• Video: Postgame press conference:




ARLINGTON, Texas — Ndamukong Suh stood with his fellow linemen minutes before the biggest game of the season as their position coach delivered a concise statement of reassurance and they couldn't help but smile.

Somehow, despite the seasonlong production from these talented four linemen, Texas was going to underestimate their ability. Every team's done it.

Even Suh, the 300-pound, unblockable mammoth who's thrust himself into the national spotlight after a regular season full of dominance. Texas would be surprised by his relentlessness too.

So what did defensive coordinator and line coach Carl Pelini tell Suh and the rest of the big-bodied difference makers?

“Guys, just do what you've done all year.”

They did exactly that. Actually, they did more, keeping one of the nation's best quarterbacks uncomfortable and out of sync and silencing a normally potent UT offense.

Their effort wasn't quite enough to carry Nebraska past Texas in the Big 12 title game. The Longhorns kept their undefeated campaign alive with a 13-12 win.

But Suh and Co. made a statement Saturday night, Pelini said.

“They believe,” he said, “and they proved (Saturday), they can line up across from anyone in the country and whip their tails.”

It starts with Suh. Then again, it always does.

The senior defensive end saved his best performance for the season's biggest stage, finishing with 12 tackles, 4½ sacks and seven tackles for losses.

He drove Texas senior Colt McCoy to the turf. He flung McCoy aside as if the 6-foot-2, 210-pound quarterback were weightless. He made the night miserable for McCoy.

And really, nobody seemed happier to be speaking at an interview table with reporters than McCoy after the game.

“I'm glad I'm sitting up here,” he said, “because I'm not getting hit.”

It wasn't just Suh, though the three other NU lineman followed his lead.

Senior defensive end Barry Turner had seven tackles, two sacks and four tackles for losses.

Sophomore tackle Jared Crick had a sack and a tackle for loss. And junior Pierre Allen finished with just two tackles, but his line-of-scrimmage tip and quarterback hurry both forced two interceptions.

“We wanted to make their pocket collapse and we did that early,” Pelini said. “And then we freed up and said, ‘Go get 'em.' And when we had them sitting on our bull rush, then we had our way with them.”

McCoy couldn't have expected it. “Film study never conveys the true story,” Pelini said.

All season, Pelini said, the teams that line up against Nebraska have been surprised by the physicality and the strength that the Huskers possess on the line.

So naturally, Texas figured it could execute its offense the same way it had all year. Suh took advantage of the predictability.

“Texas, they're going to do what they want to do,” Suh said. “If they feel they can beat you by just lining up and doing what they do not putting in any wrinkles like some other teams have obviously, it's going to be a lot easier for me to pick up what they're doing. I've seen (it) on film.”

The Longhorns had their chances to analyze Suh's game too. They couldn't handle the real-life version, though. Few teams have.

Suh plays a position where production is often measured by intangible factors, yet he leads the team in tackles and sacks. And against Texas Saturday night, he may have delivered his best performance.

He was already in line to receive several nation awards and maybe, just maybe, he did enough to re-enter a cluttered Heisman race. Pelini thinks Suh deserves it.

“If Suh didn't win the Heisman tonight, it's a disgrace,” Pelini said. “He's the best player in college football.”

The younger Pelini brother offered a less definitive evaluation of his defensive tackles chances at winning that coveted trophy. But Bo Pelini didn't discount Suh's performance.

“I think he's the best football player at his position in the country,” NU coach Bo Pelini said. “If that means the Heisman Trophy, so be it.”

But Suh wasn't in the mood to talk accolades after the game. Usually one of the first Huskers off the field when the game clock hits zero, Suh was one of the last Saturday, walking slowly toward the tunnel.

He proved himself, once again, but he was still leaving empty-handed. Despite the success, that feeling's tough for Suh to handle.

“I just want to win,” Suh said. “That's all I want to do.”

Contact the writer:

402-473-9585, jon.nyatawa@owh.com

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