LINCOLN — It was almost too good Sunday when the updated NCAA football statistics teased the coming matchup between the Texas offense and the Nebraska defense in the Big 12 championship game.

Colt McCoy and Texas ranked No. 3 in scoring offense at 43.0 points per game.

Ndamukong Suh and Nebraska sat No. 3 in scoring defense at 11.1.

Jordan Shipley and the Longhorns were No. 11 in total offense at 451.6 yards per game.

Phillip Dillard and the Huskers ranked No. 11 in total defense at 291.4.

Perfect.

The objective has been set for underdog Nebraska if it wants to somehow derail the Longhorns' run to the BCS national championship game. In short, keep the Longhorns leashed up long enough to give the Huskers a chance — a la the 10-3 win against Oklahoma on Nov. 7.

“It wouldn't be fun if it wasn't a challenge,'' said Dillard, a senior linebacker. “It's just fighting for it and playing until the end, and with your teammates, and that's where the fun is.

“They're undefeated and what, No. 2 or No. 3, so we're going to have to come in with a high intensity and we can't make mistakes and foolish penalties.”

Texas has acquired a knack for inflicting heartache on Nebraska since the Big 12 was formed in 1996. The face of the rivalry has even changed, with the Longhorns favored in each of the past four meetings — all wins — and higher ranked in three of those. It will be no different Saturday night as oddsmakers have installed UT as more than a two-touchdown favorite.

But the difference for Nos. 20 and 21 Nebraska might be the defense it has built and will take to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Even if the Huskers are going against a Heisman Trophy candidate with McCoy at quarterback for the Longhorns.

“It'll be a great challenge for us, but we've never backed down from challenges,” NU defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said. “We're just going to go about our business the same way we always do and prepare the same way we always do, and see how we do.

“I like our defense. I think we can match up with anybody. And they've got a heck of an offense, obviously. So it's just going to come down to execution.”

Texas (12-0, 8-0 Big 12) has gained more than 500 total yards six times this season and in three of its past four games. Nebraska (9-3, 6-2) had held 10 straight teams under 335 yards before surrendering 403 to Colorado on Friday.

While 10 opponents haven't scored more than 17 points on NU, Texas has hung at least 34 on all but one team.

As with Dillard, sophomore cornerback Alfonzo Dennard said the Huskers savor the head-to-head task.

“We've got confidence in our defense that we can go in there and play like we usually play, and not worry about what ranking they have,” Dennard said. “Just go in there and play our game.”

Plenty will be on the shoulders of the defensive unit, however.

Nebraska is ranked No. 92 in total offense at 334.8 yards per game. It will be going against a Texas defense that is No. 5 at 263.2 — and was as high as No. 3 last week before Texas A&M got the Longhorns for 532 yards and 39 points.

The Longhorn-Aggies game is a good reason why you can't put everything on statistics, and NU center Jacob Hickman said the Huskers have to treat the Big 12 championship like it was “any other game.”

“But it's a big one,” he acknowledged.

And while a win would be huge for the program, Hickman said it can't change the focus as the Huskers return to practice this week and travel to Arlington on Friday.

“It's kind of like the ‘Hoosiers' thing, where (Gene Hackman) comes out and measures the basketball hoop,” Hickman said. “If you make it bigger than it is, you're going to overthink yourself and play poorly.''

Contact the writer:

444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com

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