Cortney Grixby watched on a plasma screen as Kansas State's Courtney Herndon intercepted Texas' Colt McCoy with the Wildcats winning 34-21 on the road.
"Oh!" Grixby cried, reveling in Herndon's skillful snatch. The Nebraska senior cornerback stood in a room full of reporters watching the replays.
Grixby wasn't the only one absorbed by the Big 12 North Division on Saturday. Nebraska won easily in a conference matchup of its own, but the postgame buzz was all about the impressive play of the North Division teams.
The Huskers were on the field when Colorado booted a game-winning field goal to upset then-No. 3 Oklahoma 27-24. In the postgame interview rooms, the televisions were tuned to Kansas State's in-progress thumping of No. 7 Texas.
On a gameday dubbed Insanity Saturday, Big 12 North territory may prefer to remember it as Judgement Day, a day when the juggernaut South Division bowed to the lesser North Division.
The Big 12 South has won the last three Big 12 Conference championships. Not since Kansas State's incredible 35-7 upset over No. 1 Oklahoma in 2003 has the Big 12 North notched a significant win over it's southern counterpart.
Less than a year after being ridiculed for its lack of talent and stature in a major conference, the Big 12 North has tipped the conference's balance of power in its favor, if only for one weekend. Colorado's win may have been the most stunning upset across the country, but it's the first signature victory of Dan Hawkins' tenure at CU.
Nebraska's conference opener produced a win, but beating Iowa State said very little about the conference season to come compared to the performances of other teams in the division. You want a compelling division race? Don't look to the SEC or the Big 12 South.
The Big 12 North is wide open, full of programs on the rise. With the exception of Iowa State, the teams are too close in talent and potential to know how this season might end up. Unbeaten Kansas and Missouri are both chasing respect and breakout seasons. Missouri, at least from its perspective, may be chasing something greater.
Colorado is playing more like Bulldogs than Buffaloes, but it believes in itself, regardless. Kansas State plays defense and doesn't flinch. After games at Auburn and Texas, the Wildcats are conditioned to handle anything, and they've proven over the past two seasons they can beat any top team - or, at least, Texas.
Nebraska is a preseason favorite but doesn't have as much momentum to ride as its North Division counterparts. The Huskers' win over Iowa State may be the easiest they'll have this season among conference opponents.
"It showed me that it's a competitive conference and anything can happen," NU defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said after the game.
It may have been sickeningly cliché, but the embattled coach was on the mark. What he might not like to agree to is that Nebraska is going to have its hands full.
That said, the wins are fun for everyone involved. No longer will Nebraska - or any North school - have to hear the criticism of playing in a weak division against weak opponents. The 2007 season will be a dogfight in the North Division, and the champion will have a respectable claim to make.
And there's something to be said for pride. Kansas State beating Texas might add up to a stiffer challenge for Nebraska down the road. But for the moment, the Big 12 North is in the national spotlight. The quality of opponents Nebraska plays improves its status, should NU rise to the Big 12 Championship game.
Grixby watched Kansas State-Texas to a commercial break before issuing a few finals words that were meant to be prideful but were just as foreshadowing.
"Big 12 North, baby," he said, shaking his head.
Well said, Grix.
Jonathan Crowl is a senior English major. Reach him at jonathancrowl@dailynebraskan.com.
