Colorado looks to add to Nebraska's disappointment

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ After losing two of its last three, Nebraska has admitted that the final two games of the season are basically about pride. <br><br>For Colorado, that may already be gone. <br><br>The

Wednesday, November 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ After losing two of its last three, Nebraska has admitted that the final two games of the season are basically about pride.

For Colorado, that may already be gone.

The Buffaloes (3-7, 3-4 Big 12) close out their season Friday against No. 9 Nebraska guaranteed of their worst finish since Colorado went 1-10 in 1984.

``A win in Lincoln would be great. But would it make something out of the whole season? No,'' linebacker Jashon Sykes said.

But it could completely derail an already disappointing season for Nebraska (8-2, 5-2). The preseason No. 1 Cornhuskers are still clinging to the outside hopes that they could get an at-large Bowl Championship Series bid to either the Sugar or Fiesta bowls. That hinges on beating the Buffaloes and a generous look from the selection committees.

A loss by either No. 11 Notre Dame at Southern California or No. 6 Virginia Tech against Virginia on Saturday would also help immensely.

``It's not the greatest chance, but it's still a chance,'' defensive tackle Loran Kaiser said. ``So if we get our job done, hopefully some things will happen around the country and maybe we can go.''

A Nebraska loss would not only end Nebraska's BCS hopes, it would also put the Huskers in jeopardy of their worst finish since 1968, when Nebraska was 6-4. That was the last Nebraska team that failed to win nine games. The 1998 Huskers came close, going 9-4 in Frank Solich's first year as coach.

A loss Saturday and winning in whatever bowl game the Huskers end up in becomes essential.

``We want to go out and win every game we play. We didn't want two losses. We never want two losses, and I'm sure many of the fans don't either,'' guard Russ Hochstein said. ``This program has a lot of pride in it. We've had a winning tradition for years and years. The guys that come here come here because they know they can win.''

The Buffaloes had high hopes of winning this season, too. With coach Gary Barnett entering his second season, the Buffaloes were ranked No. 24 after a 7-5 campaign last year.

But a brutal non-conference schedule of Colorado State, Washington and Southern California, followed by a Big 12 opener against eventual North Division champion Kansas State, left the Buffaloes 0-4.

They never recovered. Colorado's only back-to-back wins this season were against Oklahoma State (2-7) and Missouri (3-7).

Colorado hasn't played since a 35-27 loss to Iowa State two weeks ago. The game put the Cyclones in position for their first bowl invitation in 22 years. The Buffaloes will be home for the holidays and not even the possibility of upsetting the Cornhuskers can brighten their spirit.

``I am sure in many people's eyes, it would do a lot. As a player, this year has been so disappointing,'' offensive tackle Tom Ashworth said. ``So it is hard to say that one game would make up for everything. For people to say winning this game would make up for a lot, I don't see it that way.''