Nebraska Cornhusker Football vs. Iowa

[KUGLER] Good evening, I'm Kevin Kugler and welcome to "Big Red Wrap-Up." It was a much improved Iowa State team. That's what we all heard during the last week's pre-game talk. That's what we told you, too, on the "Wrap-Up" last week, but when it was all said and done Saturday night, the results looked pretty much the same. Another dominating performance by the Huskers in a 49-14 rout of Iowa State. The Husker defense came up with its usual solid game blocking two Cyclone punts and scoring two defensive touchdowns. But the biggest news from Saturday's game might have to be the offense. For the first time this season, the power game was in evidence for Nebraska. Both Dan Alexander and Correll Buckhalter went over the 100-yard mark and Nebraska pounded out 439 rushing yards. All in all it was Nebraska's best performance to date and gives the Huskers a lot of confidence heading into the off week. We've got the highlights of Saturday's win to show you in the next hour as we put the wraps on Nebraska's sixth win of the season. Plus, we'll take a look around the Big 12 conference, and glance ahead a couple of weeks to get a look at Texas. We'll also examine the top 25 and try to get a better look at the national championship race as we reach the midpoint of the college football season. First, though, I want to introduce our guests. Back with us this evening from the "Omaha World-Herald," Lee Barfknecht. Lee, think we'll see any questions about voting in the A.P. poll tonight? Maybe.

[BARFKNECHT] Maybe.

[KUGLER] Also joining us is Curt McKeever of the "Lincoln Journal Star." Curt, glad to have you back on the "Wrap-Up." And we are glad you are with us, too. We want you to take part in the discussion. Give us a call here in Lincoln at 472-1212 or wherever you may be toll free at 1-800-676-5446. If you are computer savvy, e-mail us at sports@unl.edu. Be sure to tell our "Wrap-Up" operators your name, where you are calling from, and don't forget to throw in your question or comment. We will start with the Iowa State game. Nebraska gets the win. The Huskers against Iowa State, was it the Huskers' best performance of the season all around?

[MCKEEVER] Probably. I'm not sure how good Iowa State is. I think they're improved but I think it was a truth serum for them so to speak. They beat teams quite frankly they should have beaten. I think everybody got excited over them with Kansas State and they probably should have beaten them three weeks ago. That was at home, too. It's different when you come into a place like Memorial Stadium and your quarterback has really only started four games. You have a good running back but I mean Iowa State is not ready to play with Nebraska and probably consistently they're not going to play with Kansas State and some of the other teams in the league either.

[KUGLER] Lee, how good is Iowa State? Were they an improved team?

[BARFKNECHT] I think they're slowly making progress. They're getting up to speed for this league. The first couple of years coach McCarney was there, they were getting obliterated on both sides of the ball. They're bigger, more athletic. It's tough when you are not physically prepared to play to go on the road. I think they can function at home some when they're in their comfort zone. I think it's tough to go on the road when you are not up to speed from a physical standpoint. Iowa State is better. They're not out of the bowl picture yet either. It's been 21 years.

[KUGLER] That's not very often.

[BARFKNECHT] I'm sure there is Independence Bowl people who would like to see them go to ames to Shreveport.

[KUGLER] Darren Davis came in as the nation's leading rusher. At the end of the game he said he got his yards and I guess that Was a consolation for him. 70 of those came after the blackshirts were gone. How good is Darren Davis as a running back? How does he compare to his brother?

[MCKEEVER] I think when he doesn't play Nebraska, he is as good as there is in the country. I'm sure everybody that went back to Ames knows he really didn't make the impact. He got his 100 yards and it might look good 10 weeks from now but 70 or 60 yards after three quarters against third teamers. I wouldn't celebrate too much.

[KUGLER] His comments in the post game were kind of celebratory after that. He was pretty pleased for at least getting 107 yards against the Huskers on Saturday. Whatever you can take from that loss if you are Iowa State, I guess that's a good thing. Sage Rosenfels, the quarterback, is young and inexperienced. Is he a quarterback that can lead the team to a bowl game?

[BARFKNECHT] He is the-- doing the best he can with what he has the this point. Obviously they have flaws and have some big flaws. They don't have it put together yet. They worked their other quarterback into the mix. They had an open date. Walker practiced well. They were really run oriented. They were trying to get outside and run wider plays and also try to Throw the ball more which Walker may help them do. They may end up with a two quarterback system like Missouri.

[KUGLER] Frank Solich didn't have to put the ball in the air more than 14 times. A Nebraska game of old if you can call two or three years ago of old. Everybody was on the bench at the end of third quarter. Pretty easy game for him. Is this the easiest he has had all year?

[MCKEEVER] He didn't have to have reverses or play action deep throws to start. I was surprised. I thought Iowa State-- I think Lee is right, they're improved. I thought physically they would hold up better defensively. Iowa State's offense was on the field most of the first quarter. After a dozen or so plays, their defense looked gassed. It was strange to watch. They had not been on the field and Nebraska is going 10, 11 yards on basic option plays.

[KUGLER] It was a defense that came in ranked among the nation's best. Obviously built up stats against the UNLV's of the world.

[BARFKNECHT] That's the false read of having polls in the first few weeks of the season and national statistics in the first few weeks of the season. This is the halfway point where you can kind of start to tell what is going to happen.

[KUGLER] As always we have trivia questions to wet your appetite on tonight. Be the first correct caller and you will receive one of our Nebraska ETV mugs. One winner per household this season. Our first trivia question tonight is -- Nebraska came within one yard of having three players over 100 yards rushing on Saturday. It would have been only the second time in school history for that to happen. Who are the only three Huskers to rush for 100 yards each in the same game and what team were they playing? Be the first correct caller and you receive that ceramic ETV mug. You may have seen parts of that answer over the past weekend. Let's talk more about Iowa State before I turn this into a trivia question show here. Their defense and offense among the top five. Their coaches like to say this is Nebraska's toughest opponent of the season. Did they is have anything to fear?

[BARFKNECHT] I don't know about anything to fear. Southern Mississippi is a quality team and sneaked into the polls after beating East Carolina. I don't know if Iowa State over all was the best team they played. A good solid, decent test. Nebraska did what they needed to do. They came in and steamrolled them. Took care of them. By third quarter, everybody was having cokes and hot dogs.

[KUGLER] Is this the chance for Husker fans to say we have our 100-yard rushers, the rushing attack is solid now or does this change the next few weeks as it gets tougher?

[MCKEEVER] I think Frank Solich said it best when he said the meat of the schedule is still in front of them. They made not a dramatic improvement but a noticeable improvement in the running game. I think they're comfortable as they go into the last half of the season where they are at. Are they going to do this every week? No.

[KUGLER] It was an Iowa State team. Ed Stewart said it about Kansas State several years ago but Iowa State is still Iowa State and Nebraska is still Nebraska. For Iowa State, the future looks bright. For Nebraska down the road, this has to be a game to build on I would think at least offensively. They got good blocking from the line. It's three weeks in a row that the offense has churned out a good offense and good points.

[BARFKNECHT] The momentum building has been fantastic these last three weeks. A month ago we were talking about the turmoil and DeAngelo Evans leaving and the change at quarterback and wondering if this happened in the history of football. Here we are a month later and it's the Big Red machine. They're mowing people down. They're diverse. They can throw the ball when they need to. I think the thing going on offensively is they're doing everything well enough, they're forcing people to defend all of it. If you can kick out one part of that game and look at the option game or throwing game, you can get down and get after Nebraska a little bit but when you force people to defend all three parts of their offense, it's tough. They have great momentum going.

[KUGLER] They have done a great job forcing people to defend those parts the last few weeks. Scores in the 40's thanks to a great defense. We want to welcome Mike from Omaha. How are you?

[MIKE] I'm doing great.

[KUGLER] Great as well. What's your question tonight?

[MIKE] For the next three big games-- Kansas State, Texas, and Texas A&M, who is the biggest challenge?

[KUGLER] The Texas game on the road is obviously one to look at as a stumbling block.

[BARFKNECHT] I vote for Kansas State right now. I think Bill Snyder has done a great job of getting them back into the mix. They have an outstanding defense, a fine kicking game. Their offense is spotty. I'm not sold on their quarterback play at all. I think Beasley is an average guy. They will try to play Nebraska in a low-scoring game. We have talked about Texas and Texas A&M. What do you think?

[MCKEEVER] I think Kansas State will surprise Nebraska when they come up with here. I'm not saying they'll win but I think they will be in the game. At the start of the year, you might not have thought that. I think the Texas game is tough because of Major Applewhite. He showed toughness up here last year. I expected him to be out of the game on vicious hits but he kept getting up. I question their offensive line and I question how their defense will be able to handle the option game. Lee and I talked earlier. I guess their linebackers are struggling a little bit right now. If you are struggling at that position, you are going to have a problem with Nebraska.

[KUGLER] That will give you problems against the Huskers for sure. We have a winner in our first trivia question. Before we continue and we want to talk a little bit tonight about the mid-point of the college football season and look around all of college football to see where Nebraska fits in. We want to look at the Nebraska-Iowa State highlights first. It was a day of high hopes for both the coaches. Frank Solich had a better day than McCarney. He had high hopes coming in as well because he had Darren Davis. Joe Walker with the sack and recovery. The first of two Joe Walker sacks. The first of two fumbles by Iowa State. Joe Walker making his presence felt now that he is back in the line-up. 58 yards rushing on the day for Crouch as we wind our way through the mid-point of the first quarter. 8:00 to go. Dan Alexander on an option. Four touchdowns on the year for him. He has had great days against Iowa State the last two years. Randy Stella gets in and blocks the punt. Ralph Brown the touchdown. Huskers go to the air. 2:00 left in the quarter. Davison wide open. Crouch has put the ball in great spots for receivers the last few weeks. Second touchdown of the year for Matt Davison. Correll Buckhalter showing nifty moves on the 16-yard run on a third and three play. A couple of plays later, first and goal, Buckhalter using good power and good agility leaping into the end zone for the touchdown. Second effort gets him the TD. Halftime score, Nebraska leading 28-0. Dan McCarney wondering what to do to find some offense in the second half. He wouldn't. Dan Alexander has the power to get going but no break away speed. He is caught from behind. One of two long runs on the day for him. The other at the end of the first half. Then a couple of plays later, on third and eight, Eric Crouch finds former quarterback, now wingback, Bobby Newcombe. Another good bass by Crouch. Second touchdown of the year for Newcombe. Nebraska leading 35-0. Darren Davis trying to get on track against the blackshirts. He was hemmed in all day long by the blackshirts. 37 yards rushing before the reserves entered. He picked up 70 yards from the mid-point of the third quarter to the end of the game. Blocked punt. Craver gets that block. Nebraska ball. Eric Crouch on a terrific fake. He looks like a point guard running the fast break. He scoots into the end zone 20 yards out. 42-0 Nebraska with the lead. Then Joe Walker, he is not done in this game. Coming off the corner, Derrick Walker taking forever in the back field. Adams gets his first score. The fourth defensive touchdown of the season for Nebraska. A couple of late Darren Davis touchdown runs in the fourth quarter make the final score 49-14 as Frank Solich goes out to congratulate Dan McCarney-- maybe consoling is a better word. Frank Solich and Dan McCarney meeting. The final stats, well, Nebraska 439 yards of rushing. 524 yards of total offense. Penalties more in control for Nebraska this week. The last couple of weeks they have done better with the penalties. Anything particular stand out in this one? Hard to find anything, isn't it?

[MCKEEVER] I thought Dan McCarney was going to choke Frank for a second. That's what stands out. Iowa State opened the game with a nice drive. They were going to score. At worst a field goal. That blew up in their face with a great defensive play. I don't know if that would have changed anything 60 minutes later, 50 minutes later. But, you know, that play happened and all of a sudden it was like here we go again. The rout was on. The other thing that came out of that game-- I talked with Bobby Newcombe afterwards and he said Nebraska has not shown a lot of its offense yet and that tells me these guys have something going. That remains to be seen but if that's true, I'm impressed.

[KUGLER] That first drive was telling because they moved it down the field against Nebraska and then the turnover and there was a Penalty and the momentum, the wheels fell off. Is this the case where a team like Iowa State that is consistently beaten down by a team like Nebraska gets into the mentality of oh, no, here we go again and it snowballs from there?

[BARFKNECHT] I think that's a part of it. I think Nebraska's defense is so good that they create huge plays like that every time they step on the field. I think people have watched film and seen them do that and it's demoralizing to opponents. They create such a mental block right away that if the defense makes a play like that, they think we will not be able to do anything. It creates a tremendous momentum the other way.

[KUGLER] Nick in Omaha wants to know - what do you guys think of the national view-- I guess the national perception of how good Nebraska is? What is the national view of how good the Huskers are this year?

[BARFKNECHT] I have been to Seattle, Austin, and Dallas the last week and they say Nebraska looks good after the changes. Things have really solidified for them. Whatever problems they had going in the clubhouse look to be gone. Eric Crouch is doing a great job. Their defense is 17, 18 people deep. If there's a difference maker situation for this team, it's the tremendous depth of talent on defense. With the 85 scholarship thing, I didn't think you could build deep talent but Nebraska does it and makes big play after big play.

[KUGLER] Chris in North Platte wants to know if we would change our views on Darren Davis if he played for the Huskers. It takes more than one man on offense to make the yardage.

[MCKEEVER] I think he is an excellent back. Lee just brought it up. I don't know if anybody will run for major yardage on Nebraska this year. I'm sure Texas would like to have Ricky Williams back but I don't Think he would get 150 yards like last year.

[KUGLER] A much-improved Nebraska defense. They will get a test in the next few weeks. Mike in Lincoln knew the answer to this question. Who are the only three Huskers to rush for over 100 yards in the same game, what team were they playing, and what year did it happen? The answer to the first trivia question is Ken Clark, Steve Taylor, and Terry Rodgers. That was in 1988. Via e-mail from New Milford, Connecticut. How will the Huskers' practice regime change with the week off and what practice routine do they follow and what travel routine does the team follow for away games? Practice routine I don't think changes to much even in an off week, does it Curt?

[MCKEEVER] I think Frank gave them Monday off but the rest of the time, they'll practice. They have the benefit obviously of three or four more practices to focus in on one opponent. Their travel routine I don't think will change. They usually travel early Friday and arrive and go through a walk through practice on the field which doesn't amount to much other than testing out the surface of the field.

[KUGLER] Usually it ends up with the guys tossing the football around. Linemen run pass patterns. You will not see that during the football game I guarantee that. Mark in Omaha brings up... Are the Huskers national championship material? Here we are in the mid point of the season. People talk about national championships. The B.C.S. I think gets released next week. Are they national championship material? They're unbeaten. That makes them one of the teams that have a chance.

[BARFKNECHT] They're in the mix. Like we said, all the trouble and turmoil they supposedly had early in the season appears to have been patched up and put away. They have great momentum. Their playing great defense. Their kicking team is spectacular. If you want something to come around last and get momentum at this time of the season, I think it's your offense. It's a great time to be a Husker fan because things are rolling.

[MCKEEVER] You know, I think some of the other teams that are either ahead of Nebraska or with them in the polls, they all have a crutch, too. You don't see Florida State playing their typical defense that you are lucky to get a couple of scores on them. Penn State has a problem with quarterbacks and they're not running the ball like you would expect of Penn State. Virginia Tech is probably relying on their defense as much as anything. Everybody has an area that you might be able to pinpoint and find a weakness. Nebraska is definitely in there with all that group.

[KUGLER] Of those top four teams, Virginia Tech might have the easiest road to the national title. They only play Syracuse and Miami. Their defense could probably carry them through those games, both at home. Virginia Tech may be the team nobody wants to think about but may be in the B.C.S.

[BARFKNECHT] We will see where they fall on strength of schedule. I believe they play James Madison. They could end up be in K-State's place last year where they're fourth but unbeaten.

[KUGLER] "Big Red Wrap-Up" is available over the internet so send out an alert to friends and family outside of our viewing area that we can be found at net.unl.edu. Follow the prompts and you will be online with the "Wrap-Up." You can listen in or enjoy the "Wrap-Up" at a later time. The web site address is net.unl.edu. We have another e-mail. This is from Jeff in Indiana. I better direct this to you, Lee. If Nebraska's defense played the whole game, they would be first in every category in the country. Lee do you agree? And why do you have Lee on the show? Well, Jeff we like Lee's comments. Lee brings a lot to the show. I will answer that question. Lee, the other question.

[BARFKNECHT] I think it is very possible they could be number one. There may be other teams that could say that too. If you would like me to leave, I guess I could leave. I'm wired in, I will stick around for a while.

[KUGLER] Here is a calmer question from Hank in Bridgeport. Wants to know where you voted Nebraska in the A.P. this week?

[BARFKNECHT] Third. I will not hesitate to move them over Penn State with Nebraska playing Texas A&M and Kansas State. If they play well in those games, I will not hesitate to move them over Penn State. Florida State we will see. If Peter work stays out for a while, we will see what happens. And I think-- I have talked to other people, too, that are not sure of Penn State.

[KUGLER] The voters in the polls have been relatively consistent with their first place votes this year, it seems. You don't see Nebraska getting a rogue first place vote by playing better. They have stuck with Florida State and Penn State and one guy in Michigan stuck with Virginia Tech all season long. Why the consistency in the voting for number one and number two?

[BARFKNECHT] I think it's-- when you assess it before the season, it was clear that Florida State-- maybe had the best talent of anybody. Nebraska has proved they have great talent and has developed talent as the season went on. I think Florida State was dominant enough and played a couple of tough opponents early on and played well that they were probably number one and would stay there.

[KUGLER] Let's look at the "U.S.A. Today/ESPN." This is the coach's poll. Lee has no vote here. Florida State and Penn State number one and number two. Nebraska number three. Virginia Tech at four. Michigan State at seven after their win over Michigan who drops to 10. A&M at the top. Ohio State back to 17. They have a big match-up this weekend. Texas, Nebraska's next opponent, at number 19. In the final five, Purdue at 21. Miami comes in at 24. Miami ranked despite being 2-3 on the season. Air force checking in at 25. Now the A.P. voters. Top four the same. Michigan State up to five in this poll. I want your thoughts on Michigan State moving up in just a minute. Kansas State at nine. Alabama topping the second so in the A.P., Ohio State at 18. They beat Purdue last week. They take on Penn State this week. Purdue at 20. The final five, B.Y.U., Miami and then southern miss at 25 after Their win over East Carolina. Curt, you don't have the A.P. vote so I will ask you this one. Michigan State jumps up to five with their win vaulting a team like a Kansas State but is it fair, is it justified for them to vault an unbeaten team like Kansas State?

[MCKEEVER] To vault Michigan State?

[KUGLER] To vault Michigan State over Kansas State?

[MCKEEVER] They dominated Michigan. I think they scored 37 points. Michigan's defense is right there with Nebraska, I thought. You score that many points, that's impressive. I don't know if you vault them over. They had a blowout win against Notre Dame. I know Notre Dame is not ranked but they have good talent. I don't have a problem with them where they are right now.

[KUGLER] What about Kansas State behind some of those teams?

[BARFKNECHT] I think it goes to the schedule again. I think voters place a premium on beating a top five team. Michigan was ranked third at the time. I think the voters wanted to award them for winning the game. This is a reason I used. They have three or four difficult games left inside their league. I think if Michigan State had a free ride left on their schedule, People might not have put them up that high. We will find out quickly how good Michigan State is if they can continue because they have to play Penn State and Ohio State. There's more chances for them to prove if they deserve to be number 5 or if they don't.

[KUGLER] Craig in Omaha is standing by. How is your night going?

[CRAIG] Great. How are you?

[KUGLER] Great. What's your question?

[CRAIG] I have been to all the home games. I think the improvement of Darren Diedrick at I-back is impressive. Moving Alexander to fullback, he looked impressive from the fullback spot. I wanted to ask of what you think of Willie Miller and Alexander as a combo at the fullback and a Buckhalter - Deidrick combo at I-back? They mentioned the depth on defense but I feel the loss of Slechta is a big loss with these physical games. Who do you think will step up? Thanks a lot for taking my call.

[KUGLER] That's a full plate to digest. We have the back field. Dan Alexander played because Willie Miller was out because of injury. Looked solid at fullback. What about that? What about the questions Craig had? What about the back field first?

[MCKEEVER] Willie Miller will have a more rapid recovery after last week. I think most people know that Alexander is a fullback playing I-back. If Nebraska had a one-back system, he might be the ideal person to play that position. Correll Buckhalter just looks rejuvenated.We will stay with quarterbacks. Tom in McCook wants to know is Frank Solich letting Eric Crouch call plays of his own on offense? How much freedom does Eric Crouch have to audible and run his own plays?

[MCKEEVER] I don't think he has any more freedom than anybody else, maybe even under coach Osborne. He is doing audibles a lot. He mentioned that after the game last week and how could you be displeased after a result like that. I don't think that's the reason why the offense is clicking though.

[KUGLER] Steve in Omaha, here comes the poll question, Lee. Lee, why is Florida State ranked number one and why you are dismissing Colorado as a threat? Earlier in the season, you gave Colorado a lot of due.

[MCKEEVER] He isn't the only one.

[BARFKNECHT] I have not dismissed Colorado as a threat. I think they could beat anybody but they could also lose to anybody, too. That's why I think they're a dangerous opponent. Maybe by the end of the season they won't care enough that they won't give Nebraska a good game. I'm not dismissing them. They have been disappointed. Their defense has been atrocious. Last year he they were ranked in the teens in defensive categories. This year they're 80th and 90th. As far as why Florida State is number one, I think they started there and people perceived they had quality talent. They're supposed to have eight or nine first round draft choices. That's why they started on top and stayed there.

[KUGLER] What's the story behind Colorado? They have been a Jekyll and Hyde team all season long. What's going to make them better?

[MCKEEVER] The thing I can't figure out is why the defense has sunk as low as it has. Gary Barnett talked early in fall camp how they were not tackling well. I don't know how you forget to tackle. They were dominate last year. I think Nebraska fans, they scared Nebraska the last two or three years. Right now they're riding their quarterback. If he doesn't play well, they're going to struggle. You have seen them play a couple of times.

[BARFKNECHT] I saw them play horribly against Colorado State and almost as horribly against Washington. They lost both those games. After both games, it was like they didn't care. They were unemotional. That's the really baffling part is you would think they would be into it. It's like they're having a very difficult time making the transition from finesse to physical football. They talked a good game before the season that that's how they didn't want to play but you have to practice that way, it's a mind set. You have to try to live that way. I don't know if they want to put in the work necessary to make that switch.

[KUGLER] Do they have the players to do physical football?

[BARFKNECHT] That's the question. We thought in the offensive line they were a premium team. Their offensive line has been shaky. Their defensive line was never anything special. They got by with the guys they had. All those guys are back. Defensively, they had great speed. Opponents have had runs, 50, 60, 70 yard runs. It doesn't make sense. I think they're scratching their head trying to figure it out.

[MCKEEVER] Maybe Neuheisel wasn't that bad.

[KUGLER] I don't know if it goes that far out there. They are scratching their head. Let's take a look at the scores. Colorado did get a win last week. Texas A&M over baylor 49-13. Aggie offense getting on track. They scored offensive touchdowns in this game. Kansas State over Kansas but Kansas saying after the game that Kansas State was not the team they were last year. Texas over Oklahoma by 10. By the way, we have a winner in the second trivia question. Colorado over Missouri 46-39. Where's the defense again that is not there for the Buffs. 39 points allowed to the Missouri tigers. Spike Dykes roller coaster ride continues through the 1999 season. Nebraska over Iowa State 49-14. What do you think of Dan Alexander at fullback and Buckhalter starting at I-back? Is that something we will see, the switch made to Buckhalter at starting I-back?

[MCKEEVER] I don't know if they will make that move at all. It might be a cosmetic move where they leave Alexander as starter at I-back. I think you will continue to see Buckhalter carry most of the load at I-back. I don't think they will change right now because they're in sync right now.

[KUGLER] Why do A.P. voters think the big so is better?

[BARFKNECHT] I don't know if anybody thinks the Big 10 is the best league. Many people think the S.C.C. is the top. The Big 10 has had quality teams and people in the national title mix but not from top to bottom. I have never heard anybody lay a claim to the fact that the big 10 is the best football league in the country.

[MCKEEVER] Bowl season last year, I think that's why they were elevated this year. I have not gotten that.

[BARFKNECHT] You hear the talk-- a national perception, the big 10 would be better if they didn't beat up on each other every week.

[KUGLER] What's the difference between them and the Big 12 right now?

[BARFKNECHT] They play nine conference games where the Big 12 plays eight. It's not that huge of a difference.

[KUGLER] I don't think anybody is saying the Big 12 is the strongest in college football this year. First in the North, a case of the haves and have nots. Nebraska, Kansas State, and Colorado unbeaten. In the South division, an up for grabs division. Texas, A&M, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and Tech all with one loss. Baylor 0-3 probably not a factor in the vote in the South division. What about the South division?

[BARFKNECHT] It's a mess.

[KUGLER] Five teams with one loss. Who will come out of the South division? You would have to expect maybe the team will be a two-loss team or maybe three-loss team?

[BARFKNECHT] I don't know about three losses. I think a lot of it depends on the crossover scheduling which teams play Nebraska and Kansas State. Oklahoma and Texas Tech don't have to play either. A lot of it may depend on strength of schedule, who request avoid whom.

[MCKEEVER] I think Oklahoma State has a shot if they win at home against Kansas State. Their schedule is favorable. But that's a great point. They have to play Nebraska and Kansas State. Somebody down there doesn't play either of them, right?

[BARFKNECHT] Two teams don't play either one.

[MCKEEVER] that are in the mix. That's a huge advantage there.

[KUGLER] Can you see a scenario where Nebraska and Oklahoma renew their rivalry?

[BARFKNECHT] That was the talk at the Oklahoma game. That may have evaporated temporarily but O.U. has a schedule. They have A&M at home. They have other winnable games and it's not out of the question that they could do it.

[KUGLER] We have a winner in our second Big Red trivia question. Matt from Lincoln. The last Husker walk-onto start at quarterback for Nebraska and what team was the opposition and what year did this happen. The answer to the second trivia question is Monte Christo. That happened in 1998. Not saying Chrisman will start but he played last week. Rick in Lincoln wants to know... Is this the best defense Nebraska has had? That encompasses a lot of teams? Is it the best or too early to tell?

[MCKEEVER] They have a chance.

[BARFKNECHT] That's a good coach's line.

[MCKEEVER] Mcbride typically reserves judgment. He said flattering things about these guys. They have a lot to go. If they keep at this level with what they have left, you would Maybe have to consider this.

[BARFKNECHT] They can keep plugging people in. Somebody gets hurt or somebody needs a blow, they plug somebody in and the talent level doesn't fall off. Great speed, great depth, that's a deadly combination.

[KUGLER] Do off weeks help or hurt a team? Nebraska and Texas both have an off week? If you're an injured team, it helps a lot. Nebraska not banged up right now.

[BARFKNECHT] I think Texas benefits more. They have played seven games. They had an early game. They have had some injuries. Their back-up tailback blew a hamstring on his only carry so I don't know if he will play against Nebraska. They needed down time I think to kind of collect themselves and to get ready for the option. They don't see much option. Rice is the only team that has run it so far and they had a lot of trouble with them.

[MCKEEVER] A lot-- a lot of teams in the Big 12 have struggled coming off an off week. Texas Tech came off one and got hammered at Oklahoma State. Even Oklahoma State which everybody said that was a big advantage for them last year. Their record coming off an off week is not good in the 1990's. It depends on how you play. If you are playing really well like Nebraska, maybe you don't want the off week. As you pointed out, Texas probably needs one.

[KUGLER] Russ from Concordia, Kansas joins us. How are things in Kansas tonight?

[RUSS] Pretty good.

[KUGLER] Good. What's your question for us?

[RUSS] Why don't they run like the wingback option with Bobby Newcombe coming around?

[MCKEEVER] Good question. I wouldn't rule that out nor would I rule out Bobby Newcombe coming around and stopping and pulling up and throwing.

[KUGLER] As you said, Curt, Bobby said they had not shown all their offense. That may be a play in there.

[BARFKNECHT] I have a hunch they have not gone past chapter two in the play book.

[KUGLER] It was interesting because the talk was that Nebraska opened up the play book, that Frank Solich had taken out the last page of the play book for some of these reverses and some of the throwing plays that Nebraska has. But they haven't touched the tip of the iceberg yet.

[BARFKNECHT] When you see eight, nine people in the so-called box crowding the line of scrimmage, you have to stop running straight ahead and then you throw the ball and people back up and it opens it up to do many different things.

[KUGLER] Do you think Newcombe should have taken snaps at quarterback in the third quarter? I thought Chrisman did a good job but would have liked to see Bobby get some work at quarterback.

[MCKEEVER] That's a difficult call. I don't have a problem with them not doing that. He is getting snaps in practice. I know that's not the same in a game. What if he rolls an ankle in a 39-0 game in the third quarter. That would be stupid.

[BARFKNECHT] If he isn't at game speed and Crouch gets hurt in an important game and Bobby fumbles a snap when he goes in or the timing is not quite right. It's a difficult situation.

[KUGLER] Bruce in Lincoln... With the offense opening it up, will it keep teams from stacking eight or nine men to stop the run teams have to stop the run first and foremost.

[MCKEEVER] It depends on how much confidence you have in the secondary. If you do, they will stack it. They say we will get you at second and eight. You have to have good cornerbacks to do that. A&M has a solid secondary. There is some question marks on a lot of the other teams. They may have to back up.

[KUGLER] Wasn't every Nebraska player that scored points against Iowa State an underclassmen? The future looks bright for the Huskers. I think that might be right. Every player that scored may have been an underclassmen.

[BARFKNECHT] That's probably right.

[KUGLER] The future looks real bright. If you look up and down the depth chart. I know fans always do this. The future looks bright even on defense where the Huskers lose a couple of great players in Mike and Ralph Brown.

[BARFKNECHT] I think this was assumed this would be a transition year and 2000 was the year to get into the national title mix. It's funny how it works out and the chemistry changes and people step up and a season changes.

[KUGLER] Everybody looking to next year. They're unbeaten, folks. Let's enjoy 1999, too. Do you think the reason is the defense is so good is because the secondary is so good? Does the secondary make the defense as good as it is?

[MCKEEVER] That's a great point. Their secondary-- when we were talking earlier, is this the best defense of all time? I think you have to consider it eventually because of the secondary. Those guys don't get beat. Last year's defense had a lot of the same qualities but they gave up big plays. They had young guys in the secondary. Yeah, I think that's the biggest thing. They have so much speed that on run support, it's hard to run outside on Nebraska, too. I wouldn't even try running outside on Nebraska.

[BARFKNECHT] If you don't have to have linebackers or somebody else cheating back to help a defensive back who may be struggling-- if you have eight people to flat commit to the run chasing a guy with the ball, you have a great chance.

[KUGLER] Jim wants to know when is Eric Johnson do back and can he beat out Julius Jackson for his old spot? I think it still stands that you can't lose your spot because of an injury.

[MCKEEVER] I think they said four to six weeks on Jackson. I have not heard how his rehab is going. You are right, Julius has played very well. He was in the Heisman race for a while, wasn't he?

[BARFKNECHT] An interesting stat on Eric Johnson. Coming in, he played 33 games but never recovered a fumble or intercepted a pass. Weak side and strong side linebacker are in a position in this defense where they have to make plays. Julius comes in and makes all sorts of plays. The defense has to make plays. They have to use disruptive forces the way terrell farley, troy Dumas did it. Julius has done that. I don't think I would mess up by taking him out of the line-up.

[KUGLER] The year has looked good for the Huskers this year. Time for the third trivia question. Be the first correct caller and you will receive a vhs copy of "Coach Osborne: More Than Winning." From your obscure trivia question file. Nebraska makes only its second ever trip to Austin, Texas in two weeks to play Texas. The Huskers won that first meeting upsetting the fourth-ranked Longhorns. What was the final score in that game and who quarterbacked the Huskers that season? Be the first correct caller and you will win a vhs copy of "Coach Osborne: More Than Winning." I gave away part of it. Do you think the week off will harm Nebraska's timing with the option.

[BARFKNECHT] If they weren't practicing, I think it might. I think they'll do ok with it.

[KUGLER] You think they might still practice.

[BARFKNECHT] they might.

[KUGLER] As we wind through more questions, are we ready for a more mobile quarterback like Applewhite?

[BARFKNECHT] I don't know how mobile he is.

[MCKEEVER] They design plays to get him out of that. At least they did last year.

[BARFKNECHT] They roll him slightly. He is not a guy that will sprint out.

[MCKEEVER] He is not a Joe Hamilton type that's for sure.

[BARFKNECHT] No. He has shown he is susceptible to taking hits. Kansas State and Oklahoma ran blitzes where they ran people up the hole inside. He had a problem reading and doing an audible out of that. I'm sure Nebraska coaches are figuring that out quickly.

[KUGLER] Bart in Kearney has a question. How are you?

[BART] Good. How about yourself?

[KUGLER] Great. What's your question?

[BART] Can you tell me the status on Eric Swiney?

[KUGLER] He was carted off the field during practice. What is his status?

[MCKEEVER] He is not practicing. I think they expect him to return sometime this season. I don't think he has been cleared to return. That may be a while.

[KUGLER] It was kind of a scary day at Husker practice. He got hit good and they took him out on a stretcher and they did an MRI but he was ok. Nebraska and Texas coming up in the next week, not this coming Saturday but next Saturday. A 2:30 central time start. Nebraska's only been to Austin one time before. The Husker this is year face a different Texas team down there than in 1960. What about the Texas team that they're going to face this year. What about the Longhorns? What can we expect to see from them?

[BARFKNECHT] They're good. They're not outstanding. I thing I think hampered them from this point is they're a very young team. They have been inconsistent and sporadic. They haven't been able to move up and down the field offensively or been able it to stop people like they wanted to. Applewhite is a good quarterback. He looks like he should be outside selling programs like the other boy scouts. He has taken some real shots. A terrible game Kansas State and basically cost Texas the game. Came back the following week and went to Dallas and had an outstanding game and basically won it for them.

[KUGLER] What about Texas defensively?

[MCKEEVER] What I notice about Texas offensively is when they a pushover defense. You see some of the teams they have scored 60 points, 38, 40. They're in the lower half of the NCAA rankings. If they play a legitimate defense, Rice they scored 18 points. North Carolina State they didn't do well.

[BARFKNECHT] Scored to in that one.

[MCKEEVER] It's almost like a guy that can hit an 80 mile an hour fast ball But if it is 82, you can't hit it. Defensively, they have given up some play. Their linebacker play has struggled and I think they're young in the secondary. I think they think on the line if they can contain-- if they can win that battle, they'll have a shot. I think they're going to have to win a high scoring game personally.

[KUGLER] Let's look at some highlights of Texas-Kansas State a couple of weeks ago. Handing off to Hodges Mitchell. How has he looked?

[BARFKNECHT] He has slowly improved. 204 against Oklahoma Saturday. He is kind of a stocky body kind of guy. He was a guy that bulked up last year and lost weight this year to get lateral quickness back. He has done a decent job.

[MCKEEVER] They're lining them up different. He has three 100-yard games in the last games.

[KUGLER] Major Applewhite at work there. How varied of a passing attack is this?

[BARFKNECHT] It's sophisticated. It's a professional style attack. They run the hot screens, quick passes. They throw deep. They throw across the field. There's not much they cannot try to do offensively.

[KUGLER] Take a look there as they continue down the field. Robertson getting in for a touchdown. Their offense not bad. Ninth in the NCAA in total offense. Applewhite second in the Big 12 in passing. 10th over all in defense. Look at their defensive highlights. What is the strong suit? We heard the linebackers are not so good.

[MCKEEVER] They come after the quarterback with a lot of heat.

[BARFKNECHT] I think Nebraska fans will recognize Carl Reese. When he was at Missouri he created defenses that compounded Nebraska a couple of times. I'm sure he will try to have something special set up for the Huskers.

[KUGLGER] Kansas State had success against Texas on the ground on running plays. Through the air as well able to find open receivers against the Texas defense. They put up 35 points against the longhorns in Texas. How good is that Texas defense as we take a look at the schedule real quick. Stanford their first win of the season after a loss to N.C. State. Second half of the schedule kicks off after the Oklahoma game with Nebraska and then Iowa State and Oklahoma State on the road. They end up with a traditional meeting against A&M. How big of a challenge is the defense going to be? What kind of threat will they pose to Nebraska who's maybe not apt to throw the ball? Does Texas have the horses to slow down the running game?

[BARFKNECHT] I think that's a good match-up question. I think one thing that is key here is Texas has not played well at home. Both losses have been home games. Another game they struggled in at home was Rice. It's not a difficult atmosphere to play in. The fans are far away from the field. The people in the end zone are 40 yards away from the playing field. It's a wine and cheese crowd kind of. I don't mean that to sound snooty. It's not a raucous crowd.

[KUGLER] Kevin in Lincoln knew the answer to our third trivia question. We want to sneak that in. The answer to our last trivia question is 14-13 and Pat Fischer was the quarterback. The year was 1960. That does it for "Big Red Wrap-Up." The Huskers are off this week so we will not be with you next week. We will take an off week next tuesday but will be back the next week to wrap up the Texas game. In two weeks, Tom Shatel and Ken Hambleton will make their second appearances. For our entire ETV sports crew, good night. We will talk to you in two weeks on "Big Red Wrap-Up."