LINCOLN, Neb. -- This is one win Frank Solich won't forget for a long time.

An emotional week for the Nebraska football coach came one step closer to ending Saturday night when the Cornhuskers (No. 4 ESPN/USA Today, No. 5 AP) beat No. 17 Notre Dame 27-10, just hours before Solich was to leave for his father's memorial services.

The Huskers dedicated the week to Solich, whose father, Frank Sr., died last Friday, and culminated it with a dominating victory over the Fighting Irish.

Nebraska (3-0) took a 17-0 lead and held Notre Dame to just 162 yards of total offense.

"I think it played a pretty big factor. We wanted this to be a memorable game for Coach Solich and I think we did that," tight end Tracey Wistrom said.

Solich was to travel to Johnstown, Pa., Sunday for his father's burial and return to Lincoln on Monday.

Saturday also was Solich's 57th birthday.

"I haven't given much though to my birthday. I've had a lot of other things on my mind," Solich said. "It's been an emotional week for myself and my family."

The Huskers dedicated the win to Solich in the locker room after the win Saturday. They also had given him a game ball the week before when only a handful of players knew his father had died the night before Nebraska's 42-14 win over Troy State.

Solich said his father was always a hard worker who expected people to do their jobs, no matter what the circumstances. He said his focus all week had to be on Notre Dame.

"I think it added to the game," said Eric Crouch, who had his first touchdown pass of the season Saturday. "I think it was really important for everybody to go out there for Coach and his family. This whole program is really a family."