Oct. 14, 2000

Box Score

By JAIME ARON
AP Sports Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Back at No. 1 after several tight games dropped them to second, Nebraska looked very worthy of the role this time.

Eric Crouch ran for two touchdowns and threw for another - all in the first half - and Nebraska's previously inconsistent defense turned intimidating against Texas Tech's pass-happy offense, leading the Cornhuskers to a 56-3 victory Saturday night. It was the worst loss in Red Raiders history.

This was the first breather for Nebraska (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) since a 49-13 victory over San Jose State in its opener, six weeks ago. In the last three games, the Huskers needed overtime to beat Notre Dame, played a close first half against Missouri and led Iowa State by only a point in the third quarter last week.

Tech (5-2, 1-2) came in thinking upset because of a hot passing game led by quarterback Kliff Kingsbury and a defense that was allowing 9.8 points per game.

Neither had a chance. Nebraska led 28-0 at halftime en route to crushing the Red Raiders' nine-game winning streak at Jones Stadium.

Tech hadn't faced an option offense all season and, despite good speed, couldn't keep up with Nebraska. A three-and-out series to start the game offered the Red Raiders hope, but the Huskers ended up punting only once more.