He made the most important play of the Devaney era.
Late fourth quarter, with a 2-2 record, having lost the week before in their BiG eight opener to Missouri, the Huskers are trailing Kansas at home 14-17 with just under 2:00 to play.
4th down and a pass is thrown to McFarland (way over his head) and McFarland draws a pass interference penalty.
Subsequent personal foul penalties against the Kansas HC and middle linebacker give the ball to DONU in the red zone and Kinney scores from 6 yards out with 1;22 to play.
This leads to a 7 games win streak in 1969, and a 32 game win streak and back to back National Championships.
McFarland does not draw that penalty and subsequent first down, DONU loses to KU, and who knows what the fate of the program is, making it in my mind the key play of Devaney's tenure.
GBR
Rest in peace Mr McFarland, a Husker great.