Cornerstone Printing & Imaging BS Poll

MANHATTAN (BS) -- Well, so much for the latest in a series of expired team goals. After loss #4 (Texas), the Husker players set a new goal of "winning out." After a 49-13 defeat to KSU, it's time to reevaluate (again).

There was also talk among NU players and staff about "not losing their competitive spirit" and "still having something to play for." Even though we hate to say it, it was hard to believe them during the fourth quarter.

After trailing 21-6 at halftime, the Big Red got back on track when Scott Shanle sacked Ell Roberson to force a fumble. Trevor Johnson recovered and Jammal Lord ran for a 35-yard touchdown on the next play.

After Josh Bullocks recovered another fumble two plays later, NU was looking to pull close or even tie it up. Unfortunately, the Wildcats' defense held and Josh Brown's 28-yard field goal attempt hit the right upright.

The Huskers would have trailed even if Brown had knocked it through, but something about the miss and that moment told you that NU had surrendered the momentum.

When you need a touchdown and you recover a fumble in your opponent's territory, it's bad enough to "settle" for a short field goal. But when you miss it and get zilch, that's like pouring salt in a self-inflicted wound.

After that, KSU scored 28 unanswered points and the rout was on. However, it should be noted that Bill Snyder kept his starters in until the last minute in an effort to boost stats and set some personal records.

Even with his team ahead by 29, good ol' Bill couldn't resist the temptation to add another score. Of course, we've come to expect this classless behavior from Snyder, but we still don't understand it.

Perhaps he's trying to resolve an inferiority complex from all the beatings he's suffered against Nebraska over the years. Or, maybe, KSU's 6-6 season last year taught him to take the big wins while you can.

Regardless, Kansas State officially joined Penn State, Iowa State, Okie State and Texas on the Huskers' 2003 revenge list.

(Then again, maybe it's best to keep that one to ourselves.)