Graphic By Kelli Kellogg September 25, 2003 HUSKERS 'PASS' ROAD TEST Lord's big passes, strong defense, key Nebraska's 38-14 win over Southern Miss By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com Editor Husker QB Jammal Lord and Nebraska passed the road test in Hattiesburg, Mississippi Thursday night in more ways than one. In Nebraska's 38-14 win over Southern Miss, even though Lord continued to struggle at times, he was right on-target for two passes within 2 minutes of each other in the early 3rd quarter that put the game out of reach for the Golden Eagles. No one knows for sure if Lord passed the Husker fan test. We’ll soon see the reaction across Big Red land. We’ll see if Husker fans allow Lord to settle into the number one QB position, a chance to not have to look over his shoulder at freshman QB Joe Dailey. One thing is for sure, his 3rd quarter touchdown passes sure were pretty. And there could have been another one. With the win, Nebraska (nos. 11/15) will surely quiet a few critics. No one can argue that the turnaround of the Husker defense this season is astounding. ESPN commentators mentioned things about the Husker improvement throughout the broadcast. At the same time, some will say the Huskers were still anything but sharp at times during the game, despite the 24-point win on the road in Hattiesburg. Get them lined up against Texas. Against Kansas State, they say. Yes, but the Eagles are a team that’s played against a number of college football powers. For Nebraska to march into a southern hostile setting with its ’02 road record in mind, is just about as good as it can get after going 7-7. Sure, concerns continue but they’ve faded just a bit. After all, the Huskers are 4-0 and basking in the glow of a positive and impressive appearance on must-see Thursday night ESPN-TV. One step-at-a-time. After another Saturday off, the Huskers will be back in Lincoln to host Troy State on October 4. Big Red Titanic is rising. NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. SOUTHERN MISS EAGLES GAME STORIES & LINKS 09-26-03: Road Rules:Opportunistic Huskers capitalize on five turnovers More from OWH 09-25-03: Lord leads NU past Golden Eagles More from OWH 09-25-03: Lord's arm blesses NU More from GII 09-25-03: Huskers pass the test More from LJS Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide