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TE Aaron Golliday (99) celebrates his touchdown reception with I-back Dahrran Diedrick (30). |
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The Manhattan Project
LINCOLN (BS) -- The Huskers got exactly what they wanted from the hapless Jayhawks. A convincing win.
Against other teams, winning is enough. But this is Kansas, the team that hasn't won a game in the Big XII this year. The same team that LOST to Baylor (ending their 29-game conference losing streak).
In other words, NU had to win big.
Mission accomplished. After Dahrran Diedrick ran for a career-long 53-yard touchdown on the Huskers' first possession, KU somehow responded with a 50-yard TD pass for a 7-7 tie. After that, it was all Nebraska as the Big Red cruised to a 45-7 victory.
Before the 4th quarter, the Huskers added two touchdowns rushing, two receiving, one on a blocked punt return, and a field goal while scoring 38 unanswered points.
Aside from providing Big Red fans with an adjective ("convincing") and a breathtaking performance from David Horne (122 yards on only nine carries), this victory was important for a variety of reasons:
- With the win, NU became officially bowl eligible. This ensures a Husker bowl game for the 34th consecutive season.
- It was also NU's 34th consecutive victory over the Jayhawks and 34th consecutive Homecoming victory.
- It allowed the Huskers to halt their one-game home losing streak.
- It enabled the Huskers to put the Texas loss behind them by starting a new home winning streak (currently at one game).
Of course, NU still needs two more wins for a 34th consecutive nine-win season. To do it, they'll have to beat either Kansas State on the road or Colorado at home. Neither will be easy, and it's unlikely both will occur.
Remember, Frank Solich has never won in Manhattan. He's been close, but the no-call, 180-degree facemask on Crouch in Œ98 and a sudden 4th quarter snowstorm in Œ00 have kept him winless at KSU Stadium.
It may not be rocket science, but Solich's personal "Manhattan Project" has been just as trying. However, if we've learned anything this season, it's that no streak is safe. For that reason, you've got to think he's due.
C'mon, Frank...
Don't make us wait until 2004!
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