By the early ‘90’s, Osborne felt that something more than just hard work was needed after the years of bowl game losses.

Osborne’s primary defense strategy was the 5-2, five men on the line and two linebackers. He felt that a strategy modeled after the lightning strike quickness of the 4-3 defense Florida State and Miami were running was the key to winning. Changes to the defensive strategy were in order.

In 1993, Osborne and defensive coordinator Charlie McBride decided that the 4-3 would be their basic defense. This strategy change proved to be the needed catalyst.

By eliminating one of the down linemen and adding an extra linebacker, the dynamics on the field changed – they attacked the run. Their opponents offense became one dimensional.

The speed and skill of his Cornhusker secondary dominated on the grid iron and to the dismay of the opposing coaches, they could now cover the fastest receivers.

By the end of the 1993 season, Nebraska was undefeated and ranked number two in the country. They headed for the Orange Bowl and another National Championship, but a shanked field goal attempt with one second to go on the clock lost a unbelievable game against number one ranked Florida State 18-16. With the 4-3 defense securely in place in 1994, the Huskers marched into the history books of college football.