When the Cornhuskers finally scored, it was their defense that did it. Defensive tackle Chris Spachman returned a fumble 76 yards for a touchdown with 26 seconds remaining. All that did was spoil the Sooners' shutout in a 27-7 victory before a chilled crowd of 75,004 at Owen Field.

Oklahoma supporters say the loss to Miami came before the Sooners developed an offense that belonged on the same field with their defense, which leads the nation. They say it is no coincidence that the Sooners' offense began to click after freshman quarterback Jamelle Holieway from L.A. Banning High School replaced injured starter Troy Aikman during the only loss.

The Cornhuskers tried freshman Steve Taylor from San Diego at quarterback in the second half, but he was no more effective than starter McCathorn Clayton. After Nebraska reached the Oklahoma two in the fourth quarter, Taylor fumbled the ball to the Sooners.