If you're a Nebraska football player, life became a little less complex this past weekend.

No more gridiron gray area. No more Kansas City dreaming.  If the 5-5 Huskers beat 6-4 Colorado on Friday, they'll go bowling.

If the Huskers lose, they …

"I really don't know — I haven't thought about it," Nebraska junior cornerback Fabian Washington said. "I've thought about preparing for a bowl game after this game."

Nebraska skipping a bowl season is like Dan Vili Waldrop missing a meal. It just doesn't happen.

"It's a must win," Husker senior right guard Jake Andersen said of Friday's game at Memorial Stadium. "We have to win the game. If we don't win the game, our season's over."

The reality is as chilly as the morning breeze, as stark as the late autumn trees.

On a brighter note, Nebraska still has something for which to play, something to hold its players' attention, something on which to channel their energy.

The Huskers seem to have retained an OK attitude. It's OK, not great.

The team's morale appears to be OK, not great.

Those conclusions are based on interviews with several players during the last two weeks.

It's been a difficult year of transition — excruciating at times (Oct. 9 in Lubbock comes to mind) — for Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan and the program as a whole.

With copulating hillbillies and a felony arrest, the past week in Huskerville carried enough bad vibes to last an entire season.

It's not exactly an "all-for-one-and-one-for-all" mentality at South Stadium these days. It's not the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team, folks. The Huskers' chance to stun the world has long since passed.

The most stunning thing about this season is how caustic Steve Pederson's call-in radio show has become. One fella, apparently overcome by holiday cheer, asked the Big Red boss for his resignation.

Merry Christmas to you, too, caller.

Disillusionment? Yes, predictably, there's been some of that among Husker fans, not to mention players. To what degree is open to debate and depends on whom you ask.

However, my guess is Nebraska players still have enough spirit and resolve to prevail in a slugfest Friday.

"Everybody I talk to is still upbeat," Washington said.

Much of it will boil down to attitude and elbow grease, as the teams seem evenly matched.

If Nebraska plays with the indifference that's plagued it at times this season, the depleted Colorado squad still has enough warm and able bodies to make it a winter of discontent in these parts.

The battered Buffs come to town with their Big 12 North title hopes alive, so they'll arrive itching for a brawl.

Nebraska, in turn, had better arrive ready for a tussle, lest 35 straight years of bowl games disappear into the chill of late November.

"I know every man on this team is playing his butt off," said Andersen, bristling at the suggestion the Huskers' overall effort has been lacking at times. "That kind of stuff pisses me off — when I hear people say guys aren't trying."

Nebraska put forth uninspired efforts in losses at Texas Tech, Kansas State and in the first half at Iowa State. The Huskers, for much of the season, played with a seemingly depleted energy supply.

Nebraska didn't play particularly well overall in their last outing, a 30-3 loss at Oklahoma, but at least the Huskers played with energy, enthusiasm and grit.

Credit Callahan for keeping a semblance of esprit de corps.

In a challenging season, a season of transition, a season of angst and frustration, a long season of division in Husker Nation, it can be difficult to find the bright side.

On the bright side stands I-back Cory Ross.

"You play to your strengths, and right now we feel Cory Ross is our major weapon," Nebraska offensive line coach Dennis Wagner said.

Because Ross will play Friday, because he somehow has retained bounce in his step despite a nagging turf-toe injury, Nebraska will have a good chance to win, as Colorado ranks 11th in the Big 12 in rushing defense.

If Nebraska had to play without Ross, Colorado would be a logical pick.

"We're trying to ride whatever horse we can mount up to the wagon that'll take us where we want to go," Wagner said.

Some would suggest not much is on the line Friday, that it's just two teams destined to play in forgettable bowl games, perhaps at less-than-desirable locales.

However, I'd say everything's on the line Friday.

For Nebraska, history's on the line. Will the Huskers answer the call?

Just how far will these programs tumble from their once-exalted status?

This game's about pride as much as anything. And pride ought to be enough motivation at this point.

"I know we need to win," Andersen said. "That's it."

Yep. It's that simple.

Reach Steven M. Sipple at 473-7440 or ssipple@journalstar.com.