Once upon a time this game was going to decide who would play for the national championship in the Orange Bowl. Then along came Oklahoma to ruin everything.

Nebraska was running its option offense to precision with Eric Crouch, while Kansas State was blowing people away with Jonathon Beasley leading the way. Both quarterbacks were underrated by most experts until each had to bring his team from behind against the Sooners -- and neither could do it.

Neither the Huskers nor the Wildcats spend time worrying about what other coaches and universities are doing with their facilities, admissions, or recruiting roundups. They keep to themselves and work with passion to develop their players to the ultimate. Physical defense and bone-crunching offense intimidate and humiliate opponents with lopsided scores and bodies strewn across the field at game's end.

This year's game has a different meaning for the teams. Both would like a rematch with the Sooners in December. K-State would also like the opportunity to get into a BCS bowl game, while Nebraska would like to upset the Sooners and possibly get to the Orange Bowl. And consider how much Kansas State would love to finally put Nebraska away in style at home.

There are four possibilities for this game, and observers will watch to see which of the two teams shows up for either side. At their best, both NU and K-State can beat anyone. At their worst, they play like average teams.

No. 5 Nebraska

Game Plan: No. 5 Nebraska

Offense: Come out throwing and get KSU off balance. Mix up plays in each formation ... still too predictable. Steady dose of power football up the middle. Defense: Overload blitz on passing downs to beat protection. Disguise coverage and get audibles mixed up. Punish receivers when they catch ball. Strip the ball ... get at least three turnovers. Kicking: Go for the block against KSU punt unit. Bobby Newcombe make big return. Punter handle all snaps and get ball away. Players: Get angry and play like it. Expect to play well ... act like it ... and play like it. Keep your poise. Coaches: Mix up the calls on offense and defense. Challenge players for better play . Keep your poise.

The Cornhuskers' performance in Norman was so uncharacteristic some people wondered if they had taken the Sooners for granted. Nebraska has faced quick defenses before, and destroyed them with their tough inside running and lightning fast outside options. None of that happened, and when Eric Crouch tried passing them back into contention in the second half, the futility of their air game was obvious.

In this game, Crouch will need to get in front of the Wildcat defenders and make things happen early. The option attack is good only when the defense is off guard and needing to play all phases. In past games against Kansas State, the power running and play-action passes have been awesome. The Wildcats have not always figured out what to stop first when playing the Huskers, and the Big Red is again the top running team in the country.

Crouch has Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter to blast away inside and scoot to the outside. All three are averaging over 6.1 yards per carry this season. Tracey Wistrom is tied for the team lead in receptions from his tight end position, and leads the group in touchdown passes with five. He is Crouch's top target inside the 20-yard line.

The Husker defense will match up much better with the Wildcats then it did with Oklahoma. Expect the 4-3 defense employed to force as much penetration into the Wildcat backfield as possible to disrupt the running of Josh Scobey. The Huskers have given up too many big plays already this season, they cannot miss tackles or blow coverage assignments to allow KSU the opportunity to make big plays and get momentum in the game.

There will not be anything too fancy from the defense, but they will challenge the Kansas State offense to take them on and move the football. This unit needs atonement for past performances this season if higher expectations are to be met.

No. 11 Kansas State

Game Plan: No. 11 Kansas State

Offense: Spread them out ... then let Scobey run the ball. Beasley just stay with the offense. Offensive line allow no sacks. Defense: Penetrate the line of scrimmage ... disrupt the option. Cover Wistrom near the goal line. Zone coverage on passing downs. Kicking: Use Lockett and Allen together. Great time for a reverse on a return. Full pressure on PAT and FG ... Huskers have problems. Players: Do not expect to be given the game ... you must take it . Keep your emotions under control. Give up nothing ... no easy touchdowns. Coaches: Play with confidence ... not afraid of taking risks. Play the percentages against Husker tendencies. Come out smoking ... will need at least 30 points to win.

Just three weeks ago this team was turning heads all around the country with its performances. The problem once again was the Wildcats were beating weak opponents.

It was difficult to ascertain the true strength of the Wildcats until they finally played Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Both games exposed the real weaknesses in every unit on the field. After bouncing back last week, perhaps Bill Snyder has the troops with their nose to the grindstone and ready to play some rock 'em, sock 'em football this week.

Beasley is somewhat of an enigma ... at times he plays so well, yet seems out of control at other times. He clearly is the key figure in this offense, but he has been getting some great assistance from young Josh Scobey who is averaging 5.3 yards per carry and has scored 13 touchdowns. Quincy Morgan is having a wonderful season with 47 receptions for 875 yards and 11 touchdowns. He gets too much attention at times when Beasley ignores the other receivers and tries to force the ball to Morgan.

No single injury of the year was as meaningful to Kansas State as the early-season injury to David Allen. Aaron Lockett filled in admirably in every area, but there just is not anyone like Allen, and the Wildcats are glad he is back to working his magic again. Watch these two on every kicking situation.

The Kansas State defense likes to hit people and hurt them while stopping them cold. The Wildcats are near the top of the nation's defensive statistics again with their 271 yards per game average. It is no surprise they allow teams to get an average of only 4.0 yards per play, among the best in the country. Their opponents are getting only 83.8 rushing yards per game.

The Big Red could be in trouble. But in the past, the Huskers have rolled over them. This year the Wildcats must control the line of scrimmage and stop the running game to be victorious.