Lincoln, Neb. ? Nebraska athletic director Tom Osborne is following coach Bo Pelini’s lead and urging fans to treat Texas players, coaches and fans with respect at Saturday’s game.

The game has been built up as a grudge match because of last year’s controversial finish to the Big 12 championship game and Nebraska’s looming departure from the Big 12 to join the Big Ten.

Osborne said in a statement Wednesday that fans need to uphold their reputation for treating opponents well. He said only positive comments are appropriate in comments to the visitors and on signs fans bring.

Pelini said at his weekly news conference Tuesday that he trusted fans would be on their best behavior.