Nebraska vs. Mississippi in the MainStay Independence Bowl Dec. 27 Courtesy IndependenceBowl.org December 27, 2002 PAIN STAYS INDEPENDENCE BOWL Huskers fall short vs. Ole Miss 27-23, consecutive winning-season streak snapped By Jim D. Berryman MissingNebraska.com There may be a rush on nails at Home Depots across Nebraska tonight. To nail the coffin shut on the 2002 Husker football season. So many streaks have fallen. So many flags have flown. And we’re not talking the American flag here folks. The mind-numbing, breathtaking season of 2002 is now officially over. Anyone feel like popping open a bottle of champagne? Ok, hitting yourself over the head with it? I’m getting warmer. The Nebraska Cornhuskers, after a promising start against Mississippi, fell short in the MainStay Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana Friday. The Huskers lost their 7th game of the season to Ole Miss 27-23. Husker fans are probably not flocking to Shreveport’s famed casinos right now, because the last thing they want to see is another 7. Nebraska had 7 losses this season and also managed 7 wins. A .500 season. The first one like that in over 40 years. Ladies and gentlemen, can someone please check to see if hell is freezing over? At least the Big Red has a clean slate to start with when it comes to streaks in college football. Ole Miss overpowered the Huskers in the second half after trailing 17-14 at halftime. The Huskers had jumped out to a 10-0 lead early in the 2nd quarter, but couldn’t stop the Rebels when needed in the second half. Husker senior sensation DeJuan Groce was the final piece of hope in the waning seconds of the game, however there was no end-of-Texas-game magic left. It was all used up from a previous return for a touchdown in the game against Ole Miss. The Husker offense sputtered and Nebraska went down and out for the count. The Huskers finish 7-7 and will spend the off-season answering questions and making coaching changes. Will Turner Gill become Husker offensive coordinator? Can Nebraska rebound for a winning season next year? Those questions and more to be answered in the coming months. For now, we close the book on a Nebraska football season that has been excruciating and exciting at the same time. The only thing bigger than the disappointment felt by Husker coaches, players, and fans are the enormous expectations for the season to come. We wish the Huskers well and will be there ready for 2003. Post Feedback HUSKER INDEPENDENCE HQ Latest links, stories, pics of the Husker trip to Shreveport NEBRASKA vs. MISSISSIPPI 12-28-02: Indy .500 More from LJS 12-28-02: That's a wrap: The Husker campaign comes to an end More from LJS 12-28-02: Same song; 7th verse: Huskers finish .500 More from OWH 12-28-02: NU fakes out coaching staff as pass fails on a trick play More from OWH 12-27-02: Huskers fall to Ole Miss, slouch to .500 More from LJS 12-27-02: Rebels rally to defeat Nebraska More from OWH PRE-GAME LINKS 12-27-02: Exactly which team will show up today? More from LJS 12-27-02: Sea of red spotty More from LJS 12-26-02: Huskers already eyeing next year More from Jackson, MS Clarion Ledger 12-25-02: Just call it Omaha, La. More from OWH 12-25-02: ESPN Independence Bowl Preview Details 12-21-02: Solich says Huskers coaches will call plays by committee More from OWH 12-20-02: Husker fans not bowled over More from OWH Who's Playing Who? All Bowl Games Huskers on ESPN.com Husker Hot Pics Photos from AP Husker Game Watch Locations Nationwide