Success for Nebraska's Callahan hinges on Saturday's outcome

LINCOLN, Neb. -- For all the talk about games against Southern California and Texas being measuring sticks for Nebraska, there is none bigger for Bill Callahan this season than Saturday's meeting with Missouri.

The Cornhuskers were the preseason pick to win the North and advance to the Big 12 championship game for the first time since 1999. But two straight losses have rattled the Huskers' considerable fan base, which was expecting tangible improvement in Callahan's third year as coach.

"Coach Callahan has done a great job, and it's time for the payoff," Nebraska linebacker Corey McKeon said. "It's no secret this is a big game, a rivalry game. As a player, I like playing when the pressure is on. For Coach Callahan, there's a lot at stake."

The winner will have a one-game lead in the division with two games to play. Nebraska (6-3, 3-2 Big 12) closes the regular season at Texas A&M and at home against Colorado. Missouri (7-2, 3-2) finishes at Iowa State and at home against Kansas.

"Our season depends on this game," Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor said. "If we want to control our destiny, we have to win. If they win, they have the power. It's a big game for the program."

The Huskers are 19-13 under Callahan but 10-11 in Big 12 games the last three seasons. Judging from sports talk shows and Internet chatter, the conference record has been unsettling to fans who became conditioned to Nebraska's dominance in the 1990s. From 1996 to 2001, the Huskers lost a total of seven Big 12 games.

"The litmus test comes with the Missouri game for a lot of fans," said Kevin Kugler, host Omaha affiliate. "Once we see what happens in this Missouri game, then we'll have a better gauge on what's going on in the program."

After winning three straight to end last season, including a bowl win over Michigan, the Huskers came into this season regarded as the class of an undistinguished North Division.

Losses to USC and Texas weren't unexpected. But last week's 41-29 loss at Oklahoma State rekindled memories of a 2005 midseason meltdown.

The game also is significant for the Tigers, who are 36-32 in six years under Gary Pinkel. Missouri opened with six straight wins for the first time since 1983 but has lost two of its last three.

The Tigers haven't finished above .500 in the Big 12 under Pinkel, and the program is yet to reach the league championship game. Missouri hasn't won in Lincoln since 1978.

Like Callahan, Pinkel doesn't buy into the pregame hype.

"It's a big game, last week was a big game, the game before that was a big game and next week is going to be a big game," Pinkel said. "There are a lot of big games."