Graphic By Kelli Kellogg November 13, 2003 BATTLE FOR THE NORTH Nebraska and Kansas St. eye Big 12 North title in showdown By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com Kansas State comes to Lincoln Saturday for a major-league Big 12 showdown with the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The no. 25 Wildcats (8-3, 4-2) will be attempting to do something they’ve never done under KSU head coach Bill Snyder. Win in Lincoln. The no. 15 Huskers (8-2, 4-2) will be attempting to do something they didn’t even have the opportunity to do last season. Win the Big 12 North. The Huskers are on the fast track to do just that. The game kicks off at about 2:40 p.m. Central Saturday and will be shown regionally on ABC. ABC Coverage Map It will also be broadcast live on the Pinnacle Sports Radio Network in Nebraska and a few cities around the country. It’s also available online through the Huskers’ official web site. After the worst season in over 40 years and a 7-7 finish, the Huskers find themselves in the driver’s seat to win the Big 12 North. Nebraska has already avenged 3 losses from last season and hopes to add to that tally with wins over the Wildcats Saturday and Buffaloes of Colorado the day after Thanksgiving. If that happens, Nebraska will represent the Big 12 North division in the Big 12 championship game in Kansas City in December. The likely opponent would be top-ranked Oklahoma, a prospect not thrilling to Husker fans, considering the superb season the Sooners are cruising through. But when it comes to college football championship games, you just never know. First things first, there’s the purple invasion from the Little Apple to take care of before NU can even begin to think about Oklahoma. A road game in Boulder is still to come as well. Kansas State, at least in the minds of national pundits and the Wildcat faithful, have had a disappointing season. Disappointed at being 8-3? Well yes, considering some analysts had the ‘Cats scratched in as potential national champion this season. Even though the three KSU losses have been close ones, the Wildcats are still red in the face from a shocking home loss to Marshall earlier in the season. Of course, the Wildcats were without starting quarterback Ell Roberson that day. He has since returned, and the Wildcats have returned to winning ways. Kansas State’s other two losses are 4-point setbacks at Texas and Oklahoma State. Still the ‘Cats have 3, count ‘em 3 losses, in a season many predicted they could maneuver through unscathed. Sorry KSU fans, there is no chance whatsoever the Wildcats will be playing for a national championship this season. Not a chance. Not even a glimmer. Not gonna happen. Again. Sure, the Huskers won’t be playing for a national championship this season either. Difference is, most Husker fans didn’t think Big Red had much of a chance of finishing much better than third in the Big 12 North. After going 7-7, a winning season was at the top of the minds of NU fans, a wish already realized. KSU fans believed their team would be in the hunt for the coveted national prize. Didn’t materialize. As a result, Husker fans will continue to have national championship bragging rights over rival Kansas State for years to come. Got 5, Kitties? I think not. As sensed by the venom in my words, Kansas State has become one of the Huskers’ (for sure mine) major rivals. From basement dwellers to national power…you have to admire the Wildcat turnaround over the years. But that’s where the admiration stops for me. The game with KSU is anything but a guaranteed slam-dunk victory for the Huskers. As a matter of fact, if the game was being played in Manhattan, I would most tempted to pick the Wildcats to win. KSU has won three-in-a-row over Nebraska in Manhattan. However, as sure as a line in front of Barry’s on 9th Street two hours before kickoff, this game is in Lincoln. Nebraska’s offense must get and stay on track. The offensive line must protect Jammal Lord. The penalties that have crept back into recent games must be eliminated. The defense must step up vs. a talented opposing quarterback in Ell Roberson. Just take a look at the Missouri and Texas losses, and you see what can happen when the NU Blackshirts face a multi-dimensional QB. That said, the Wildcats better be ready for surging starter Cory Ross, a top-notch Husker defense, and 77,000 football-crazed fans. Husker fans are hoping for a purple mess in a sea of red. Nebraska is poised to go 9-2 and be on the verge of wrapping up the Big 12 North division. Ain’t it great. GO BIG RED! BEAT THE ‘CATS! The score on the scoreboard above is my humble prediction ABC Coverage Map Feedback NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. KANSAS ST. WILDCATS PREVIEW STORIES & LINKS 11-15-03: KSU's talent should beat Big Red Aura More From Kansas.com 11-15-03: Losing streak at NU shouldn't keep Wildcats from winning More From LJS 11-15-03: Wildcats believe in themselves More From LJS 11-15-03: NU-KSU matchup 'monumental' in North More From GII 11-14-03: QB Roberson looking to add to his momentum More From LJS 11-14-03: Cornhuskers to honor 34 seniors More From GII 11-14-03: Kansas State defense ready for Husker test More From Kansas.com 11-14-03: Solich should reach into his bag of tricks More From LJS 11-13-03: NU backfield is in motion More From OWH 11-12-03: K-State back is running wild More From LJS 11-11-03: Ross promoted to No. 1 I-back More From LJS 11-10-03: KSU's offense expected to give Huskers fits More From OWH Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide