There comes a point when missing the criticism becomes an impossible feat.

Husker coach Bill Callahan said as much Tuesday. The criticism that has overwhelmed the state in recent weeks has been tough on all involved in the program, he said.

“We’re all human. Guys on the staff, they’re human. They have families and children, and they hear things and they see things. You know, it’s not comfortable,” Callahan said. “I don’t think if your job was in the position where people were talking about you every day — it’s not a real good feeling. That’s part of being in the public eye and doing what you do … but it’s awfully tough, because they’re good men.”

Still, Callahan said he has maintained the same week-to-week focus he always has since he got into coaching.

“Our players are looking now at our coaching staff to see what type of tone and mood and attitude we bring to the meetings and to the fields,” Callahan said. “So it’s very important that they see us in a positive light.”

Talking Aggies: About 10 minutes into his press conference, Callahan finally fielded a question about this week’s game — yes, there is a game this Saturday — against Texas A&M.

Callahan said he is particularly impressed with A&M junior quarterback Stephen McGee’s rushing ability. McGee is the Big 12’s rushing leader among quarterbacks and seventh overall in the conference with 77.7 yards per game on the ground.

Then there’s junior running back Javorskie Lane. The 2006 first-team All-Big 12 selection is averaging 63.6 yards per game this year. Last season, he tied a 79-year school record by scoring 19 rushing touchdowns.

“We got to attack this offense and attack it in a fashion that is unique,” Callahan said. “They got a good, quick, solid offensive line. They do a good job of blocking their schemes and getting a hat on a hat and really using their athleticism. It’s going to be important that we defeat blocks and make the plays that we need to make on those backs and QB.”

On the injury front, The Aggies will be without junior Danny Gorrer, who last season started all 13 games at cornerback. Gorrer injured his knee against Texas Tech and is out for the season.

By the numbers: 73 - Number of points by which Nebraska has defeated Texas A&M on its last two trips to Lincoln. The Huskers have outscored the Aggies 85-12 (48-12 in 2003 and 37-0 in 1999).

Scouting report: TE J.B. Phillips

Nebraska senior tight end J.B. Phillips was one of only two Huskers to get into the end zone in Saturday’s 45-14 loss to Oklahoma State.

His 13-yard touchdown catch finally gave Nebraska its first points of the game in the fourth quarter.

The Huskers have scored just 20 points in the past two games combined. What’s the problem?

According to Phillips, it’s not as bad as most people think.

“It is not glaring flaws that are making us not rack up a bunch of points and things like that,” he said. “If anything, it is a couple bad bounces of the ball and also a couple of little tiny things that you correct.

“It is those little things that we have to focus on. By no means is it drastic or something that is an overhaul of the system. We have great faith in our team and our coaches. We have every right to have a lot of faith in ourselves.”

Opponent watch: Kansas

With five home games and a short 70-mile bus trip to Kansas State, 15th-ranked KU has yet to leave its home state en route to its best start since 1995, one that has them sitting atop the Big 12 North standings with a 2-0 league mark.

But this week, the Jayhawks will board a plane and travel to Boulder, Colo., for Saturday's matchup against the Colorado Buffaloes.

“I don't think it makes a difference,” said coach Mark Mangino. “If you measure the field in Colorado, I'm pretty sure its going to be 100 yards, so it really shouldn't be a big issue.”

Still, Kansas has just one win in its last 10 trips to Boulder, including a 44-13 thumping in 2005. Under Mangino, the Jayhawks are only 5-21 overall on the road, including a 3-18 mark in conference play.

“I told our kids that if you really want to be a good football team, you have to play well where ever you go,” Mangino said. “Whether it's Boulder or College Station or the Wal-Mart parking lot, you have to be ready to play.”

 — Brian Christopherson