TEMPE, Ariz. -- At some point during Sunday's Fiesta Bowl, Nebraska defensive backs Mike and Ralph Brown will look across the field at each other as college teammates for the last time.
It's not something they're looking forward to."After the game we'll be able to sit back and relax a little bit and talk about what we've accomplished," said Mike Brown, a roverback who leads the Cornhuskers in tackles with 96 and was a first-team All-America selection.
They've shared plenty over the last four years, from All-Big 12 and All-America honors and a national title as sophomores to last year's four-loss season, Nebraska's worst in 30 years. Their run together will end Sunday night against Tennessee.
"It's been a pleasure to play with him, and I wouldn't want to have any other corner on the field with me," Mike said of Ralph.
The Browns, who aren't related, joined the Huskers in 1996 and contributed right away. Ralph started at cornerback and Mike would have been starting at rover if the Huskers weren't so deep in their secondary, defensive coordinator Charlie McBride said.
"I knew just by their personalities, their character and things, you knew after being there a week that they were two kids that were something special," McBride said. "They weren't taken back by being freshmen. They attacked things just like they were sophomores or juniors."
As senior co-captains, the Browns have anchored the nation's No. 2 defense. Mike leads the team in tackles for the third straight season. Ralph, Nebraska's career leader in passes broken up with 50, forced opponents to throw away from him all season as Nebraska went 11-1 and won the Big 12 championship. When quarterbacks did throw to Ralph's side, he broke up 15 passes and intercepted three.
Ralph's 52nd straight start Sunday will set another school record. No Nebraska player, other than kickers, since World War II has started every game of his Nebraska career.
"I feel great, actually. I'm surprised because a lot of people get injured," he said. "It's just a blessing to not be hurt and play all my games."
Mike, a starter since he was a sophomore, calls Ralph's streak amazing.
"He's a great cover corner -- a guy with tremendous intensity and always making big plays," Mike said. "He's the one superstar on our defense."
Ralph said he and Mike complement each other's style. Ralph admits he likes to talk a little trash to rattle opposing receivers. And Mike's crushing hits helped lead Nebraska to the No. 1 ranking in rushing defense, allowing just 77.1 yards per game.
Nebraska's only loss of the season, 24-20 at Texas in October, kept the Huskers from playing in the Sugar Bowl for the national title.