Lincoln. Neb. ? Nebraska coach Bill Callahan asked freshman quarterback Harrison Beck last week what he would think if he was asked to burn his red shirt.

Burn, baby, burn, Beck said.

Beck, who replaced the injured Zac Taylor in the fourth quarter, bounced back from a costly interception to lead the drive that set up Jordan Congdon’s 40-yard game-winning field goal with 1:07 left in a 27-25 victory Saturday over Kansas State.

“This is why you sign your name on the dotted line to get your scholarship, for games like this,” Beck said. “You never know when you’re going to get your shot.”

The Cornhuskers (6-4 overall, 3-4 Big 12 Conference) ended a three-game losing streak and became bowl eligible after missing postseason play last year for the first time since 1968.

K-State (4-6, 1-6) lost its fifth straight and will miss a bowl for the second straight year.

“It’s not an enjoyable time in my life,” K-State coach Bill Snyder said.

Kansas State coach Bill Snyder yells at Justin McKinney (22) after McKinney's penalty negated a touchdown against Nebraska. The Huskers won, 27-25, Saturday in Lincoln, Neb.

The victory takes some heat off Callahan, who is 11-10 in two years at Nebraska. The Huskers, 5-6 last season, came into Saturday off losses in four of their last five, and many were questioning whether the program was progressing under Callahan.

A subdued Callahan said he hadn’t paid attention to the scrutiny. But the importance of Saturday’s win wasn’t lost on him.

“I’m jumping up and down inside,” he said.

Congdon’s winning kick came after Kansas State had come back from a 24-12 deficit to lead 25-24 on Tim Schwerdt’s 27-yard field goal with 4:18 to play. Schwerdt’s kick was set up by Bryant Baldwin’s interception and 36-yard return to the Nebraska nine.

Taylor, who had taken every snap this season, was knocked out with 14:06 left when he took a hard hit from Zach Diles. Taylor suffered a possible concussion, Callahan said.

Callahan said he didn’t hesitate to call on Beck.

“It was a no-brainer,” Callahan said. “We talked about it and made the decision in the best interest of this football team. We needed Harrison to win. We had to do what we had to do to win today, and he was instrumental.”

K-State’s Allan Evridge, who didn’t complete a pass until 6:13 remained in the third quarter, was 5-of-27 for 77 yards, with an interception. Evridge led all rushers with 138 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.

“There were a lot of turning points in that game,” Evridge said. “I think we’re good enough to go to a bowl game. We just haven’t shown it.”

Cory Ross led Nebraska with 69 yards and a touchdown on 26 attempts.