Nebraska players and coaches were kept away from the Iowa logo by security

They had a message for visitors: stay away from the logo.

The Huskers’ standard pregame prayer has at times drawn the ire of opponents on away courts during the coach Matt Rhule era – whether artificially or through genuine misunderstandings. Colorado players objected to NU representatives being represented in Buffalo a year ago. The same was true for USC coaches and players at the Los Angeles Coliseum two weeks ago.

Ahead of the resumption of the Nebraska-Iowa rivalry, another reminder of the heat in frigid temperatures. The Huskers responded by gathering right next to the north logo and then again in the north end zone. As they walked across the field back to their south end locker room, many made sure to step on the black and gold as they passed through security.

Conditions will match the icy atmosphere under the lights. Wrapped up jockeys trying to catch a few last rays of western sunshine instead found themselves absorbed in the face by a blast of freezing air. Initially, blustery 20 degree conditions will feel more like 10 degrees.

“In layman’s terms, we don’t like them and they don’t like us,” Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson said of Iowa this week. “I can’t stand this program. I can’t tell you why, I just know it was embroidered into me.”

The weather will be a new challenge for Nebraska after temperatures reached 56, 66 and 60 degrees at the other inaugural events in November. The Big Ten’s Nos. 5 (Iowa) and 12 (Nebraska), who scored on offense in league games, have had recent success running the ball. This time, each blow should burn a little more, if there is any feeling in the extremities at all.

Still, some Huskers — including receiver Elliott Brown — appeared shirtless just before the game before heading back into the southeast tunnel.

The availability reports before the game revealed no personnel surprises. Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara is officially out as expected, paving the way for preseason No. 4 QB Jackson Stratton to earn his second straight start.

Bowl jockeys and swagger appear to be the main external motivators at the 14th annual meeting of border rivals. The winner potentially secures a spot in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Dec. 31 in Tampa, while the loser vie for a berth in the Music City Bowl in Nashville a day earlier.

Robinson, a sixth-grader, said he heard from a number of former coaches and players last week after Nebraska ended a 10-game losing streak against Wisconsin. Iowa has won eight of its last nine games against the Big Red – the last six meetings have ended in a tie.

“I would say this is probably the biggest game of the season just because of how impressive the rivalry is,” Robinson said. “In my opinion, it’s definitely the toughest game we play every year. The physicality, the nastiness. There’s just a different level of football when we play against them.”