Bill Callahan isn't saying or doesn't know whether he's starting his final week as Nebraska's coach. "Whatever happens, happens," he said at his weekly news conference Monday.

Callahan said he would prefer the focus of the week be on the Huskers' game at Colorado on Friday.

That's not likely, not with Callahan scheduled to meet Saturday with Interim Athletic Director Tom Osborne, who has repeatedly said he won't evaluate Callahan until after the Colorado game. Osborne has given no indication which way he's leaning.

Callahan has given the players notice that change could be coming.

"Basically, they've just told us that this is a business and it's about putting a product out on the field and when you put the product we've put out this year, eventually there are going to be some changes," said receiver Todd Peterson.

"Whether it will be this year, we don't know. We can't control that. They haven't talked about it too much because, obviously, it's not something we really want to hear."

The Huskers (5-6) have one of the worst defenses in the country, having allowed 40 points or more in five games, including a 76-39 loss at Kansas on November 3rd.

It's not in Callahan's favor that Steve Pederson, the athletic director who hired him, was fired last month. Nor does it help Callahan that he changed many facets of the program, structurally and philosophically, that were established by Osborne during a 25-year coaching run that netted three national championships in his last four years.

Those changes have brought minimal success by Nebraska standards and it's widely believed that Callahan will be dismissed Saturday.

"I've never been one to get all tensed up and tightened up about anything like jobs," Callahan said. "You go out and do the best you can. I'm not worried about next week or next month or next year."

Quarterback Joe Ganz said he and his teammates want to beat Colorado for Callahan and the rest of the coaching staff.

"You don't want it to be a 'Win one for the Gipper' type of deal, but you really want to win it for him and the coaches and the fans. They've been through a tough year and we'd like to reward them with a win. There is kind of sentimental value to it."

Nebraska, coming off a bye week, ended a five-game losing streak with a 73-31 victory over Kansas State on November 10th. Now the Huskers are in position to play in a bowl for the 38th time in 39 years, but it might not be enough to save Callahan.

"Not a team in the last 40-some years has lost four straight and we lost five," safety Ben Eisenhart said.

"We understand the expectations of people and it's been tough. When people are upset, we understand. It's not like guys aren't trying hard."