NEIL HOHLFELD

Short stint for Hall

Tailback Dante Hall, who missed the last two games because of an ankle injury, appeared ready to play Saturday. He moved crisply during the pre-game warmups and entered the game midway through the first quarter.

Hall, however, carried the ball once for a one-yard gain and reinjured his ankle.

Injuries and the Aggies' ineffective running game have limited Hall to 179 yards on 53 carries this season. A year ago, Hall gained more than 1,000 yards.

Defensive gem

Saturday's shutout was the second this season for Nebraska. The Cornhuskers beat California 45-0 in the second game of the season.

This one, however, came on the heels of a 24-20 loss to Texas and a 24-17 come-from-behind victory over Kansas. Saturday's win sets up a Big 12 North showdown between Nebraska and unbeaten Kansas State in Lincoln on Saturday.

"This was an important win for us," wingback Bobby Newcombe said. "We needed a big win against one of the Texas teams."

Said safety Mike Brown, who had two interceptions and forced two fumbles: "We had one of the best defensive efforts that I've seen since I've been here."

Offensive dud

The 118 total yards by the Aggies was their lowest output since 1997 when Kansas State limited them to 90 yards in a 36-17 loss.

The Aggies were held to two yards rushing, but in last year's game against Texas, they had minus-seven yards. Texas won 26-24 even though the Longhorns outgained the Aggies 483-173.

The Aggies finish this season at Missouri on Saturday and against Texas at Kyle Field the day after Thanksgiving. If Texas beats Texas Tech next week, the Longhorns will wrap up the Big 12 South title before their traditional game against Texas A&M.

Sorry, Reveille VI

A long-standing Nebraska policy that prohibits live mascots from appearing at home sporting events kept Texas A&M mascot Reveille VI, an American collie, from taking part in Saturday's game at Memorial Field.

Butch Hug, the Nebraska director of events, said he believes the policy dates to when Bob Devaney was football coach from 1962-72.

Reveille is an American collie that serves as the official mascot for Texas A&M.

The tradition dates back to 1931.

-- NEIL HOHLFELD