Jason Peter was a consensus All-America defensive tackle in 1997, one of the most ferocious Nebraska players in program history.
But he can't remember ever drawing a personal-foul penalty.
"I think I had an (incidental) face-mask penalty in 1996 against Colorado that was questionable," he said Sunday.
At the root of his restraint was accountability to teammates and coaches, an area the current Husker football program is striving to improve.
"We knew that, No. 1, you were going to have to get back in that huddle and look at all the rest of your teammates who were busting their tails to try to get off the field or try to make something happen," Peter said. "We also knew Coach (Charlie) McBride would be standing there, and you also were going to have to answer to Coach (Tom) Osborne."
Peter watched and listened to first-year Nebraska head coach Scott Frost's emotional postgame news conference Saturday. Frost's voice cracked a few times in the wake of Nebraska's 42-28 home loss to Purdue in which the Huskers (0-4, 0-2 Big Ten) were called for 11 penalties, including unnecessary roughness, a late hit and two roughing-the-passer flags.
Nebraska is tied with South Alabama as the most heavily penalized teams among 129 in the FBS in terms of yards per game (96.8).
"Scott looks tired, like he's been trying to figure out a way to get his players to understand exactly what it takes for them to be winners," Peter said of his former Husker teammate.
There are certain standards and a certain mentality that exist in champions. They typically feel an innate responsibility to maximize their potential on every snap for not only themselves, but for those around them. It involves playing ferociously but under control.
I listen to Peter's opinions in part because he pays close attention to the program and stays in touch with Frost. They traded texts Saturday night, with Peter telling the coach, "When we played at Nebraska, it was the minority that was trying to buck the system or trying to do it their way. But the leadership was so strong and the team's core was so strong that those types of individuals were easy to deal with."
Frost is in the process of implementing a culture in his program with certain standards attached. Although Peter thinks the majority of players have bought in to Frost's messages, it's possible many of those players don't fully understand the type of teamwide mentality Frost desires.
Many fans roll their eyes when they hear "it's a process." Peter would tell them to think back to Osborne's coaching career. Nebraska's three national championships (1994, 1995 and 1997) occurred during the final four years of his 25-year tenure in charge of the program.
"There was a period when Nebraska fans or some Nebraska players thought they were at the top, or reaching the standard every single year, but eventually they would bring in a few more guys one year, and those guys would raise it even more, and then it would keep happening," Peter said. "That's a process."
It's impossible to say how long it will take Frost to get his culture firmly ingrained, "but there are some players that Scott and his staff were counting on to be more of the example, and they haven't necessarily been that. They've been guys they've actually had to worry about," Peter said.
"I know Scott continues a daily battle of getting guys to really believe in a team concept," Peter added. "But when you see guys late-hitting guys, it's a selfish act. You're basically saying f--- you to the rest of your team."
Peter then shared a moment he had with Frost a couple of weeks ago. Jason reminded Frost what he told him right before Nebraska's 27-14 win at Washington in 1997.
"I told him in Seattle, 'Even though you're not a captain, you're the leader of this team, and we'll only go as far as you'll take us,'" Peter said. "I'm standing here 20 years later telling him the same thing: 'You are the guy. I have the same type of faith in you, as do hundreds of other former players. We have your back no matter what.'"
Photos: Huskers fall to 0-4 with loss to Purdue
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska tight end Jack Stoll runs past Purdue defenders at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle tackles Purdue wide receiver Jared Sparks at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue running back D.J. Knox (1) leaps over Nebraska's Lamar Jackson (21) at the 1-yard line as Huskers linebacker Mohamed Barry looks on in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins catches a 12-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) greets fans during the Unity Walk prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan (8) fails to catch a pass as Purdue's Kenneth Major (2) and Navon Mosley (right) defend on a first-quarter play Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez is brought down by Purdue's Jack Sullivan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost argues a call with an official after a pass play in the first quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan reacts to a call against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins (89) leaps over Nebraska safety Deontai Williams during a 51-yard reception in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore (4) gains a first down against Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A Nebraska cheerleader is reflected into a trombone during the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cheerleaders stand outside Memorial Stadium before the Unity Walk on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez happily high-fives Huskers fans as he and the team take part in the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Dressed for the elements, Cornhusker Marching Band members (from left) Hunter Foged, Eric Vander Woude and Tyler Butterfield enjoy pizza and water after leading the team in the Unity Walk before the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Shae Marburger, 9, of Malvern, Iowa, wraps up in a blanket to stay warm before the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Quarterback Adrian Martinez makes his way down the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Zak Alber, 12, waits for players to arrive at the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue quarterback David Blough looks for open players during the second half against Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Freedom Akinmoladun (right) and Luke Gifford react to a penalty called during the second half against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Head coach Scott Frost waits to proceed down the Unity Walk at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost yells at a sideline official during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Stanley Morgan is unable to catch a pass under cover from Purdue's Kenneth Major during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) has words with a sideline official during the third quarter as defensive coordinator Erik Chinander looks on last season at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins displays the ball after scoring on a 12-yard pass reception against Nebraska in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets hit by Purdue's Jacob Thieneman as he releases the ball in the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Markell Jones scores a touchdown against Nebraska during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass that would be intercepted during the fourth quarter against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Devine Ozigbo (left) and Cameron Pieper question a call by referees late in the third quarter against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A Husker fan throws his arms up in frustration at penalties called on the field during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore (4) races past Nebraska's Deontai Williams during the second half of a 2018 game at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Rondale Moore carries the ball against Nebraska during the second half Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Devine Ozigbo runs the ball during the second half against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Devine Ozigbo ran for 1,082 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final season as a Husker. Ozigbo has his sights set on playing in the NFL and gets a chance to show his skills in the East-West Shrine Game on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's Brycen Hopkins can't make the catch Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez (2) runs the ball against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's JD Spielman is hoisted in the air by his teammates after he scored one of his two third-quarter touchdowns against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez is taken to the ground by Purdue's Markus Bailey (left) and Derrick Barnes during the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's JD Spielman (10) catches a touchdown pass against the coverage of Purdue's Jacob Thieneman during the third quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo runs against Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Ozigbo scored two touchdowns and ran for 170 yards in the Huskers' 42-28 loss.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue running back D.J. Knox (1) scores on a 6-yard run in the third quarter against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Knox also scored the two-point conversion after this play.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass during the third quarter against Purdue on Sept 29 at Memorial Stadium.
KAYLA WOLF, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets pressured by Purdue's Kai Higgins in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska safety Tre Neal (14) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's Brycen Hopkins, but the play was negated because the Huskers called a timeout before the play started in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Eric Lee (6) tackles Purdue wide receiver Isaac Zico at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Bill Murray
Cornhusker Marching Band member Cameron Stussie (left) gets a selfie with actor Bill Murray on the sidelines before the Sept. 29, 2018, game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's D.J. Knox (1) is brought down by Nebraska's Mohamed Barry (7), Khalil Davis (94), Dedrick Young (5) and Deontai Williams (41) in the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Deontai Williams (41) and Ben Stille (95) tackle Purdue quarterback David Blough at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
5. PURDUE (5-4, 4-2)
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Red balloons are released after a Nebraska touchdown at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo dives for the pylon to score a touchdown against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue's D.J. Knox comes down just shy of the end zone at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue tight end Brycen Hopkins leaps over Nebraska safety Deontai Williams at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco instructs his players as they warm up before playing Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska coach Scott Frost jogs off the field after losing to Purdue at Memorial Stadium.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Former Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan stiff-arms Purdue's Antonio Blackmon as he's run out of bounds at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Kade Warner (right) is brought down by Purdue's Simeon Smiley at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks to pass against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan is tackled by Purdue's Kenneth Major (2) and Navon Mosley (27) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Purdue quarterback David Blough falls to the ground at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Nebraska was called for roughing the passer on the play.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska's Dedrick Young (left) tackles Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks to run past Purdue safety Navon Mosley (27) at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29, 2018.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Mohamed Barry (7) celebrates a tackle against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Running back Devine Ozigbo (22) leaps over Purdue safety Jacob Thieneman at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska coach Scott Frost is set to enter his third season with the Huskers.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska tight end Austin Allen slides across the turf against Purdue in 2018 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska head coach expresses his frustrations at an official at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
A pass intended for Nebraska wide receiver Stanley Morgan is broken up at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska wide receiver JD Spielman catches a pass in the end zone for a touchdown against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska cornerback Dicaprio Bootle (right) tackles Purdue wide receiver Jared Sparks at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
EMILY BLOBAUM, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) directs the offense during the first quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) gets sacked by Purdue's Anthony Watts and Jacob Thieneman in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) holds his knee in the end zone in the second quarter against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska safety Antonio Reed (25) attempts a tackle on Purdue's Brycen Hopkins, but is injured on the play in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
 Actor Bill Murray watches the warmups on the field before the Huskers take on Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Former University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds (left) shakes hands with Brant Banks of Houston before the Purdue game in 2018 at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska recruit Carson Lee of Cherry Creek High School on the sideline prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska recruits Chris Hickman (center) of Omaha Burke and Garrett Snodgress (left) of York walk the sidelines prior to the Purdue game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska linebacker Collin Miller rushes Purdue quarterback David Blough in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 29.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo (22) scored two touchdowns and ran for 170 yards on 17 carries in the Huskers' 42-28 loss to Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska vs. Purdue, 9/29
Nebraska running back Devine Ozigbo carries the ball on his way to a two-touchdown day in which he ran for 170 yards in the Huskers' 42-28 loss to Purdue on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Reach the writer at 402-473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com . On Twitter .
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