Cornerstone Printing & Imaging BS Poll

LINCOLN (BS) -- The Huskers got just what they needed on Saturday. Thanks to blocked punts and solid defensive play, NU built an early 28-0 cushion against ISU that held up as the final score.

It was no blowout, but the lead was just lopsided enough for Jammal Lord to rest up before a tough, November schedule that includes three road contests.

First up is the Texas Longhorns. Since the Big XII launched in 1996, the Huskers has gone a dismal 1-4 against Texas.

Ironically, the only lopsided win belongs to NU, who won 22-6 in the 1999 Big XII Championship. Though they finished that season 12-1, they were excluded from the National Championship game.

The "omniscient" BCS choose Florida State and Michael Vick... er, Virginia Tech, which subsequently inspired the creation of the BS Poll.

What made 1999 especially tough to was the lone 24-20 loss at Texas. Despite fumbling a sure touchdown at the goal line earlier in the game, NU had a chance to win in the closing minutes.

While driving late, Eric Crouch threw a deep pass that appeared complete as Matt Davison fell backwards onto the turf, but was ruled otherwise and killed the Huskers' remaining chances.

In fact, the Huskers have had chances to win late in the fourth quarter of EVERY loss to Texas. That includes last year's bitter, last-second loss in a game that could've, would've, should've gone to overtime with a short field goal.

Ahhh, but we digress.

Expect a low-scoring game this Saturday, which again should be very close. We only hope that Nebraska can somehow, finally, even through a repulsive stroke of luck, find a way to win.

Go Big Red.