Texas Says It Will See Same Old Big Red Against Reeling Nebraska

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Texas has seen and heard about the troubles at Nebraska, the Cornhuskers' losing streak and how they've lost their grip on a season spiraling into disaster. <br/><br/>The Longhorns

Friday, October 26th 2007, 7:35 pm

By: News On 6

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) _ Texas has seen and heard about the troubles at Nebraska, the Cornhuskers' losing streak and how they've lost their grip on a season spiraling into disaster.

The Longhorns aren't buying any of it.

As far as No. 17 Texas (6-2, 2-2 Big 12) is concerned, the Nebraska team stumbling into Austin on Saturday will look just like the old big red machine that used to bulldoze opponents.

``They will be excited about playing Nebraska,'' Texas coach Mack Brown said. ``We'll be excited to see that white helmet with that 'N' on it when they run out on the field.''

Longhorns players dismiss the idea that the Cornhuskers' three-game losing streak means Nebraska has given up on the season. Linebacker Sergio Kindle expects to play an angry team desperate to turn its fortunes around.

``We don't care about their record. We're still going to be pumped,'' Kindle said.

It would seem an unlikely week for the Cornhuskers (4-4, 1-3) to save their sinking season. Texas has won five of the last six meetings, including the last four. The Longhorns' 31-7 win in 2003 even helped close the door on former Nebraska coach Frank Solich.

Four years later and the drumbeat to replace coach Bill Callahan _ the guy who replaced Solich _ is even stronger, although the coach this week defended himself by saying he believes he's done an excellent job.

It wasn't long ago that it seemed Callahan had turned things around. The Cornhuskers won the Big 12 North last season and played in the conference championship game. He was even given a contract extension.

Those good times seem like ages ago.

Three straight losses by a combined score of 122-34 and a defense that has been stripped of its Blackshirts nickname overshadow any of Callahan's previous successes.

``We've done some positive things. We haven't sustained it this year,'' Callahan said. ``I have enough confidence in myself, my staff and my players to know that we can win. We're going to win. We're just going through a tough stretch.''

Nebraska players are frustrated by the speculation over their coach's future and the criticism they're hearing from fans. Getting away from home might be a good thing for a team aching for something good to happen.

``We hear all the stuff the fans are saying. We read the papers. We go to class and hear what students are saying,'' defensive lineman Zach Potter said. ``It is tough for us to be out there and hear what they really have to say.''

Texas has been far from perfect with spotty play from week to week. The Longhorns spent the first few weeks of the season ranked in the Top 10 before consecutive losses to Kansas State and Oklahoma all but ended their hopes of a Big 12 title. Wins over Iowa State and Baylor, with solid play from quarterback Colt McCoy in both, might have turned things around.

Brown, in his 10th season at Texas, will go for his 100th win with the Longhorns on Saturday. He's racked up several big wins over the Cornhuskers in that span.

Brown's teams twice snapped long Nebraska home winning streaks (1998 and 2002) and in '99 knocked the Cornhuskers out of the national title chase. Last season, a final-minute field goal by walk-on kicker Ryan Bailey lifted Texas to a 22-20 victory.

``It was one of the best games that I have ever been associated with, and that's the same Nebraska team that will come in here this weekend,'' Brown said.

Four of the last six meetings between the Longhorns and Cornhuskers have been decided by four points or less.

``It's one of the games I always look forward to,'' Brown said. ``I wish we had an opportunity to play them each year because it's such a fun game.''