Kansas Upset Unlikely No. 1 Nebraska Enters Big Eight Game As 25-Point Favorites Over 10th-Ranked Team

While it would appear that Kansas has its best chance of beating Nebraska for the first time since 1968, a Jayhawks’ upset over the nation’s No. 1 team doesn’t seem that likely.

Although No. 10 Kansas (8-1, 4-1 Big Eight), owns its best ranking and best record ever going into a game against the mighty Cornhuskers (9-0, 5-0), Nebraska still is a 25-point favorite to extend its mastery over the Jayhawks in today’s game at Lawrence, Kan.

“There are a lot of people walking around who weren’t even born the last time Kansas beat Nebraska,” Jayhawks coach Glen Mason said.

The Huskers not only are unbeaten, but have been virtually unchallenged while driving toward a Fiesta Bowl date and a shot at a second consecutive national championship.

“They’re the best team in the country, bar none,” Kansas wide receiver Isaac Byrd said. “It’s going to be a real test for us, but I’m sure we’ll rise to the occasion.”

The Jayhawks’ running back tandem of June Henley and L.T. Levine has helped carry Kansas to its finest record since Mason arrived as coach in 1988. But it will face a defense that ranks fourth nationally in rushing defense, giving up just over 80 yards per game.

Moreover, the Jayhawks have had problems with the option offense. And nobody is running the option smoother, and more devastatingly, than Nebraska.

Nebraska, sparked by option wizard Tommie Frazier at quarterback, leads the nation in rushing (426.4 yards per game) and scoring offense (55.3 points) and is second in total offense, (593 yards).

If only the Huskers could be counted on to run only the option, laments Mason.

“If Nebraska just ran the option with the players they have, it would be a full day’s work,” Mason said. “But when you add all the other things they can come at you with… and what a great talent Frazier is…. He’s a 190-pound tailback playing quarterback.”

Except for a 21-20 Huskers victory in 1993 at Lawrence, Kansas has made a habit the past quartercentury of losing big to Nebraska.

In another game, No. 2 Ohio State travels to Illinois.No. 18 Texas A&M beat Rice 17-10 Thursday night.

Illinois has lost as many games as it has won (4-4), yet it stands as a roadblock to Ohio State’s hopes for a trip to the Rose Bowl and possible national championship.

Illinois has won six of the last seven meetings against the Buckeyes (9-0), including the last four at Columbus. Ohio State, however, has averaged 14.1 points in those last seven meetings against the Illini.

The way the Buckeyes’ defense has been playing this season, that might be enough points to win. But the Illini defenders have been just as stingy.