Held mum after Saturday’s disturbing loss in Norman, Nebraska players were finally freed to speak back in Lincoln.

And it wasn’t the Oklahoma game they were talking about, but the Kansas game — last year’s Kansas game, a 76-39 shellacking.

“We understand what happened last year,” said senior linebacker Cody Glenn. “We’re not going to let it happen again.”

So do the Jayhawks.

“We dropped 76 on them on our homecoming, so that was a great accomplishment,” said KU wideout Dezmon Briscoe.

Despite Nebraska’s ugly loss at OU, the Cornhuskers remain just one win shy of becoming bowl eligible. That’s the focus. That and avoiding the kind of rocky, turnover-infused start that doomed the team against the Sooners. Two early interceptions and a fumble led to Nebraska finding itself down 35-0 in the first quarter.

“Anytime you can get your sixth, seventh or eighth win, which is what we’re hoping for, and get to a bowl game... would really help this program,” said defensive end Zach Potter.

KU got its sixth win last week. And the Jayhawks got off fast against Kansas State, rolling to a 31-0 halftime lead.

Their hopes are a bit bolder, as they remain in the hunt for the North title.

Notes:

Nebraska’s famed Blackshirt defense remains a thing of the past. The Huskers have lost five of past 16 games by 31 points or more.

Huskers I-back Roy Helu produced his first career 100-yard rushing game, gaining 157 yards on 16 carries against the Sooners.

Kansas has won six games for a fourth straight season, the longest such streak since 1902-06.

KU running back Jake Sharp ran for four TDs against Kansas State, matching a school record.

Player to Watch (Jayhawks) — Todd Reesing, QB

While attention pours down on so many of the other quarterbacks in the league, Reesing remains a steady producer for the Jayhawks. He ranks 16th nationally in passing efficiency and has thrown for 20 TDs. In any other league, he’d be a star.

Player to Watch (Cornhuskers) — Joe Ganz, QB

After a rough start at Oklahoma, Ganz needs to rediscover his groove in what could be a shootout with the Jayhawks. Ganz has been sharp much of this season, throwing for 2,509 yards. The Huskers need last week to be but a blip.

Kansas by 3