"Really, I didn't think I stepped out, so I kept running," Buckhalter said. "But then I heard that whistle, and my heart dropped to my foot."

Wide receiver Matt Davison watched his 20-game consecutive catch streak end Saturday as he failed to catch a pass in four quarters. Davison was only thrown to a few times as he was well covered the entire game.

Though he started at I-back, Dan Alexander moved to fullback late in the game against Oklahoma State, gaining three yards on his only carry. The I-back during that time was Buckhalter. Coaches had spoken earlier in the week about working Alexander in at the position because of an injury to backup Ben Kingston.

No major injuries were reported for the Cornhuskers in the game, although a few players came out with minor bumps and bruises. Fullback Willie Miller had a sprained left ankle, quarterback Jeff Perino had a bruised quadracep muscle and left guard James Sherman had a sprained right ankle. None are expected to miss significant time. Starting rush end Kyle Vanden Bosch is expected to play next week after sitting out the game against the Cowboys.

Tight end Tracey Wistrom's four receptions and 116 yards receiving were both career highs. His previous career best was 102 yards (on two catches) vs. California and previous best in receptions was three against Arizona in the Holiday Bowl.

"I was talking to the coaches, and I told them that it seems like when it rains, it pours," a laughing Wistrom said afterward. "I either do nothing or have a really big game."

As the backup tight end, Wistrom leads the team in receiving yards with 250 on eight catches. His two touchdowns also are tops this season and three career touchdowns are more than the rest of the receivers combined.

It was a big day for senior linebacker Brian Shaw. Prior to the game, a $10,000 Burger King Scholar Athlete scholarship was presented to Nebraska in Shaw's name. Ironically, Saturday also was Brian Shaw Day at Memorial Stadium.