Nebraska Cornhusker Football vs. Iowa

[KUGLER] Welcome to "Big Red Wrap-Up," I'm Kevin Kugler. Last week at this time, we chronicled the woes of Nebraska's Offense and we all wondered what the Huskers needed to do to make things better. Well, after Saturday's 40-10 romp over the Missouri Tigers on Saturday in Columbia, maybe the worries were a bit premature. After all, this looked like the Huskers we remember-- pounding the ball inside, running to the outside, and churning out over 300 yards on the ground. And with over 500 yards of total offense on Saturday, Husker fans everywhere breathed a sigh of relief. With offensive output like we saw in Missouri and with continued dominating play by the blackshirts, the Huskers look like a tough team to beat. Oh, how things can change in a week's time. Even though this week was the calmest week of the 1999 football season for the Huskers, there's still plenty to cover in the next hour. For example, can Nebraska sustain this offensive excellence over the long haul? And what about Oklahoma State this weekend? We know you have plenty of questions and we hope to answer some of those for you tonight with the help of the two gentlemen to my right. First from the Pinnacle Sports Network, the play-by-play voice of the Huskers, Mr. Warren Swain. Warren, it's great to have you here tonight.

[SWAIN] Kevin, it's good to be back.

[KEVIN] And from "Huskers Illustrated," Mike Babcock. Mike, we don't have near the controversy to talk about this week, but we're awfully glad to have you with us.

[BABCOCK] We could create some controversy.

[KUGLER] And we want to hear from you, too. Give us a call at 472-1212 or toll free from anywhere in the world at 1-800-676-5446. For those more computer literate than me, you can e-mail us at sports@unl.edu. Be sure to tell our "Big Red Wrap-Up" operators your name, where you are calling from, and, of course, your question or comment. We start with discussion, of course, of the Missouri-Nebraska game. Warren, the offense awoke from their slumber this past weekend?

[SWAIN] They really did. They came out and would throw on first down and kept that Missouri defense off guard. I think Frank Solich and his staff came up with a great offensive game plan. The offense will keep getting better and better as we go along.

[KUGLER] I have to ask you about your marketing director. Who is the marketing person in charge of Pinnacle sports?

[SWAIN] I'm not sure.

[KUGLER] The reason I ask is as we left the press conference today, we noticed as we walk outside of Memorial Stadium and low and behold, there he is on the billboard out there, the face of Warren Swain on the billboard. We wanted to show our viewers what they're missing outside of Memorial Stadium if they're not in Lincoln.

[SWAIN] That's the first time that has happened for me. That's quite a thing for Adrian and myself.

[KUGLER] It is. It's very nice. Of course, everyone recognizes Adrian Fiala.

[BABCOCK] First, that's why I wanted to be there. I saw that board outside of Memorial Stadium. Here is my opportunity to be next to greatness. I agree with Warren. The thing that impressed me was Nebraska throwing on first down. I think really that set the tone and got Missouri off balance. They completed the first three passes so that happened. The two snaps over the punter's head didn't hurt Nebraska's chances either. When you can mix up the offense the way Nebraska was able to do against Missouri which was something that was not apparent in the previous two games. When Nebraska is clicking like that, I think there is a lot of confidence in the offense and it opens up a lot of things including the run which as you indicated, Kevin, was missing in action in the other games.

[KUGLER] Do you think this is something Wareen, is Frank going to open up the play book and open up the offense, more passing maybe a little bit this season for Nebraska?

[SWAIN] I think so. It will be dictated each week by the opponent, depending on what they give you and what they're showing. I think it was successful enough against Missouri that I think you will see things open up a little bit as you said. I think the offense will be very, very interesting.

[KUGLER] The receivers were excited after Saturday's game. They had a chance to run more routes and catch more balls than probably in their entire tenure regardless of class.

[BABCOCK] It's interesting, you watch Nebraska play and watch a game where Nebraska throws 17 times and it's like boy, they really opened that up at 17 passes. If you are a receiver, you got to be happy because it gives you an opportunity to catch some passes. Productivity is important. They wouldn't discount a game like California where you get a lot of yardage out of a couple of completions.

[KUGLER] Nebraska is not on the way of becoming the next Oklahoma of the Big 12?

[BABCOCK] I don't think so. That probably grates on people when you say that. People let me check the stats before I let you get away with saying that. Yeah, Oklahoma has been putting the ball up in the air and I think it's a little desperation thing. It certainly has worked so far for Oklahoma.

[KUGLER] We had so little controversy this week it's almost a refreshing thing. Nobody left the team. No controversy about starting jobs. How does Solich handle a calm week, Warren?

[SWAIN] I think he handles it very well. He had to make some rough decisions. He looked more calm and relaxed. For the last couple of weeks, he has not had a lot of fun I don't think. Nice to see the head coach have a normal week and I think he enjoyed it.

[KUGLER] Frank Solich is a coach that you sometimes can see his emotions more than with Tom Osborne. Mike, to me it looked like after the game he had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders. 500 yards of total offense, nothing has gone wrong with the team this week. Looked like he had a burden lifted off him.

[BABCOCK] Yeah, probably so. But like any coach, after you saw him look that way, he was probably worried about Oklahoma State and how to prepare for that. With everything that transpired the last couple of weeks, I'm sure he felt good seeing the rushing yards and 40-10 on the score board, that's a positive. He didn't have to convince anybody to come back or stay off the team. Probably a good week for him.

[KUGLER] I mentioned it in the beginning and it's a question I'm sure we will see from the folks watching. Is this something Nebraska can keep up? Is this the start of something or maybe one game out of many that had a great offense against a shaky defense?

[SWAIN] We may know more after the Oklahoma State game especially with the defense that the Cowboys have. You look at Missouri also and that could have been a breakout game for the offense, too. I think we will know more about this offense after the Oklahoma State game Saturday.

[KUGLER] Without controversy, we will try to stir up some of our own this evening. I-back is always an important position in Nebraska. Correll Buckhalter had over 100 yards this week over Dan Alexander who had 39 yards on 10 carries. Who gets the nod in your mind as the starter on this Husker Football team?

[BABCOCK] If I were the coach, Correll Buckhalter. I try to follow Frank's explanation because Dan Alexander will start against Oklahoma State. I guess I understand from a coach's point of view that there are other factors that go into the decision. When you looked at the game, it really didn't matter who started or was the first guy off the bench because I think Buckhalter had 4 more carries than Alexander. I would base it every week. In some ways it's superficial but I would go with the guy that had the best game. Frank tried to explain why that was not necessarily what he was looking at and there are other factors involved. It's good to have two of them healthy and ready to go. It changes up on the defense.

[KUGLER] Frank mentioned the comments today about the I-backs at Nebraska.

[SOLICH] The thing that you don't do is you don't say ok, Correll, you are the number one man this week and Dan, you are the number two guy and all of a sudden Correll starts out and doesn't have quite the game and Dan breaks a big one and next week you say ok, Dan, you are number one and Correll, you are number two. You have them spinning in place. When we make a move, it's because it makes sense, something has proven out to where you want to make that move and it's not a deal where both guys are looking over their shoulders and saying one slip up here or there and I could be in trouble, I could be moved down or one good play here or one good half or one good game and all of a sudden I'm catapulted to the top. I don't think we want to take that approach. There is a point in time that anybody on our football team if they're playing at a level better than the guy ahead of them, then you do eventually make that move.

[KUGLER] That cleared it all up, I'm sure. Mike, explain that a little bit now. I'm going to put you on the spot. What is he saying there?

[BABCOCK] He is saying he is the head coach and Dan Alexander will be the starter this week and that's the way it will be. I guess in a sense what he is saying is in some ways it doesn't matter who starts, what matters is the flow of the game and how when Correll comes in off the bench, who is doing better at a given time. That's my best interpretation. The coaches make the decisions and that's the way it's going to be. He has confidence in both players.

[KUGLER] You have had the chance to see this unfold from the broadcast booth. Your thoughts?

[SWAIN] I have the sentiments of Mike. I'm not the head coach. I would lean towards starting Correll Buckhalter. Again, the coaches see the guys in practice every day, I don't. I see them in games. That's all I see them. I'm sure there are a lot of factors that do go into that. That's all I'm going to say on that.

[KUGLER] That's a good Dance, too.

[SWAIN] I try.

[KUGLER] We have unfinished business to take care of. Last week we never received one correct answer to our last trivia question. The Huskers opened Big 12 play against the Tigers. Tigers lost 5 and now 36 straight games. What year did Mizzou last beat a top 10 team and what team did they beat? We thought we would give you the answer. The answer was 1981 the Tigers beat ninth-ranked Mississippi State. That will go on to the next time they play a top 10 team and perhaps beat them. Now here is tonight's first Big Red Trivia question of the night. Be the first correct caller and you will receive one of our attractive beverage mugs. One winner per household this season. Nebraska's 333 yards rushing on Saturday was good enough to move Nebraska up to 12th nationally in rushing offense. When was the last time the Huskers didn't finish in the top 10 in the NCAA statistics in rushing offense and who was Nebraska's Leading rusher that year? Not this year but that year. Be the first correct caller and you will receive our ceramic ETV mug. More talk about Missouri and Nebraska in Columbia this weekend. Special teams usually plays a role in a big 12 game especially in a tightly-matched big 12 game. This one wasn't tightly matched but special teams were huge especially on the Missouri side.

[SWAIN] Missouri has had problems for a long time with their kicking team and special Teams. It was embarrassing for them down there Saturday night to give Nebraska those points early and got the Huskers ahead. It wasn't even close. That first snap wasn't even close. Larry Smith, he says they spent all this time in the spring and in the fall working on special teams and it still comes back to haunt Missouri.

[KUGLER] Mike, Larry Smith says this is maybe his most talented team in his whole time at Missouri. It looked like there was talent but they're awfully young. Is this a talented team?

[BABCOCK] Yes, I think it is. As you pointed out, I think it's young. Missouri fans have to be comfortable with the fact it's a young team. It's difficult when you play a game like Missouri did against Nebraska, it's a good team but it can be demoralizing to get beat Like that especially when you generate that much emotion going into the game which was probably a factor on the center snapping the ball over the punter's head. That's why they measure the vertical jump, right? I think there was so much emotion in the game and it was reflected in those two center snaps. It's going to be difficult probably for them to regain that energy after a game like that.

[KUGLER] The problem with vertical jump is it was a punter. Punters are not usually ranked high on that list.

[BABCOCK] In Nebraska that probably goes against the grain a little bit. They've had some outstanding players.

[KUGLER] We have highlights for you about Missouri and Nebraska. Not only about but of Missouri and Nebraska. Let's look at the highlights as we go to Faurot Field. There's Larry Smith looking out at his most talented team. Frank Solich looking for offense. And he would find it. First he finds defense out of Tony Ortiz all over Jim Dougherty. They go with a two QB system. One of five Husker sacks on the night. The first aforementioned high snap over Gilpin. The free kick coming up. Larry Smith only just getting a glimpse of things to come. There is number two. It's not a replay. After the next play, Davidson snaps it over Gilpin's head again. For Gilpin, it's too bad. A look at Davidson getting consoled by Larry Smith. He punted well when he got the ball from the snapper. Eric Crouch moving it 12 yards for a Husker first down. And a couple of plays later, a 35-yard drive with the touchdown to Matt Davison. Second in his career. The first one since the play a couple of years ago in Columbia. 143 yards passing for Crouch. Julius Jackson with an interception. Still in the first quarter. Time for one more play after Julius Jackson's third interception of the season. Nebraska makes the most of it. Eric Crouch turning on the jets right here. You see his speed in that touchdown. The last play of the first quarterback. Josh Brown kick makes it 16 for Nebraska. 19-3 at halftime. Nebraska in the lead. We head to the third quarter and Eric Crouch on a perfectly thrown ball. Look at the separation Bobby Newcombe has for the touchdown. Two catches for Newcombe on the night for 55 yards. A seven-play, 76-yard drive. Bobby Newcombe getting a congratulations on the sideline from the Huskers. Jim Dougherty back to throw again. Ford catches it. Julius Jackson picks it up again. Jackson with a bunch of turnovers. Four of them in the last two games he recovered. Now Correll Buckhalter, well, we will call it a touchdown run. Maybe out of bounds as it looked on replay. 33-3 Nebraska in the third quarter. Eric Crouch on the option again. Very tough run as he looks like he should be down at the 20. Pushes it to the nine yard line. 92 yards rushing on the night for number 7. Down to the Missouri 10. Third and goal a couple of plays later, Dan Alexander untouched Into the end zone making it 40-3 Nebraska. 40-10 is the final score. Larry Smith and Frank Solich meeting at midfield to discuss this One as Frank gets another win for Nebraska and the Huskers advance Their record and continue unbeaten on the season. A very efficient performance by the Huskers. 500 yards of total offense. 476 to be exact. 174 for Missouri. Time of possession. The only thing that stands out for Nebraska is the amount of times they fumbled the football and the amount of penalties that the Huskers had, two things they talked about today.

[SWAIN] Frank Solich said the fumbles will always be addressed and they will try to eliminate that and the penalties and constantly work and work to make those situations better.

[KUGLER] We have a winner in the trivia contest. You look at the stats and see Nebraska doing such a great job defensively in the rushing attack. Is it a surprise that Nebraska is so good against the run?

[BABCOCK] No, I don't think so. The first thing is they want to stop the run. They have done a great job of that. They have tremendous experience. They're two deep almost everywhere across the defensive line, linebackers, secondary. This is a national championship caliber defense. I think any good defense starts with an abilities to stop the run. That's what Nebraska does as well as anything.

[KUGLER] We have some folks calling in. We encourage you to call in as well. Dan in Omaha wants to know: have we seen the last of the college football dynasties? Have we seen the end of the dynasty? Miami in the 80's, Nebraska and Florida State to some extent in the 90's. Have we seen the end of the dynasties?

[SWAIN] I think for now we have. I don't know if we're going to get back to that for a while but I think the dynasties, they're done for a while. When you look at the teams in the top 10, top 20, top 25, there's a great deal of parity. Don't think we will see those for a while.

[KUGLER] Can we make a comment on Thunder Collins. We can comment on his name. It's a great name. Thunder.

[BABCOCK] you would expect him to be a tough guy.

[KUGLER] You would hope so. What about Thunder Collins?

[BABCOCK] I think the positive thing about Thunder Collins in addition to the impressive statistics in Junior College, the fact it looks like He will be able to enroll for second semester and go through spring practice and have three seasons of eligibility. That's really a positive particularly when dealing with a Junior College player. In some situations you only have him for two seasons or in the case Of Larry Henderson, I think it's still up in the air. Looks like he might only have one season. The fact he has impressive statistics and the facts he will be here early and go through spring practice and have three seasons of eligibility, those are all positives. It's as good as any measure you can have that he rushed so much last year.

[SWAIN] That California Junior College league is pretty good caliber football and for him to do that in that league, that's impressive.

[KUGLER] You have to hope he comes in as a junior and has a terrific season so in senior year they can use his name in the media. Eldon in Hebron is on the line. What's your question?

[ELDON] I would like to ask Warren during the ball game during the day we get the radio station fine and I like to listen to the ball game and watch it on TV but during the night, a lot of stations go off the air at sunset and we can't get you on the radio. Is there any way to change that so we can get it at nighttime?

[SWAIN] One thing we have done is gone to a lot of FM stations. You might want to check into that a little bit. We're always looking into ways of improving things, I can tell you that. We went to quite a few FM stations to help the situation out at night as you are referring to.

[KUGLER] What station do you try to listen to the Huskers on?

[ELDON] 1370 out of York AM during the day. At nighttime it fades out.

[KUGLER] A station in Grand Island that could help?

[SWAIN] We have a station in Grand Island, in Kearney. We have stations all around in that particular area. Might have to search for it a little bit more.

[KUGLER] Good Luck Eldin. We hope you can find the broadcast. Lynn in Crete noticed Larry Smith stated his team stunk and it's The worst team he has ever seen. What do you think of a coach making a comment like that?

[BABCOCK] If I'm a player on the team -- I think one of the things that impressed me about Larry Smith during his time at Missouri is he has been frank and honest about things. I guess from that standpoint, you don't want your players to think they have done something they have not done. He was probably emotional when he made the comments. From my own point of view, I would just as soon see a coach temper their remarks. I'm sure the players felt bad enough as it was without reading coach said they stunk. Whatever works. He probably understands his players better than most people do and maybe he thinks they will respond to that.

[KUGLER] You were in the locker room after the game, those players were heart broken afterwards. Tears in the locker room. They really had themselves convinced they could beat Nebraska and it didn't happen and they were crushed.

[BABCOCK] A lot of people were going into the game thinking here's the opportunity, we're going to do it this time, we're going to get it done. When they didn't, I think they were discouraged like you said. I don't know if making these comments necessarily is going to bring a team back and say we're going to be ok. I think it reinforces their belief.

[SWAIN] I think it will be interesting to see how Missouri fares now and how they come off of this loss. They have to play at Memphis this week. Memphis went down to the wire with Tennessee and got beat by one point by the volunteers. Missouri better be careful going into Memphis on Saturday or they could be disappointed again.

[KUGLER] We have a winner in our first trivia question. It's Gary of Clarkson, Nebraska. He knew the answer to this question. It was 1976 and Rick Berns was the leading rusher. Gary of Clarkson, Nebraska. Let's move on. Dan wants to know why are you only showing three minutes of Football highlights compared to what you used to show? Dan, it's a university regulation. Every TV station is limited to three minutes of highlights. That's why you don't see anymore than that. We are sticking with the guidelines. We don't want to get to the point of having no highlights. What do you think over all of the Big 12 conference this season? Some people have said it's down this year. What do you think?

[SWAIN] It could be a shade. Still when you look at some of the teams in the league, you have the Huskers, you have Kansas State. Those are two pretty good teams in the North division. In the South Texas A&M that is truly an outstanding team. Texas, they're awfully good. I don't think it's down that much but I think Colorado has been a disappointment. You look at Kansas, the way they lost to San Diego State. Iowa State has been a little bit of a surprise. They have the week off before playing the Huskers next week. You still have some quality teams in the Big 12 but maybe not as many of them as last year.

[BABCOCK] It can hurt you a little bit in the bowl championships with the Computer rankings and that sort of thing. On balance you have to be concerned about how you do within the context of your conference obviously. That's the most important thing. It's probably a little bit down. Probably won't effect teams that much.

[KUGLER] We have our second trivia question lined up for you. Let's jump right into it. Be the first correct caller and you will receive the all new year 2000 16-month calendar. Remember, only one winner her household this season. Oklahoma State visits Nebraska this weekend riding a 23-game losing streak against the Huskers since a tie in 1974. It will be the fourth trip by the cowboys in the 1990's to memorial Stadium in Lincoln. How many total points have the cowboys scored in the 1990's against Nebraska in Lincoln? Be the first caller with the correct answer and you will win the Year 2000 Big Red calendar. Back to more questions. Russ in Cozad wants to know did we see a burst of speed from Correll Buckhalter that we have not seen before? He looked quick especially in the run late in the third quarter.

[SWAIN] I would agree with that. He did run very well. We saw that burst of speed from him that we haven't seen much of. That very well could have been a breakout game for him against Missouri. It was really good to see Correll run the way he did against the Tigers.

[BABCOCK] I think he wasn't really healthy last year. I think maybe he was a step slow. I thought he looked quick and had good speed. That was a nice run, the 57 yarder. He was pulled down by Carlos Posey. I think that's what they're looking for from their I-back. I think that's what Correll provided was the big play capability.

[KUGLER] That's one of the interesting things, too. That was one of the criticisms leveled at Correll Buckhalter last year is he didn't have the big play capability or the extra burst of speed that I-backs at Nebraska have had. What's happened to him that he has gotten quicker or have the opposing defenses gotten slower?

[SWAIN] I think the one thing he did was he got stronger upper bodywise. I think that's helped him to an extent. I think also that now we're finally beginning to see what the true Correll Buckhalter can do.

[BABCOCK] I think he came in in great shape in the fall. I think he was really committed to it. I agree with Warren. I think we're starting to see what he is capable of. As Warren and I as arm chair coaches indicated earlier, he would be starting for us. I think it certainly clears up the I-back picture a little bit to have both those guys in good health.

[KUGLER] Randy in Omaha - how big of a concern are the holding penalties? There was a time when we would have no holding penalties or maybe one or two a season. Maybe they're coming more frequently this year.

[BABCOCK] Frank talked about that a little bit. Some of the penalties are a concern. It's something they will probably get worked out. It's difficult to say. Maybe they're calling them a little closer. It's fairly untypical and I think they will probably get it worked out.

[KUGLER] Dave in Lincoln wants to know from Mike -- Mike, how do you have any idea who should start at I-back? It's just a guess, folks. Steve in Lincoln, this is for you Warren. Do you announce games any differently on the radio than you do on A television broadcast?

[SWAIN] Well, since I have not done a television broadcast, I can only kind of, shall I say, guess about this. The thing about doing a game on the radio is you have to paint the entire picture for the listener because they're just sitting there listening and they have to be able to visualize what's going on in the game where with television and maybe I'm wrong about this, the picture is already there. All you need to do is embellish on the picture. I think that's the major difference between radio and TV.

[KUGLER] Wayne in Omaha wants to know do you think Frank Solich or any of the coaches pay attention to shows like this and listen for advice? Let's hope not. I'm sure they're not. They didn't win three national championships listening to this, possibly. Nebraska is up there again in the polls. Florida state at number one. Convincingly over penn state in second. Purdue in the top 10. Second 10 of the 25. Miami drops to 20th with their shocking loss to East Carolina. They were up 20-0 and lost the game. Texas at 15. Mississippi state beat Oklahoma State two weeks ago. They're at 16th in the nation at 4-0. The final five of the "USA Today/ESPN" poll. Look who is back in the top 25. The Sooners at 3-0 after a win with Louisville this past week. We will talk about Oklahoma and the Sooners' rebirth later on. A.p. top 25, florida state number one. Nebraska number six. Virginia Tech with a first place vote coming in at eighth. Purdue in at 11. Texas in at 15. East Carolina at 19. Arkansas at 20 in the top 25. Then you take a look at the back five of the top 25. Alabama, Syracuse, and Oklahoma all the way up to 23rd in the nation. Virginia and Oregon to round out the top 25 in the A.P. Let's talk about the sooners for a minute. Back in the top 25 polls. Is this program turned around? Are they back?

[SWAIN] I think it's tough to tell bus they have a tough schedule ahead of him. I think Bobby Stoops has come in and changed the attitude down there. Who would have thought Oklahoma has gone to the pass and leading The nation in some of the categories. I guess whatever it takes to win. Do what you feel you do best. But still we might get a better indicator of Oklahoma when they play at Notre Dame this week. They have a tough schedule yet. The jury is still out I think on the Sooners.

[KUGLER] This will be tougher for Notre Dame this week than Notre Dame may have thought.

[BABCOCK] A little bit of pressure on the coach at Notre Dame. Yeah, I think it will be a big game for both teams. I don't think when Notre Dame put this thing together and made a guarantee to Oklahoma to go up there because I think the Sooners have only five games there because of the trip to Notre Dame. They're getting a pretty potent offense at throwing the ball. During the tough times, I think Oklahoma had good athletes but the numbers got to the point where a couple of injuries were debilitating to the team. They are not where they need to be as far as numbers.

[KUGLER] Back to the phones and welcom Elias. How are you doing tonight?

[ELIAS] Great. How are you?

[KUGLER] Great. What's on your mind?

[ELIAS] Nothing much. I had a question. Is there any validity to the rumor that Deangelo Evans is not on the team because he has a gambling problem?

[KUGLER] I don't know.

[SWAIN] Not heard anything.

[BABCOCK] I have heard rumors but that was not one of them.

[KUGLER] It may be like any other rumors and may be valid or maybe not. Mike in Council Bluffs want to know why did Solich have Crouch in the fourth quarter with a 30-point lead. Interesting question. Nebraska looked like they had the game away. Was he trying to get Eric a few more reps at quarterback?

[BABCOCK] I think so. Eric is still relatively inexperienced young quarterback. I think you go a certain number of plays. You want to get him enough snaps where he has enough repetition in games like that. It gives more opportunity. There's less pressure when you are up by 30 points. I think it was gauged to kind of when he got to a certain number, He would get him out and get Jeff Perino in there.

[KUGLER] It was a great opportunity for Eric Crouch this weekend. He looked comfortable running the offense this weekend.

[SWAIN] He did. When he looks comfortable running the Husker offense, the Husker offense looks comfortable as well. He has quick bursts of speed. When he gets outside wide, he can really turn on the jets and has tremendous speed. He is impressive.

[KUGLER] Eric Crouch today talked at the Tuesday press conference and Talked about the Huskers' offensive success this past weekend at Missouri.

[CROUCH] I felt like this week was one of those weeks where we definitely made a lot of improvements. With this offense there's a lot of things we can throw at defenses and try to throw them off. I think the last week we had, we tried to do a lot of those different things and we ran a lot of options last week and showed we can execute the offense running the option very well. There's really nothing that I think a lot of defenses could try to throw at us that could stop us. The only thing stopping us has been ourselves.

[KUGLER] This is a sophomore, redshirt sophomore. He has looked a lot more comfortable and more confident this year Than last year which is expected after having a season under his belt. It seems to be showing up on the playing field right now for Nebraska.

[SWAIN] I think he is getting a lot more reps at the starter and that makes a huge difference.

[KUGLER] Does Deantae Grixby have a chance at I-back this season?

[BABCOCK] I think as he works back into good health and has an opportunity. I know in the brief time he went through spring before the injury, the coaches were really high on him as far as he came in in good condition and was doing good things. I think they feel good about him. Just a case of him getting into a situation where he is healthy enough to play. I think he could be a factor there.

[KUGLER] What about Joe Walker this season? We have seen him come back from injury. There was talk at the press conference, where might you put Joe Walker. The health of Joe Walker has really become kind of an important thing for the Nebraska defense. He gives great depth in the secondary.

[SWAIN] Not only in the secondary but also in kick returns. That is where he is valuable to this team also. I don't think they want to race into maybe thinking maybe we will try him on offense or things like that. When you talk to Joe Walker, here is a young man who is so thrilled to be back, that he has overcome the surgery, and is back playing and he is happy right now. He is a tremendous asset on kick returns and a key cog in the secondary. Let's keep it like that for a while.

[KUGLER] Absolutely. Let's keep our trivia questions rolling. We have the answer to number two. The answer comes from Angie Anderson in Broken Bow, Nebraska. She knew the answer to this. How many total points have the cowboys scored against the Huskers In the 1990's in Lincoln. It's a total of six whole points in three games in the 1990's in Lincoln. Nebraska didn't play Oklahoma State in the first two years of the Big 12 conference. Six points. Are they going to add to that total in great numbers this weekend?

[SWAIN] I think any team that comes in to play the Huskers will be hard pressed to score many points against that defense. I think that could very well happen again come Saturday.

[KUGLER] Is this Charlie Mcbride's best defensive unit, Mike?

[BABCOCK] It has the potential to be. The thing that is most impressive, I thought, and it was illustrated in the Missouri game is how fast these guys close. There were situations where it looked like a Missouri back was going to get yardage and Mike Brown, for example, closed so fast. I think it's difficult to beat a team with that kind of speed on defense. I think that's most impressive. If I were to evaluate defenses he has had -- of course, you have to wait until the season is over -- I think it has the potential to be that because of the depth and speed.

[SWAIN] I think what was impressive was the fact that Kyle Vanden Bosch didn't play very much or Aaron Wills because of injuries and they still didn't miss a beat.

[BABCOCK] They have outstanding young guys on defense that can't get on the field because they have so much experience there. You are right. Vanden Bosch got only a couple of plays and was out for the rest of the game and got young guys in there. That's good, too. A game like that and get the young guys in there to get reps. They just keep bringing them in when a guy gets hurt.

[KUGLER] Bobby commented on the defense today at the press conference.

[NEWCOMBE] Coach Mcbride is just an intelligent football coach that he can find a weakness of any offense, either match-ups or the whole side of an offensive line or anything and he will exploit those weaknesses. He has done that in the last few games. He puts players in the position to make plays. They have made those plays the last two games. I'm grateful I don't have to drop back in the pocket and have Vanden Bosch come snap my spine or something.

[KUGLER] I don't think anybody would envy that having your spine snapped By Kyle Vanden Bosch. I know Bobby Newcombe is happy not to face those guys except in Practice and he doesn't do that anymore because he is not a quarterback anymore. Let's look at the Big 12. Poor Baylor. They had a chance to start on a good note and now things are not going well. Texas the win 62-0. A bit of a surprise as washington and Rick Neuheisel bites the hand That once fed him so to speak beating Colorado. Kansas State came from way behind. Iowa State lead at one point. Then the Wild Cats realize they don't want to get upset by Iowa State and win it. The air Sooners continue to throw for 400 yards a game and continue to win. They're 3-0 on the season. Texas A&M, no offensive touchdowns scored against Southern Miss. 23-6 A&M with a couple of defensive scores. San Diego State continues Terry Allen's problems. And, of course, Nebraska 40-10 over Missouri. We have not talked much about the Big 12. What about the problems Terry Allen is having in Kansas? That's a team struggling mightily. They lose at home big to San Jose state.

[BABCOCK] That's an embarrassment right there. I think the Kansas City paper on the morning of the Nebraska game, I was reading a story about Kansas and in the story the talk was in Order for Kansas to go to a bowl game with two losses or 1-2 already, they're going to have to start winning and they get beat at home by San Diego State. That's a difficult situation they found themselves in.

[SWAIN] They might have a few more empty sky boxes after that one.

[KUGLER] I would say so after that loss. Kevin Steele had the chance to go 2-0 and missed the extra point in The overtime to continue the game with Boston College. And then the difficult game against UNLV. Former assistant of Nebraska down there having all kinds of trouble.

[BABCOCK] He will get it turned around. I think he inherited a program where there is not a whole lot. I think that will have rocky times before he gets it on the right track. I think he will do a good job. If anybody can, I think he can.

[KUGLER] Will Bobby Newcombe get more chances to catch the ball in the coming weeks? I would assume he would as he works into the wingback role. [] It comes back to getting more reps. He will get the ball more and more and more as he feels more comfortable at that spot.

[KUGLER] Continuing on with the Bobby Newcombe topic. Is Bobby Newcombe taking snaps at quarterback? 15-20 now I think.

[BABCOCK] On the roster at the Missouri game, he was listed as wingback, quarterback. I think they include him that way because otherwise there are only two quarterbacks with Crouch and Perino. As Warren said as he gets into the season and plays wingback, I think you will see him utilized more.

[KUGLER] Ron in Greta - to keep on the same topic, are they going to redshirt Jammal Lord?

[BABCOCK] Unless something drastic happens I think it's clear they'll redshirt him.

[KUGLER] He has received a lot of praise for picking up the offense in The amount of time he has. Turner Gill said he really grasped the offense as a freshman. What if Nebraska is defeated? I guess we will find out at the end. Usually the B.C.S. decides that.

[SWAIN] They have more involved in the deciding mixture this year. It will shake out when it's time.

[KUGLER] Time for the third trivia question. Be the first caller with the correct answer to the question and you Will receive a vhs copy of "Coach Osborne: More Than Winning." Oklahoma State running back Nathan Simmons needs just 201 yards to Reach 2,000 in his career. Thurman Thomas is OSU's all-time leader with 4,595 yards. What running back, now retired from the NFL, is second on the Cowboy's all-time rushing list? Be the first correct caller and you will receive a VHS copy of "Coach Osborne: More Than Winning." Let's talk about Oklahoma State. Is Oklahoma State going to be a challenge this Saturday? I think with their defense, they have no way not to be a challenge.

[SWAIN] Along with their defense, they have quality running backs. Ethan Howell is a big play wide receiver for them. If they had Tony Lindsay, that offense would really be tough. B.J. Tiger is a player they're high on getting in the recruiting process. He has shown some things so far. You just can't replace a tony lindsay who is the veteran, who understands the offense, and the system. Even though say they Tony Lindsay could be doubtful for this game Saturday, I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him on the field at some point.

[KUGLER] You think teams would use a smoke screen like that to throw somebody off?

[SWAIN] Of course not. No.

[KUGLER] What about the job Bob Simmons has done at Oklahoma State?

[BABCOCK] I think he has done an outstanding job. When Oklahoma was in its hey day, I think that really was a problem. I think he went in with a positive attitude that he would get it turned around. I think with Oklahoma being down, I think that enhanced his chances of doing a good job. I think he has it on a solid foundation. I think he has been good for that program.

[KUGLER] Here is Mike from Omaha. Mike, how is it going?

[MIKE] I have a comment and question for Warren.

[KUGLER] Go ahead.

[MIKE] First off, Warren, I would like to thank you for the job you do And the quality product that Pinnacle puts out. It's nice to turn down the sound on the TV and listen to the radio During the television broadcast.

[SWAIN] Thank you.

[MIKE] Is it easier or harder to call the game from the new press box Compared to the old?

[KUGLER] Easier or harder to broadcast from the press box?

[SWAIN] Adrian and I were worried about being up higher and then we watched the final pre-season scrimmage from our booth. We were afraid everybody would look like ants being up that high. You are up high but have a better vantage point to call the game. You can see the numbers very well and you can see the overall play develop better than the older press box. I never thought that would be possible. We have a tremendous vantage point. You look down on it and you can see everything well and it is tremendous.

[MIKE] It ought to be for the price tag.

[SWAIN] That's right.

[KUGLER] We have some highlights to show you from Oklahoma State and Tulsa earlier in the season to give you an idea of the Cowboys this year. Their offense has been something that's been a struggle. You look at B.J. Tiger, the quarterback. They're 11th in the Big 12. That may not put the fear of god into the Husker defensive coaches this week.

[BABCOCK] They have to rely on their defense to be successful at Memorial Stadium Saturday. Oklahoma State has had a tradition of having a rugged defense. It will be hard to put points on the board even with a good Offense.

[KUGLER] This is against Tulsa as I mentioned on September 11th. Now you get a chance to look at Tiger's throwing arm to Howell. He is the leading receiver. Ethan Howell, scored against the Huskers last year in Kansas City. Tiger, Warren, is the kind of guy that looks like Tony Lindsay in a lot of ways. A good arm and very athletic. Can scramble as you see there.

[SWAIN] Can't beat experience and you can't beat being a veteran quarterback. There in is the difference.

[KUGLER] That's a look at the freshman quarterback. He has not seen a lot of playing time as of late. He is not the star of the cowboys' offense. Here are the stars. It's the defense. They're fifth in the nation against the run. Second versus the pass. Third overall in the whole country in total defense. Mike, I guess Nebraska will find out soon if the offense is healed after the win with Missouri.

[BABCOCK] This will be a good evaluation coming off the Missouri game. I think Oklahoma State has been always a physical defense. Of course, at times have played Nebraska pretty well. I don't think they will fool them like last year with the surprise defense they put in.

[SWAIN] I feel a little bit better because Kenyatta Wright is supposedly not to play against the Huskers and as Mike said before we went on the air, he is a big time player and they will really miss him.

[KUGLER] Let's look at the schedule for Oklahoma State. They beat Louisiana Lafayette and Tulsa. They lost at Mississippi State 29-11. They have had two weeks to prepare you will notice. Is that something the coaches are worried about because they had Two weeks to prepare. Last year they came out with a trick defense and almost upset the Huskers. By many rights should have beat Nebraska at Kansas City.

[BABCOCK] It was not so much a trick defense but a sound defense. It was something they had not shown before. I was looking at the Oklahoma State release. After off weeks they haven't done so well. They're like winning two of their last 10 games when they have an extra week to prepare.

[SWAIN] Missouri had two weeks to prepare for the Huskers and you saw what happened there. Oklahoma State is in the same boat and iowa state next week, they will have had two weeks to prepare. I think Nebraska, they're getting used to that.

[KUGLER] Jeff in Lincoln wants to know if Frank Solich will use a more conservative offense against Oklahoma State this week? Nebraska throws it 17 times and people think it is a radical change. Will he go more conservative?

[BABCOCK] He admitted he went conservative towards the end of the Southern Mississippi game. I don't think he would go into a game thinking I'm going to be conservative. They'll go into the game doing what they do and the ame's progress will dictate whether they get conservative. I don't think they will be conservative.

[KUGLER] John in Omaha wants to know about Mike Brown. He has been phenomenal and has been a star of a good defense this year.

[SWAIN] When you watch Mike Brown play against Missouri, he was absolutely incredible. He can react and he can come up and support and help out. Frank Solich pointed out today that he singled out Mike brown as being a tremendous player, had a terrific game against Missouri. Mike Brown can fly to the football anywhere he is at.

[KUGLER] There was a play that stands out in my mind about Mike Brown. A regular option run. Mike Brown came flying across the field and was able to tackle the ball carrier for a loss on Saturday's game. Something you rarely see somebody cover that much ground that quickly.

[SWAIN] He closes so fast. Charlie Mcbride said today he is as good at his position than anybody they have had at that position. I think that's reflective of his true ability. I think he is an outstanding player. Sometimes you don't get quite as much attention when you have Ralph Brown with the national attention focused on him as potential All- American. I think Mike Brown sometimes get overlooked. I think he is an outstanding player.

[KUGLER] Frank Solich would agree with you. He spoke today as Warren mentioned about Mike Brown. Here is what he had to say about one of the browns in the back Field.

[SOLICH] I think I would like to compliment Mike Brown on his play this past week. He has also played well, of course, throughout the whole season. but this past game, standing on the sideline and watching him support on the options and being as great a tackler as he is and Covering the ground he covers, I thought he had a spectacular game. I think he should be commended for that. That's not to take away from the defensive game that the other players had. We had other players that played really great football. But I particularly want to mention Mike.

[KUGLER] You have to think that Mike brown is playing exceptional football. Frank Solich will make a point to mention it at his press conference.

[SWAIN] You don't hear that too often. That got everyone's attention today.

[KUGLER] The Huskers will try to get their attention focused on Oklahoma State coming up this week. We have our attention focused on the third trivia question. We got a lot of answers being Barry Sanders. That's not the answer. It's not Barry Sanders that was the answer but Terry Miller who played from 1974-77. Barry Sanders had two good years and left early as after a sub-par freshman year. Terry Miller will not play this weekend and neither will Barry Sanders. Howard in Omaha, why is there a delay on the TV compared to radio?

[KUGLER] Satellite.

[KUGLER] Satellite differences there. What are your outlooks on Oklahoma State? I hope we cover the those. Oklahoma State will be pretty tough, Jeff, defensively anyway. Are the referees calling more penalties for holding this year an running plays than in the past?

[SWAIN] Kind of seems that way.

[BABCOCK] Additional penalties. So it must be the officials because it wouldn't be the players.

[KUGLER] That doesn't happen. One more question. How will the B.C.S. affect the Huskers? We don't know the answer to that. Those have not come out and won't until the eighth week in the season.

[BABCOCK] Which is good. I think you get a better read then and are not going on speculation early in the season. That was a good decision. I think.

[KUGLER] Your final thoughts on this weekend?

[SWAIN] It's going to be a tough game. Nebraska's offense, we will find more out about it going against The Oklahoma State defense. I think the Cowboys are going to be hard pressed to score a lot of points against the blackshirts and hopefully the offense will keep right on rolling and getting better and better.

[KUGLER] That does it for our show on "Big Red Wrap-Up." For Warren Swain and Mike Babcock and our entire ETV crew, I'm Kevin Kugler, good night.