University of California Athletics

Cal Announces New 2-Year Contract with Nebraska

Cal travels to Nebraska's Memorial stadium in 1999. (Lincoln, Nebr.)

BERKELEY, Calif.--The Cal athletic department announced today that it has signed a new two-game contract with the No.1 ranked Nebraska football team. Athletic Director John Kasser said Nebraska would visit Cal first with a game scheduled next September 12 (1998). The Bears are scheduled for a return visit to Nebraska on Sept. 18, 1999.

Kasser said he reached agreement with Nebraska A.D. Bill Byrne after consulting with football coach Tom Holmoe. "We really wanted to upgrade our football schedule because this is what our fans want," said Kasser. "Tom thought the idea was great. His feeling is that if we want to become a great football program, we have to compete against the best. We think having the No. 1 football team come to Berkeley next year should be a terrific draw. Plus, we think it will help in recruiting because it's going to be a high profile game."

Cal had tentatively scheduled San Jose State for Oct. 3, 1998, but contractual terms could not be reached and the Bears thus sought another opponent. The Bears will now have a bye on Oct. 3. Cal's non-conference schedule next year features Houston, Oklahoma and Nebraska.