BOOMED, A SOONER

Going into Saturday's game against Oklahoma in Norman, Nebraska had beaten the Sooners only four times in the past 12 seasons. But in a howling downpour of rain, sleet and snow, the Huskers gutted out a 7-3 victory to earn a date with Miami in the Orange Bowl. Nebraska got off to a fast start, splashing 80 yards in nine plays for a touchdown on its first possession. Then the Cornhuskers' defense took over. It held Oklahoma, which had been rushing for 367.9 yards per game, to 98 on the ground. Sooner coach Barry Switzer was nonplussed. "If anyone had told me before the game that we'd hold Nebraska to seven points, I'd have said we'll win," said Switzer. "On the other hand, if anyone had told me we'd score only three points, I'd have said they'll beat the hell out of us."

PHOTO

JOHN BIEVER

In Norman, weather was as tough on fans as the Husker defense was on Oklahoma.

PHOTO

JOHN W. McDONOUGH

[See caption above.]