Graphic By Kelli Kellogg November 27, 2003 SWIRLING INTO BOULDER Coaching rumors, disappointing seasons dim Huskers-Buffs matchup By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com When Frank Solich runs onto the field with the Nebraska Cornhuskers Friday in Boulder, it may be the last time as Husker head coach. Some Nebraska fans seem to be pleased by that, others are outraged. Observers are mostly stunned. Either way, the rumors are running rampant at a time when Nebraska needs to get its running game, and passing game for that matter, in order. Will Solich be asked to retire? Will he resign? Will he continue on? Will Nebraska be able to move the ball and shut down the Buffs? Or will Colorado continue its win streak against Nebraska, despite coming into the game with a losing record? These questions and more will become clear after Friday’s game. Nebraska (8-3, 4-3) faces Colorado (5-6, 3-4) at 11:10 a.m. central. It will be broadcast nationally on ABC and can be heard in Nebraska and a few cities around the country on the Pinnacle Sports Radio Network. Live audio/stats can be found at the Huskers’ official website. It all started early in the week when the Lincoln Journal Star hit newsstands announcing that Frank Solich’s days at Nebraska are numbered. Try numbered at one. The article used unnamed sources saying the University of Nebraska will ask Solich to “retire” from the head coaching position, buy out his contract and offer him a lucrative job in the UNL athletic department. Three embarrassing losses in a season that follows the worst Husker season in over 40 years hasn’t gone over well in the mind of first-year NU Athletic Director Steve Pederson. Forget about being 8-3. Husker faithful see it as 8 and scream. But somebody in the south stadium football office forgot to send Frank the memo. The Husker head coach is quoted saying he has no plans to retire. But the embattled coach does have plans to beat Colorado. At least that’s what this Husker fan is hoping. The Buffs have a two-game win streak over Nebraska, the first of which was a 62-36 drubbing by the Buffs two years ago. Many Husker fans see that game as the beginning of the great decline, even though Big Red made it to the national championship game just a few weeks after the loss to CU. Colorado, despite winning its past two games over Missouri and Iowa State, have to be considered a major disappointment this season. Proof in the pudding is a loss to Big 12 basement dweller Baylor. The Buffs have a losing record and will be fighting for a lackluster bowl bid. My how far the Buffs have fallen. Doesn’t seem to be as much focus on Colorado’s troubles in the national spotlight as there is on Nebraska’s. Usually the Nebraska-Colorado game has national implications. This year, the only national implications will be the Frank Solich story. With a win, Nebraska finishes 9-3, 5-3. A decent, but not great, bowl game will be in the Big Red future with some excitement on things to come for next season. Backup QB Joe Dailey will take over for inconsistent Jammal Lord, a new outlook, new recruits, hey you never know. The weather is predicted to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the 40s and 50s. Fairly calm too. This Husker fan wishes the Rocky Mountain wind to be the only thing swirling around the stands in Boulder instead of coaching rumors. Go Big Red! Beat the Buffs! The score on the scoreboard above is my humble prediction Feedback NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. COLORADO BUFFALOES PREVIEW STORIES & LINKS 11-27-03: NU ready for Buffs' top effort More From GII 11-27-03: Tufts ready for final Big Red showdown More From Denver Post 11-27-03: Top Topic Solich Gym Cracks By Jim 11-26-03: Solich says he is 'fine' with Pederson's policy More From LJS 11-26-03: NU's little big man a Coloradan More From Denver Post 11-26-03: Colorado plans to pass football More From GII 11-25-03: Nebraska cautious about being overly emotional More From LJS 11-24-03: A diamond for the Buffs More From OWH 11-24-03: Stong nonleague slate toughened Buffs More From LJS Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide