The Cornhuskers sent legendary coach Tom Osborne into retirement after a 42-17 victory against Peyton Manning-led Tennessee. The blowout was never in doubt. Nebraska finished No. 1 in the Coaches Poll.
New York Times bestselling author and Lincoln, Neb., native Lars Anderson was a 25-year-old reporter at Sports Illustrated at the time. He remembers standing next to Tom Osborne's wife Nancy on the sideline as the final seconds ticked off.
"She had tears in her eyes," Anderson said. "She just kept looking over at him and saying over and over again, 'I'm so proud. I'm so proud. I'm so proud.' For me, it was a moment I will never forget."