Graphic By Kelli Kellogg October 28, 2003 'HORNS & THORNS High hopes for Huskers in Austin in major matchup with pesky Texas By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com The Texas Longhorns are thorny for Nebraska. We remember the heart-breaking loss in Lincoln last season. The Huskers were driving late in the game to possibly defeat, at the very least tie, Texas. But then the comeback-victory elation came crashing down when Husker QB Jammal Lord threw an interception deep in Longhorn territory with time running out. The Big Red’s bubble had burst. It was a moment when Husker fans came to the realization that even though the Huskers put up a valiant effort to come back, it was now obvious that losing 5, 6, or 7 games in the season was distinct possibility. Some say Texas has had NU’s number over the past few years. And they would be right. Over the relatively short 9-game series history, the Longhorns have long been a thorn in Nebraska’s side. Texas leads the series 5 games to 4, however NU’s success was in the earlier years of the series. Most current fans tend to remember the most recent games played. Remember back to 1998 and 1999? In 1998, the Huskers lost a tough-fought 20-16 game to Texas in Lincoln. The following season, the Huskers lost another heartbreaker 24-20 to the ‘Horns in Austin. And who will ever forget the 1996 Big 12 championship in St. Louis? A stunning 37-27 loss to the Longhorns. That loss hurt in a major way, especially the way the Longhorns stuffed the game in the Huskers’ face with gutsy, almost cocky play calling in the game's final moments. Of course the Huskers defeated Texas 22-6 in the Big 12 Championship in San Antonio in 1999, avenging the loss from earlier in the season. This season, the Huskers come to Austin rated no. 9 in the BCS poll, ahead of the Longhorns ranked no. 22. Even so, at the time of the posting of this article on Tuesday, UT was a 6-point favorite over NU. That’s because the jury is still out on the Husker offense, even after 8 games, even after going 7-1. The Lord-led offense has had its positive moments. Lord’s running strength is a major asset. But there have been quite a few “yawn-a-thon” games this season where Nebraska’s offense sputtered at best. The comments heard from Husker fans like “we can’t do this against Texas” are now poised to haunt us on the day after Halloween. Of course, we’re hoping things get scary for the ‘Horns. Wouldn’t it be somethin’ to roll into Austin and roll over Texas? Would be nice indeed. The game will be televised regionally on ABC and kick off at 11:00 a.m. central. Most areas in the center part of the country will get to see it, but most eastern states will see Michigan-Michigan St. Call the Game watch location near you to confirm it will be on! The score on the scoreboard is my humble prediction Feedback NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. TEXAS LONGHORNS PREVIEW STORIES & LINKS 11-01-03: Big Red plans to end traveling blues show More From OWH 11-01-03: Huskers, 'Horns set for 'Survivor' battle More From LJS 11-01-03: UT-Nebraska vital test even if overshadowed More From Houston Chronicle 11-01-03: Texas seems to have Nebraska's number More From Austin American-Statesman 10-31-03: NU might have to mix it up against 'Horns More From GII 10-30-03: Texas' rush defense unsuccessful this season More From Austin American-Statesman 10-30-03: UT receivers to test Blackshirts More From OWH 10-30-03: Texas' Vasher hopes this year's NU game isn't as close More From LJS 10-30-03: Huskers shedding skepticism More From LJS 10-30-03: How to slow down Texas? More From GII 10-30-03: UT's Young prepares for first-ever home start More From Austin American-Statesman 10-30-03: Solich appears more relaxed More From OWH 10-30-03: Povendo is Texan at heart More From OWH 10-29-03: Huskers preparing for versatile Texas offense More From LJS 10-29-03: NU wants November to remember More From GII 10-29-03: Lord: NU looking for repeat of last season's stats vs. Longhorns Preview From LJS 10-29-03: UT's Benson to return to practice this week More From AP-Yahoo! 10-28-03: Lord puts '02 loss behind him Preview From OWH 10-28-03: NU offense aiming for efficiency, not excitement Preview From LJS 10-25-03: (9) Nebraska at (16) Texas ESPN Preview Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide