With a record crowd of 52,128 and millions via ABC-national television looking on for what had been billed as a title game for a year — except for CU's upset loss to Oklahoma State — the Huskers ripped the Buffs for 19 first-quarter points.

Colorado valiantly battled back in the second quarter to pull up, 10-19, but the Huskers settled the issue in the third quarter with a 77-yard drive after the kickoff.

Nebraska scored the first three times it got the ball — the second time after a Buff fumble at the CU 17 — for a 19-0 lead. But the Buffs refused to fold and retaliated with an 80-yard scoring drive, and kept the Huskers from generating any more threats. A 44-yard field goal just before the half and a Husker fumble got the Buffs close, and they left the field with momentum, despite the 19-10 halftime deficit.

The Cornhuskers regained the momentum early, however, taking the second half kickoff and rolling 77 yards to score. After that the Nebraska defense — led by middle guard Rich Glover and linebacker Jim Branch — completely bottled up the Buffs.

Nebraska's final TD came after Colorado gambled at the CU 45 and Jim Branch blasted in to drop Bo Matthews for a loss. The Huskers took the ball right in for the frosting.