[4][5] Both teams were making their only appearances in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl; this edition (ninth as "Astro-") was played on New Year's Eve at 7 p.m.
The 34–24 home loss dropped them to ninth, with victories over Kansas and #13 Oklahoma State doing nothing to make them rise nor fall.
Losses to Iowa State and #8 Oklahoma dropped them to thirteenth, with a lopsided win at Hawaii ending the regular season on a high note.
However, a loss to #9 Houston at home cost them a chance at an undefeated season, though wins at Arkansas and #18 Baylor meant that the Red Raiders won a share of the SWC, their first conference title since 1955.
[4][5][6][7][8] The teams switched places in the final AP poll, Nebraska climbed to ninth and Texas Tech fell to thirteenth.