November 29, 2003 SOLICH SWAN SONG SNUFFED Nebraska rallies for 31-22 win over Colorado, Solich job appears secure By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com There was a point in the second half of the Nebraska-Colorado game when it became very clear. The Huskers were down 22-21 to the Buffs. The momentum in the game had shifted to the Colorado camp. For Husker fans, a queasy, “haven’t we seen this before” feeling was developing faster than a tumbleweed blowing across the eastern Colorado plains. After all, the Huskers earlier had enjoyed a 21-10 lead, and now found themselves behind in a game on the road…at bitter rival Colorado’s place no less. It was at this point that the scenario came into focus. The Huskers could either come back and win the game, save Coach Frank Solich’s job, and finish the season at 9-3, the 34th time the Huskers have earned a 9-win season in the past 35 years. Or they could get stuffed in the 4th quarter, finish 8-4, and more than likely bid farewell to a head coach…the same coach picked by the very legendary coach whose shoes he’s still trying to fill. Would this game turn out like the Mizzou game earlier in the season? Sure felt like it. Just like the Texas game? Just like the Kansas State game? It would turn out like none of the above. Because the Huskers came back and won the game. It was a most satisfying win in an up-and-down season. Final Score: Nebraska 31 Colorado 22. The Huskers close the regular season at 9-3, 5-3. Colorado finishes at a disappointing 5-7, 3-5. Take that Steve Pederson. Those words had to cross NU coach Frank Solich’s mind as the seconds ticked off the scoreboard in Boulder Friday. That is if his blood bleeds Husker red, as we know it does. After all, the Lincoln Journal-Star had reported earlier in the week that this game would be the Solich swan song as head coach. Unnamed sources and mystery surrounded the report. NU athletic director Steve Pederson reportedly wanted Solich “out”. Instead, the athletic director found himself at the wrong end of the gun barrel, so to speak, even before the game in Boulder kicked off. Some Husker fans and national sports pundits were shocked at Pederson’s handling of the controversy. After all, Solich had been a team player for years in the Nebraska football program. Former coach Tom Osborne was quoted in press reports saying he didn’t care for “anonymous sources” stories. The Lincoln Journal-Star found out real fast that big city press tactics don’t go over very well in the land of corn. We sure hope they sold some newspapers. The Husker defense nabbed 3 crucial interceptions and NU quarterback Jammal Lord completed 8 of 18 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for 68 yards, including a touchdown. It was a sweet send-off for a quarterback many Husker fans loved to hate. The win over the Buffs was a solid victory against a surging team that is much better than its 5-7 record. Even better, Nebraska crushed the CU win streak over NU that began in 2001 on the very same field. “62-36” seems like a distant memory now. The Huskers should earn a decent bowl bid. Sure, Big Red more than likely won’t be playing in a January bowl game, but the victory over Colorado was much more than a Solich-saving triumph. It was a win over the Colorado Buffaloes. After the peaks and valleys of the past two seasons, it just feels good to say that. Feedback NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. COLORADO BUFFALOES GAME STORIES & LINKS 11-29-03: (25) Nebraska 31 Colorado 22 More From AP-Yahoo! 11-29-03: Boulder Lifted: Huskers come through for their coach More From OWH 11-29-03: Rocky Mountain High: Huskers rally around Solich, past Buffaloes More From LJS 11-29-03: For NU's Solich, it's business as usual More From LJS 11-29-03: Late picks seal victory for Huskers More From GII 11-29-03: Nebraska holds off Buffs in Boulder More From Denver Post 11-29-03: Loss proves there's lots of work to do More From Rocky Mountain News Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide