LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska is having a big party at Memorial Stadium tonight, and the Cornhuskers want everyone except Louisiana-Lafayette to have a good time.
The game against the Ragin' Cajuns will mark the 300th consecutive sellout at Nebraska since 1962, the longest streak in NCAA football history.
The 25th-ranked Huskers will wear 1962-style uniforms, complete with white helmets with black numbers instead of the traditional 'N' on the side. Members of the 1962 team, Hall of Fame Coach Bob Devaney's first at Nebraska, will be honored.
"It's as much a celebration of Nebraska football as a celebration of the fans of Nebraska football," Coach Bo Pelini said.
The Huskers (2-1), coming off last week's 16-15 loss at Virginia Tech, will be playing an opponent from the Sun Belt Conference forthe third time in four games. They outscored Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State by a combined 87-12.
Lafayette (2-1) is playing its second Big 12 opponent. The Cajuns upset Kansas State 17-15 at home on Sept. 12. Last week, they played in front of 92,00 fans at LSU, losing 31-3.
"I don't think we were overwhelmed by the environment at LSU," Cajuns quarterback Chris Masson said. "As far as the crowd being a factor, it didn't really bother us. We know what it's going to be like."
Nebraska is looking for a polished performance before it starts Big 12 play Oct. 8 at Missouri. Against Virginia Tech, the Huskers settled for field goals instead of touchdowns, committed ill-time dpenalties and had a strong defensive effort marred by a couple busts on the Hokies' winning drive.
"It's still kind of frustrating," center Jacob Hickman said. "But at the same time,a lot of guys and the coaches have addressed it and it's time to move on."
Quarterback Zac Lee, who throws right-handed, will play with a fractured left thumb. He completed just 11 of 30 passes, with 2 interceptions, for 136 yards against Virginia Tech. In his first two games, he completed almost 75 percent of his passes for 553 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Nose tackle NdamukongSuh said he and his defensive teammates want to atone for what happened on the last series against the Hokies. The Huskers gave up an 81-yard pass play before Tech's Tyrod Taylor threw an 11-yard strike for the winning touchdown with 21 seconds left.
The Cajuns' offense ranked 97th nationally with 20.7 points a game. The Huskers are seventh in scoring defense, allowing 9.3 points.
Sports, Pages 24 on 09/26/2009