By Steve Mraz
FANSonly.com

SAN DIEGO -- If the old saying "Defense wins championships" is true, Nebraska might well be on its way to the Virtual Championship Series title.

The Cornhuskers recorded seven sacks and picked off four passes to blank Texas A&M, 23-0, in the Holiday Bowl.

Nebraska will face either Kansas State or Penn State in the Outback Bowl next week.

The stingy Huskers defense held the Aggies to five-of-17 on third-down conversions and forced its opponent to punt eight times.

But it wasn't until 2:07 left in the first quarter when Nebraska got on the scoreboard. Fullback Willie Miller plowed in from four yards out to take the lead.

Miller again got Nebraska on the board when he busted through the line for a 1-yard touchdown run.

Correll Buckhalter put the Huskers up, 21-0 in the fourth quarter after finding the endzone from three yards out. Nebraska capped the win with a late safety to make the score, 23-0.

While the Huskers had an impressive rushing day with 275 yards, their air attack only added 55 yards of offense -- something they'll have to improve on if they want to advance in the VCS.

On the other hand, Texas A&M was able to pass all over Nebraska's secondary. The Aggies totaled 234 yards in the air but what killed their game was turnovers and sacks. A&M lost 55 yards after giving up seven sacks, threw four inteceptions and gave away two fumbles.