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TJ Birkel

TJ Birkel

Joined: Aug 16, 2024

T.J. Birkel is the creator and co-host of the Common Fan Podcast, a Nebraska football podcast focused entirely on Husker football, all the time. We aim to create meaningful episodes and written commentary that fans like us will enjoy, infused with heavy doses of fun and frivolity. We work hard to cover the latest Husker news of the day; to provide insightful commentary and analysis on all things Husker football; and to bring unique stories and perspectives that may not be covered by the media but that Common Fans will enjoy. GBR for LIFE!

Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule shake hands after the Cornhuskers defeat the Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Common Fans: What Does the Win Over Colorado Mean for the Rest of Nebraska's Season?

It's another View From the Blandstands, with the Omaha World Herald's Evan Bland joining the Common Fans to talk all the latest with Nebraska football.  What do

TJ Birkel
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Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers fans storm the field after defeating the Colorado Buffaloes at Memorial Stadium.

Common Fans: Nebraska Stuffs Colorado in a Locker

The Common Fans celebrate Nebraska’s decisive win over Colorado: Like a school yard bully, the Huskers stuffed the Buffaloes into a locker on Saturday night.Neb

TJ Birkel
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Sep 7, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) throws away the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Topline Takeaways: Nebraska Breaks Colorado's Will

Nebraska stuffed Colorado into a locker on Saturday. The Huskers were like a schoolyard bully, chasing the Buffaloes up and down Tom Osborne field as they physi

TJ Birkel
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Aug 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders before the game against the North Dakota State Bison at Folsom Field.
Football

Nebraska vs. Colorado Represents Clash of Civilizations

The approach Deion Sanders is taking to building Colorado's football program could not be further from what Matt Rhule is doing at Nebraska.

TJ Birkel
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Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) rolls out to pass against the UTEP Miners during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Keys to Victory: Nebraska vs. Colorado

All of Husker Nation is anxiously awaiting Saturday’s rivalry matchup with our old friends, the Colorado Buffaloes. On behalf of the Common Fan podcast, here ar

TJ Birkel
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Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; A KC-135 Stratotanker flies over during the national anthem before a game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium.
Football

View From the Blandstands: It's Colorado Week

The Common Fans announce “View From the Blandstands,” a weekly show that will be airing mid-week, every week of the college football season. Evan Bland of the Omaha World Herald joins the Common Fans to talk Husker Football news.

TJ Birkel
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Aug 31, 2024; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule reacts during the second quarter against the UTEP Miners at Memorial Stadium.
Football

Huskers Begin a New Season of Hope with Decisive Win

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s win in the home opener against UTEP: So much to love about Dylan Raiola.Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks: transfer portal success.

TJ Birkel
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UTEP Miners defense face the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, Saturday, August 31, 2024. The Cornhuskers defeated the Miners 40-7 in the first game of the season for both teams.
Football

Topline Takeaways: Nebraska Puts a Beatdown on UTEP Like it's 1999

The Huskers take care of business against UTEP in as promising a season opener as we've seen in a long time.

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T.J. Birkel and his Father Nicholas
Football

Why We Love Nebraska Football

It's all in the family for Husker fans.

TJ Birkel
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Jul 24, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach Matt Rhule speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Football

Matt Rhule Waves His Magic Wand Over Nebraska’s Quarterback Room

“This is probably one of the most talented quarterback rooms that we're going to see.” That’s what the Big Ten Network’s (BTN) Howard Griffith had to say when t

TJ Birkel
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Nov 11, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; A Nebraska Cornhuskers fan during the third quarter against the Maryland Terrapins at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
Football

Defending the Greatness of Nebraska Football

Andy Staples knows better than this. Over the summer, the well respected national college football reporter came out with his list of college football “blue blo

TJ Birkel
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Football

Three Games That Will Define the Season for Nebraska Football in 2024

As week one nears, we look at the most pivotal contests on the Huskers' schedule this season.

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