35-31, WOW! . ... Nixon cassis By IIAL BROWN Star Sports Editor Norman., Qkla., President Richard Nixon had to wait on Nebraska football coach Bob Devaney Thursday for 30 minutes. After waiting at his end for 30 minutes after the Nebraska-Oklahoma game here, , the President finally got Devaney on the other end. The phone rang in the OU press box just seconds after the game ended, and the operator announced that the Western White House was calling. Attempts were made to make connections with the press box Ehome and phones on the field, ut those attempts were not successful. Finally, an OU press crew member, took the White House number from the operator, promising to make connections with Devaney and have him call back. The operator announced that Coach Devaney could "call collect, if he likes." The connection was made on a telephone set up in the NU locker room by a Lincoln radio station. Both ends of the conversation were not clear, but Devaney was able to get in only three "Thank you, President Nixon" replies and one comment oh the Nebraska-Alabama Orange Bowl game' ''Thank you, sir," Devaney said. "Alabama is a fine team, but I don't think our boys are looking past Hawaii . next week," Devaney was smiling when he made that statement. Apparently asked about the exciting OU-NU game, Devaney said. "Yes, sir, they sold a lot of popcorn today. Nobody left." . When told that the President was trying to get hold of him and could he come to a phone, Devaney smiled and said, "Well, he is stiU in office." The conversation lasted approximately 4-5minutes. About 20 minutes after he talked to Devaney. Nixon made connections with Oklahoma Coach Chuck Fairbanks. Once again, the call had to be returned, with the Oklahoma coach placing his from the top level in the OU pressbox where he was filming his weekly show. Fairbanks, who was somewhat dejected when he heard of the call, broke into a smile when the connection was made. As in Devaney's case, Fairbanks was able to only get in a few words. Ife seemed content to listen as the President complimented his Sooners on the fine game. "Yes, sir," Fairbanks' first reply was, "We did play well. I was very proud of our team today. We just came out on the short end.
