It’s all about multitasking in football, a skill that has been around for a long time – dating back to at least October 10, 1980.

That Friday night in Kansas City, Missouri, I was a high school sportswriter patrolling the sidelines of Rockhurst High School’s Dasta Stadium under the Friday night lights.

The stands were full. “The Rock” was probably on the spot. There was a timeout in the third quarter. Everything was quiet.

A tremendous roar from the crowd. A breathtakingly loud sound that gave you goosebumps.

What in the world happened during a timeout? I asked around. One of the Rockhurst coaches, who had a transistor radio, broke the news.

George Brett had just hit a home run against Goose Gossage. The Kansas City Royals were on their way to their first World Series.

Apparently there were quite a few radios in the high school booths that night.

Now, in 2024, the question is: How many radios will be tuned into the state’s high school stadiums on Friday night? Or how many people will be watching Nebraska-Illinois on smartphones?

And I can’t think of a better way to celebrate and honor the 400th sold-out Husker game at Memorial Stadium.

Don’t worry about the high school players and fans. The people who go to high school games every Friday night will still follow the lights. People who regularly attend high school games have a kid on the team or in the band or in the student section. Or they know someone who has a kid on the team or in the band or in the student section.

These people go to every game. Because kids grow up fast and you don’t want to miss a moment. They’ll still be there.

If those people have Husker tickets, their lucky neighbor or co-worker at the office – or the online ticket retailer – can see a Nebraska game.

I see this as a missed marketing opportunity. I wish all NSAA teams could play at 1 p.m. on Friday as a show of solidarity and passion for high school football in this state. A show for the network fits the fact that they can push us around, but they can’t take our games away from us.

And then everyone would have Friday night off to watch their favorite Big Ten team (sorry, Bret Bielema) – the one in red.

The one who plays under the red lights of Friday night.

It’s fitting that this 400-mile milestone comes on a night when Husker fans are inconvenienced and asked to find a way to make it happen on a work and school day.

A flexible school day without face-to-face teaching at NU. Thank God there are school administrations that understand this.

Nebraska fans are the biggest fans in college football. The toughest, most loyal, most resilient, most passionate fan base.

It’s easy to stay loyal when you’re winning nine or 10 games a year, but the last two decades have tested Nebraskans’ mettle.

We discussed this on Thursday in our World-Herald Pick Six podcast. Colleague Evan Bland compared the sellout streak to a long, fruitful marriage.

I understand. For better or for worse, in sickness and in health, Osborne or Pederson.

Despite the demise of a dynasty, numerous coaching changes, COVID, the demise of a son, and seven consecutive unsuccessful seasons, Husker fans kept coming back.

It’s important to note that the true definition of a sellout is when tickets are sold, not when seats are full. God knows there have been some games with empty stands. Remember when Mike Gundy led 40-0 at halftime?

I firmly believe that Huskers fans are unbeaten against apathy. It will never take hold in this state. Football, and being good at it, means too much. Coaches and athletic directors will go, not fans.

Does “The Streak” mean too much? World-Herald sports editor Sam McKewon agrees. He believes “The Streak” has hampered some progress — particularly in improving facilities — because NU officials know there will always be Husker fans.

That’s a valid point. I think Memorial Stadium will be renovated regardless. It’s time to reward fans with more leg room and better amenities. Never take Husker fans for granted.

And this is especially true for the Big Ten.

Just because the Husker fans keep coming doesn’t mean Fox/Big Ten should keep going back to the source. They shouldn’t. Michigan and Ohio State need to show their corn and scarlet faces on a Friday night before Nebraska does so again.

The Nebraska fans will make it happen. The atmosphere will be special. The crowd will be excited. The Norfolk Drones are expected to put on another electrifying performance.

Talk about Friday night lights.

It’s going to be cool. All across the state, Nebraskans will be watching their favorite teams play their favorite game. Nebraska’s game, on Nebraska’s night.

You may even hear a cheer during a timeout.

Tom’s selection: Illinois 20, Missouri 21.