The Cornhuskers are gunning for a bigger, better bowl.

The Buffaloes are aiming for any bowl.

At 5-6 overall, Colorado needs another win to become bowl eligible. For the Buffs, it’s been an ongoing story line. Since starting strong at 3-0, they’ve lost six of their last eight. So it comes down to this: a must-win scenario, on the road, at rival Nebraska to keep playing.

“Everybody’s hair is up a little bit,” said Buffs defensive tackle George Hypolite. “And I think everybody is taking this seriously, as it needs to be, not only because it’s Nebraska week, but most importantly because it’s a football game we need to win.

“Plain and simple. It’s a football game we need to win for our season, for our team, for everybody.”

It’s been a trying season at Colorado, where injuries have ravaged the roster, most notably along the offensive line — where five have been lost — and in the backfield, hampering production. The ailments have played a major part in CU’s struggles.

“In terms of being injured,” said Buffs coach Dan Hawkins, “I can’t ever remember a (similar year).”

Still, Colorado carries bowl hopes, which is something. And hopes for an attractive bowl, too, since the conference won’t have enough teams for its slots.

The Cornhuskers, with a win, could find themselves headed for the Gator Bowl — a solid locale for the sixth-best team in the league. The Gator, which prefers big-name appeal, may even snatch up Nebraska if it loses.

But that’s not on the Huskers’ minds.

If anything, Nebraska is doubly motivated, wanting to deny Colorado a place in the postseason, after the Buffs did just that to them a year ago.

“Absolutely, that’s one thing on our minds, to see how they like it sitting home watching everybody else play,” said Huskers quarterback Joe Ganz. “We’re going to have to come out and play our best football, because we want to do everything we can to keep them out of a bowl, like they did to us last year.”

Notes:

Nebraska DT Ndamukong Suh has posted five or more tackles in a game eight times this season, including each of the past four contests.

Huskers QB Joe Ganz has already set a school record for completions in a season (247).

Colorado wide receiver Josh Smith set a school record for most kickoff returns in a single season with 43. He’s the fifth Buffs player to pass the 1,700 mark in all-purpose yards.

Player to Watch (Buffaloes) — Darrell Scott, RB

Scott is listed as day-to-day, with CU holding out hope that he can play against the Huskers. He’s battled knee, groin and ankle injuries, yet could help provide balance and give the Buffs a lift if he can go. CU ranks last in the league in total offense and scoring.

Player to Watch (Huskers) — Joe Ganz, QB

Ganz has battled a sore shoulder, but is expected to play. And he’s needed, ranking 11th nationally in passing yards per game (282.09) and total passing yards (3,103). In Nebraska’s past two games, he’s thrown for a combined 594 yards and five touchdowns in wins over Kansas and Kansas State.

Nebraska by 4