Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead ran for a touchdown and threw for two, leading a 45-17 rout of Colorado in their final Big 12 matchup. Burkhead and the Husker defense conspired put the Big 12 North championship on ice, in a dominant home performance.

Both teams leave the conference in 2011. Nebraska will enter the Big Ten. Colorado heads to the Pac 10.

Missing two key pieces of their passing game, Nebraska committed to Burkhead from the start. The sophomore piled up 100 of his 103 yards in the first half, leading the Huskers to a 17-3 halftime lead. Starting quarterback Taylor Martinez was unable to go on Friday, and Nebraska was without leading receiver Niles Paul, who suffered a stress fracture during the week. Sophomore Cody Green started the game for the Huskers at quarterback, going 10-13 with 76 yards and two touchdown on the day. He also ran for a score.

Playing their final regular season game in the Big 12, the Blackshirts forced three turnovers, including consecutive interceptions in the third quarter, when Nebraska pulled away for good.

Colorado’s Cody Hawkins was 10-24, throwing two touchdowns and two interceptions. The senior was unable to find any rhythm until the game was already out of hand. The loss knocks his Buffaloes (5-7, 2-6 Big 12) from bowl consideration.

The Huskers (10-2, 6-2 Big 12) will face one of three teams in the Big 12 Championship game on December 4th in Dallas. Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Texas A&M are all in the mix, depending on the outcome of Saturday’s OU/OSU game, and the final rankings of the regular season.