Graphic Courtesy Alamo Bowl December 8, 2003 IT'S SAN ANTONIO SANS SOLICH Fresh off Solich firing, Nebraska to play Michigan St. in Alamo Bowl By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com The Nebraska Cornhuskers remember the Alamo. That’s because back in 2000, the Huskers crushed Big 10 co-champ Northwestern 66-17 in the Alamo Bowl. It was supposed to be a good game vs. an impressive Northwestern squad that had just capped an uncharacteristic great season. Instead, it turned into a Wildcat massacre. It was a good day to be wearing red in San Antonio. Husker fans hope for more of the same on December 29th when no. 21 Nebraska (9-3) takes on Michigan State (8-4). Big Red will be in familiar territory. The Alamodome has been home to a couple Big 12 championship games. In addition, more than likely, thousands of transplanted Texas-Nebraskans and Nebraskans themselves will be on hand to cheer on the Huskers. One thing not-so-familiar will be the fact that NU’s coach for all 12 games this season will not be on hand for the bowl game. Frank Solich will have to check out the game on TV just like Husker fans without a ticket. Interim coach Bo Pelini takes over coaching duties after Solich was fired last week. A permanent replacement, for which Pelini is in the running, has yet to be named. No one really knows what to expect from the Huskers. How exactly the players are handling the firing of Solich is yet to be seen. One thing’s for sure: it will be a major audition for NU’s first-year defensive coordinator Bo Pelini. That is if the Huskers don’t already have a coach in place by the bowl game. Michigan State is smiling more this season, after flip-flopping its 4-8 season record a year ago. The Spartans are led by quarterback Jeff Smoker, the top passing quarterback in the Big 10. The game kicks off at 8 p.m. central on Monday, December 29 and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Much more on the big game to come as we get closer to the Alamo Bowl. Feedback NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS vs. MICHIGAN ST. SPARTANS ALAMO BOWL PREVIEW STORIES & LINKS 12-19-03: Smoker becomes winner by regaining control of life More From LJS 12-16-03: Players are mum following meeting More From OWH 12-08-03: Alamo Bowl pairs NU, Michigan State More From OWH 12-08-03: Forget San Diego; remember the Alamo Bowl More From LJS 12-07-03: Nebraska, Michigan State chosen for 2003 Master Card Alamo Bowl More From Alamo Bowl Husker 2003 Schedule/Results Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide