Lincoln, Neb. ? The so-called “greatest fans in college football” aren’t happy, and Nebraska’s coaches and players are hearing about it.

A chorus of boos poured out of the Memorial Stadium stands Saturday as the Cornhuskers’ foundering defense tried to keep up with Ball State. The Huskers won 41-40, but the victory didn’t satisfy the fans, many of whom directed their ire at defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove.

Chants of “Fire Cosgrove” came from the student section in the first half. By the fourth quarter, the howling started in earnest.

Booing is out of character for Nebraska fans, who have a reputation throughout college football for their passionate support of their team and the courtesy they extend to visitors. So friendly are the fans, traditionally, that even opposing teams receive a round of applause as they head to their locker room after games.

Athletics director Steve Pederson honored Big Red rooters in 2003 by hanging signs over stadium entrances reading: “Through These Gates Pass the Greatest Fans in College Football.”

They might have been the maddest fans after the debacle against 23-point underdog Ball State.

Yes, the Huskers are 3-1 and ranked No. 25. But, judging from Internet postings and radio call-in shows, fans are still looking for tangible evidence that the program is getting better four years into the Bill Callahan regime.

Rod Hansen of Omaha, who has attended 289 consecutive home games since 1962, said he can’t remember so much fan discontent – not during six-win campaigns in 1967 and ’68 or even the five-win season in 2004.

“Coming out of the stadium, so many people were talking about the defense. That’s the thing that really got to me more than anything,” Hansen said. “That’s all they talked about – how bad the defense was.”

Cosgrove and his defensive players were left to answer for another dismal performance.

Nebraska enters this week’s Big 12 opener against Iowa State ranked 74th in scoring defense (29 ppg), 75th in total defense (407 ypg), 99th in rushing defense (203.5 ypg) and tied for 111th in sacks (3).

“It all starts with me,” Cosgrove said. “I’ve got to look at it, and we’ve just got to do a better job.”