-dollar deal, why some schools see it as a glorified payday loan, why Michigan and USC reportedly aren’t thrilled, and what it could mean for future TV deals, revenue sharing, and the balance of power inside the conference.

And yes, Iowa sneaks into the conversation. The guys compare Iowa’s recent close losses to ranked teams with Nebraska’s own frustrations, and Rob answers a simple question with a complicated history: under a 12-team playoff, how far away is Nebraska from getting in — and does Iowa make it under Kirk Ferentz?

Along the way, you’ll hear from sponsors like GDEFY shoes, Orr Law Group, and Husker Hounds.

Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka are back in the basement; beers cracked, mics hot, and takes even hotter after Nebraska’s 28–21 win over UCLA.

Travis plants a flag: TJ Lateef is the better fit for Dana Holgerson’s offense than Dylan Raiola. Rob parses the nuance: different QBs, different slices of the playbook—but against UCLA, Lateef looked composed and decisive, starting 11-for-11 and finishing 13-of-15 for 205 yards and 3 TDs, plus the legs to punish a defense (31 rushing yards) when the second read wasn’t there. Clean sheet, too: no turnovers, minimal penalties, and the offense stayed on schedule.

The spotlight swings to Emmett Johnson, who just made himself some money: 28 carries for 129 and 103 receiving—the first Husker RB ever to hit 100/100 in a single game. The NFL loves backs who can block and catch; does Johnson jump now, chase NIL for one more season, or both? The portal/NIL realities get the full Doc Talk treatment, including how backup market value changes overnight and why some players know their next stop before they even hit the portal.

Defense? The numbers say “solid,” the eyes say “still leaky.” UCLA went 8-for-14 on third down and hit a couple of chunky scrambles when the contain broke. The pass rush flashed, but Rob wants a few more of those get-off-the-field moments—turn two or three conversions into stops, and the whole night feels different.

Beyond football, the guys hit Husker Wrestling—packed house vibes, Mark Manning’s machine, and the AJ Ferrari showmanship question (Cal State Bakersfield version, please).

Since the Huskers aren't playing next week, make plans for Saturday night! Producer Owen Justice is gigging Saturday at Reverb Lounge, opening for Ben Chapman (buy one, get one tickets—support local music!).

Shoutout to Doug at Kros Strain for a clutch case drop—yes, the Cornhusker Crusher (Herbie on the can, the “correct” Herbie) makes an appearance, along with a surprisingly sippable morning “breakfast” lager—Inflatable Snowman with cranberry and cinnamon. The guys also riff on stadium beer lines and why UNL’s grab-and-go needs triple the pay stations if you want fans back in seats before the next series.

A bye week is up next before Penn State and Iowa, but the pod rolls on. Hit subscribe, drop your takes below, and keep the beer recommendations (and care packages) coming. Doc Talk Nation—see you next week.

Doc Talk Nation never disappoints. Audio listeners, hit follow so fresh episodes auto-download each week, and we’ll love you forever for a 5-star rating and a quick review.

Shoutouts to the folks who keep this free for you:

• GDEFY shoes — VersoShock tech that saves your feet. Visit GDEFY.com and use code DOCTALK50 (all caps) on orders of $120+ to get $30 off and free shipping.

• Orr Law Group — litigation, estate planning, NIL savvy, and more. Visit OrrLawGRP.com.

• Husker Hounds — holiday gear, hoops season threads, and all things Big Red. 84th & Center, Lakeside Plaza, or HuskerHounds.com.

This is the Husker Doc Talk Podcast — 2025, Episode 16 — with Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka. If you’re watching on YouTube, smash that subscribe button and ring the bell so new episodes land right away. Listening on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or anywhere else? Tap “Follow” so we’re always in your queue, and leave a quick review to help more Husker fans find the show.

This week, we start with the Saturday night roller coaster in Lincoln. Nebraska had USC on the ropes at halftime, and Travis was ready to declare it Matt Rhule’s signature win… until the second half flipped. We dig into the turning points: Dylan Raiola’s third-quarter exit, why Nebraska’s run fits unraveled, and how a defense that held USC to 337 total yards still surrendered the game on the ground. Dr. Rob walks through the trenches: the interior getting knocked back, contain issues on the edge, and what that means in a Big Ten built on downhill football.

Quarterback talk is unavoidable. Raiola isn’t the problem — but does TJ Lateef’s mobility unlock a different ceiling for this offense? We kick around what a full week of starter reps could look like for Lateef, what the receiver room needs to do to separate, and the difference between “better play-calling” and “good play-calling.” On the bright side: Emmett Johnson keeps carrying the load (29 carries, 165 yards in this one) and is tracking toward an All–Big Ten season.

Then it’s the stretch run: UCLA, Penn State, and Iowa. Which is the most winnable game — and why are the guys circling Penn State on the road? Rob resets expectations (seven wins feels like the realistic new baseline) and pinpoints the line play improvements from Evans at center and the one-and-done boost from Rocco Spindler — plus where tackle remains a concern. Would a dedicated tackles coach help? (Cue the Brian Ferentz-as-OL-coach debate and a few memes.)

We also tackle the “blackout” conversation. Production value? A+. The look? Eerie and cool. But do alternate uniforms move the needle when you’re not stacking wins? Travis argues it’s a gimmick fans love but recruits don’t care about in the NIL era — wins matter most. Agree or disagree, the crowd delivered.

From there we zoom out to the national picture: the coaching carousel spinning, big-name jobs opening, and why stability in Lincoln still matters. Rhule’s extension makes sense, but staff self-scouting has to be ruthless. Want to build sustainably? We go deep on recruiting philosophy with a Bill Bush-inspired segment: the #1 trait is competitiveness — grit — not just measurables. It’s why some overlooked kids become program pillars while five-stars fade. That launches a lively sidebar on in-state QB recruiting (hello, Braylon Warren), relationship equity, and why you still offer your best local players even if the depth chart is crowded.

We even sneak in some winning football: Augustana is 9-0 and sitting pretty in its super region despite injuries — Rob’s rocking the powder-blue lid and explains DII regional calculus like a pro. Speaking of lids, we commiserate about $50 hats and why the right one is worth it.

Shoutouts to the folks who keep this free for you:

• Orr Law Group — litigation, estate planning, NIL savvy and more. Visit OrrLawGRP.com.

• Husker Hounds — holiday gear, hoops season threads, and all things Big Red. 84th & Center, Lakeside Plaza, or HuskerHounds.com.

• GDEFY shoes — VersoShock tech that saves your feet. Hit GDEFY.com and use code DOCTALK50 (all caps) on orders $100+.

Nebraska 28, Northwestern 21. The Huskers are now bowl eligible for the second year in a row and improve to 6-2 on the season and 3-2 in the Big 10 Conference.

Dr. Rob Zatechka and Travis Justice discuss the win in the latest edition of Husker Doc Talk Podcast.

Nebraska scored 14 of its 28 points off Northwestern turnovers. The Huskers also get a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Despite rushing for 155 yards, including 124 from Emmett Johnson, Dr. Rob still sees some problems with the offensive line.

Speaking of Johnson, Dr. Rob and Travis think he's the best running back in the Big 10 Conference. His numbers back up the opinion, but it also shows how much Nebraska needs him if the Huskers want to keep winning.

Additionally, Northwestern rushed for 172 yards, indicating some holes and deficiencies in the Nebraska interior front.

Up next is USC. The Trojans did not play this past weekend. According to ESPN's game predictor, USC has a 72% chance of winning.

Please support our sponsors: This podcast would not be possible without the generosity and support of our sponsors.

Gdefy Shoes Like Gdefy Shoes and their patented Verso Shock technology, which offers absorption, body alignment, and a trampoline-like energy, Gdefy shoes are perfect for any activity. They offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, unmatched comfort, and two free orthotics. The holiday season is here, so save money by getting 50% off an order of $120 or more by entering the promo code DOCTALK50 at checkout at Gdefy.com.

Husker Hounds Speaking of the holidays, get the Cornhusker fan in your family the best Nebraska gear at Husker Hounds. There are two locations in the Omaha area, and you can find them online at HuskerHounds.com.

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Husker Max Husker Max provides the best Nebraska football and sports information. They distribute this podcast weekly and are the go-to source for all Husker news.

Minnesota 24, Nebraska 6—and it felt worse. Travis Justice and Dr. Rob Zatechka break down a Friday-night flop that saw nine sacks, a sputtering run game, and a defense bullied on a 98-yard, 8:43 drive to open the second half. Is Nebraska’s offensive line development the program’s biggest long-term problem? What’s fair criticism of Donovan Raiola after five seasons? And where do Matt Rhule and his coordinators fit in when halftime adjustments don’t show up?

They also look ahead to Northwestern—now quietly 5–2—discuss why the Wildcats’ ball-control blueprint is Nebraska’s worst nightmare, and explain why the Huskers’ margin for error remains razor thin heading into the season’s final five games.

Please support our sponsors: This podcast would not be possible without the generosity and support of our sponsors.

Gdefy Shoes Like Gdefy Shoes and their patented Verso Shock technology, which offers absorption, body alignment, and a trampoline-like energy, Gdefy shoes are perfect for any activity. They offer a 60-day money-back guarantee, unmatched comfort, and two free orthotics. The holiday season is here, so save money by getting 50% off an order of $120 or more by entering the promo code DOCTALK50 at checkout at Gdefy.com.

Husker Hounds Speaking of the holidays, get the Cornhusker fan in your family the best Nebraska gear at Husker Hounds. There are two locations in the Omaha area, and you can find them online at HuskerHounds.com.

The Orr Law Group The legal process can be intimidating. Let the experts at Orr Law Group help you navigate the court system. They handle all types of litigation. Connor Orr and his team are compassionate and caring lawyers who provide a positive and experienced representation to their clients. Get more information from the Orr Law Group.

Husker Max Husker Max provides the best Nebraska football and sports information. They distribute this podcast weekly and are the go-to source for all Husker news.