The Orlando Sentinel from Orlando, Florida • Page 16

B-6 The Orlando Sentinel, Monday, January 2, 1995 UM rolls over Nebraska cornerbacks Nebraska vs. Miami mm Two network television reports Sunday tied Miami coach Dennis Erick son to NFL jobs, but Hurricanes Athletic Director Paul Dee said he has no indication that his coach expects to leave. The Fox Network reported Erick- son might be interested in Philadelphia's vacancy if Dick Vermeil doesn't xaKe tne job. nbc reported that Enckson is Seattle's No. 1 choice for its vacant job.

"Is he going to be talked to? I don't doubt that that might hap The Cornhuskers' defense" allowed the Hurricanes 153 passing yards in the first half. David O'Brien FORT LAUDERDALE SUN-SENTINEL Being able to handle an opponent's receivers in man-to-man coverage has been a source of pride all season for Nebraska. But Sunday at the Orange Bowl, that pride took a beating. The Cornhuskers, who had allowed more than 160 passing yards only once in the last seven games of the season, allowed almost that much in one half against the University of Miami. The Hurricanes, whose receiving corps features more speed and depth than anything Nebraska had encountered all season, rolled up 153 passing yards in the first half.

Nebraska cornerbacks Barron Miles and Tyrone Williams, who were victimized more than once in last year's Orange Bowl loss to Florida State, found themselves getting picked on again Sunday by Chris T. Jones, A.C. Tellison, Jammi German and Jonathan Harris. The tone was set early. On UM's first possession, Jones beat Miles badly on a quick out pattern, and quarterback Frank Costa connected with him for a 7-yard gain as the Hurricanes drove to a field goal.

Miami next had to start from its 3-yard line, but it didn't matter. German beat Miles on a 17-yard completion, and Tellison got ahead of both cornerbacks over the middle for a 43-yard reception to the Cornhuskers' 37. Two plays later, from the 35, Costa threw a flanker-screen pass to freshman Trent Jones, who was supposed to be covered by Ed Stewart, one of the smaller, quicker linebackers that Nebraska has built its defense around in an effort to keep up with the likes of FSU and UM. Stewart might be quick, but he didn't have a hope of catching Jones after Stewart was caught leaning a couple of steps toward Costa. Jones blew by Stewart's outstretched arms and was barely touched the rest of the way en route to a 35-yard touchdown that put UM up; 10-0.

Costa threw for 130 yards in the first period, but Nebraska began getting a consistent pass rush with its blitzing schemes in the second quarter, taking some pressure off weary defensive backs. But it wouldn't last. After halftime, began picking Nebraska apart again, using three-step drops to beat Nebraska's blitzed Miles is a third-team All-America selection, but he is also 5 feet 8. He was overmatched at times by Chris T. Jones and Tellison, wheare both 6-4.

Jones leaped above Miles on first play of the second half to catch a pass on the left sideline for 6 yards. Four plays later at Nebraska's 44, Costa threw a pass to Harris in the left flat. Harris had talked about how he relished the opportunity to face man-to-man coverage. He got it, and he made the most of it. Safety Kareem Moss was assigned to Harris but was playing well back.

When Moss ran toward him, after the catch, Harris fust cut past him and back across the field, then outran two other defenders on the way to the 44-yard touchdown that put Miami up, 17-7. pen, uee said before Miami game against Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. "I know before he decides to do something, he and I will talk about it." Dee said he plans to meet with Erickson, this week about extending the coach's contract, which has six years remaining. Erickson said Tuesday he'll return to Miami next season. "I think Coach means what he says," Dee said.

Dee said no one has approached him seeking permission to talk with Erickson aDOut another job, and Erickson hasn Miami backup fullback Larry Jones played in the Orange Bowl despite receiving 15 stitches in his right leg after he cut himself on a glass coffee taoie wniie cleaning his house. Jones, jogged and rode a bike to test his self Friday night, John Hahn, Miami's sports information director, said Sunday. "He has a laceration on his lower right leg suffered in an accident at his home when he accidentally stepped on a glass coffee table and it DroKe, Mann said. As a backup to i vs tne Hurricanes' third-leading rusher with 409 yards. Sunday's Orange Bowl marked the end of a 20-year contract between the game and the Big Eight.

The new Bowl Alliance that takes effect next season will rotate potential national championship games every three years. The Big Eight has had six national championship teams play in the Orange Bowl Oklahoma in 1955, 1975 and 1985, Nebraska in 1970 and 1971 and Colorado in 1991. The game Sunday marked the eighth time in the last 14 years the Big Eight has played a national championship game in the Orange Bowl. The game also will move from the stadium that bears its name to Joe Robbie Stadium north of Miami after next year's matchup. The grounds crew worked until 2 a.m.

Sunday on the turf at the Orange Bowl after Nebraska coach Tom Osborne complained that an 18-hour rehearsal for the halftime show had damaged the field. Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros, circus was booked to entertain and spent Friday working out the kinks in the show. The all-day pounding left the field pock-marked in places. There were small divots near the sideline, bare spots in the middle of the field and cigarette butts left scattered all over. Osborne had said his players would have to "hop over the elephant's tracks." Max Cruz, manager of the Orange Bowl, said the overnight work paid off.

"It's a 100 percent improvement. It's in good condition." Frank Solich, Nebraska's running backs coach, walked the field before the game. "It's a lot better than it was. You can tell they have done a lot of work on it. I don't know what the halftime show will do to it, but it's fine right now." The 'Canes are awaking the echoes in their new locker room.

In an effort to make the most of UM's football tradition, school officials are honoring past players by posting plaques in the lockers of the renovated locker room at the Hecht Athletic Center. The past standouts will be recognized by their numbers. That means when freshman receiver Omar Rolle steps up to his locker to slip on his No. 36 jersey, he will see the names of two stars who also wore that number, Bennle Blades and Lamar Thomas. The future bearer of No.

98 will be reminded that Jerome Brown and Rusty Me-dearis wore the number and so on. Also, UM has picked up on the idea of the NFL's throwbacks weekends. All the original designs of jerseys the 'Canes wore to different bowl games through the years will be hung in hallways to honor those bowl teams. Minutiae: UM receiver A.C. Telllson left the game after separating his left shoulder in the second quarter.

He was called for pass interference on the play he was hurt. Tellison had caught a key 43-yard pass from Frank Costa on UM's second scoring drive. When Dwayne Harris sacked Costa for a safety in the third quarter, it marked the first time that the Husk- ers had recorded a safety in their previous 32 bowl appearances A cast of former UM standouts were back on the sideline to root for the 'Canes. Among those in attendance were: Alonzo Highsmlth; Cortez Kennedy; Bemle Kosar; Mlcheal Barrow; George Mlra Ryan McNeil; Mike Sullivan; Darryl Williams; Roland Smith; Tolbert Bain and Kevin Patrick Miami lineman Warren Sapp, the Lombardi Award winner from Plymouth, appeared with his arm in a sling at Dan Marino's restaurant two nights before the Orange Bowl. Was he hurt? "That was Warren having a little fun," Hahn said.

"He's really OK." FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS v. He. indicated he might leave. the MVP of the 1992 Orange Bowl, readiness for the qame after he cut him James Stewart this season, Jones was 1961 Peach BoM Miami 20, Virginia Tech 10 1967 Bluebonnot Bowl Colorado 31, Miami 21 1966 Liberty Bowl Miami 14, Virginia Tech 7 1962 Gothem BoM Nebraska 36, Miami 34 1961 Liberty Bowl Syracuse 15, Miami 14 1952 Qator Bowl Miami 14, Clemson 0 1951 Orange BoM Clemson 15, Miami 14 1646 Orange BoM Miami 13, Holy Cross 6 1935 Orange BoM Bucknell 26, Miami 0 1934 Palm Festival Duquesne 33, Miami 7 1933 Palm Fleetlvel Miami 7, Manhattan 0 1979 Orange Bowl Oklahoma 31 Nebraska 24 1977 Liberty BoM Nebraska 21, North Carolina 17 1976 Astro-Bluebonnet BoM Neb. 27, Tex.

Tech 24 1975 Fleete BoM Arizona St. 17, Nebraska 14 1974 Sugar BoM Nebraska 13, Florida 10 1974 Cotton BoM Nebraska 19, Texas 3 1973 Orange BoM Nebraska 40, Notre Dame 6 1972 Orange BoM Nebraska 38, Alabama 6 1971 Orange BoM Nebraska 17, Louisiana St 12 1969 Sun BoM Nebraska 45, Georgia 8 1967 Sugar BoM Alabama 34, Nebraska 7 1966 Orange BoM Alabama 39. Nebraska 28 1966 Cotton BoM Arkansas 10, Nebraska 7 1964 Orange BoM Nebraske 13, Auburn 7 1962 Gotham BoM Nebraska 36, Miami, Fla 34 1955 Orange BoM Duke 34, Nebraska 7 1941 Rose BoM Stanford 21, Nebraska 13 1955 Duke 34, Nebraska 7 1954 Oklahoma 7, Maryland 0 195S Alabama 81, Syracuse 8 1952 George Tech 17, Baylor 14 1951 Clemson 15, Miami, Fla. 14 1950 Santa Clara 21 Ksrrejcky 13 1949 Texas 41 Georgia 28 1948 Georgra Tech 20. Kansas 14 1947 Bee 4 Tennessee 0 1948 Mami, Fla 13, HorV Cross 8 1948 Tulsa 28, Georgia Tech 12 1944 LSU 19, Texas MM 14 1943 Alabama 37, Boston Col.

21 1942 Georgia 40. Texas Christian 28 1941 ma St 14. Georgetown 7 1940 Georgia Tech 21, Mrsrjeurl 7 1939 Termeasee 17, Oklahoma 0 1938 Auburn 6, Micnoan St 0 1937 Duquesne 13, Meat. St 12 1936 Cathofc IJ. 20.

Mississippi It 138 BurtmfoMiarri, Fla. 0 Osborne made sorrte key moves" COOPER from B-1 3 This game was Miami's to win before the Hurricanes fell ar)art I like wet tissue paper. Hurricanes quarterback Frank Costa, rna- ligned much of the season for me- i diocre performances, gave his crit- ics more ammunition when-he was unable to move Miami in Jhe second half. Meanwhile, the Cornhuskers were moving like a freight train. Osborne had opened himself up to second-guessing with his surpris- ing decision to start Tommie Ffraz- ier at quarterback.

Frazier had been out with blood clots inhis locr cinnp Rpntpmhpr nnrf in absence, backup quarterback Brook Berringer had been flaw- lessly guiding the offense. So i what does Osborne do? After watching Berringer toss two injer- ceptions in a scrimmage this week, he decides a rusty Frazier should face one of the toughest, meanest defenses in college foot- ball. Frazier's timing was sol off that he called a timeout on ihe second play of the game. Later, he threw a ball up for grabs that the Hurricanes picked off, killing a Nebraska drive. By the time Os- I borne turned to Berringer, the Cornhuskers were trailing, 10-0, at 1 the end of the first period, But in the crucial fourth quarter, Osborne makes the coachjng move of the year.

With Nebraska trailing, 17-9, he orders option-specialist Frazier back into the game. The change of pace threw out of kilter. All Frazier does is lead the Cornhuskers to two touchdowns and a two-point conversion. Then he, picks up the trophy for being the MVP. Winning here was an unfamiliar feeling for the Cornhuskers, who had dropped their last four Or- i ange Bowl appearances incljud- I ing three to the Hurricanes.

It was a bitter defeat for Miami, college football's version of the I Los Angeles Raiders. The Raiders i are renegades and so are the Hur- ricanes. There's no denying what makes the Hurricanes great, They're exhibitionists, eager; to strut before television cameras, i and their insatiable desire to hog the spotlight has everybody on the team trying to make big plays. For three quarters, UM made big plays. Star defensive lineman Warren Sapp makes an incredible sack and stomps off the field like the rap star Hammer showing off fancy dance steps.

Wide receiver Chris T. Jones makes a great grab along the sideline and jumps lup with his arms outstretched, fully ready to spend a few moments sa voring the applause. Tailback 5 Jonathan Harris hauls in a short pass, turns it into a sensational, 44-yard TD, and the Hurricanes stage an impromptu party in the end zone. But on this night, the Hurri- canes wouldn't take a final bow. They had upstaged the Cornhusk- ers for three quarters plus a whole week of news conferences.

Sapp drew laughter during the week when he said Nebraska's I seven-game bowl losing streak was like "throwing up your food and eating it again." Miami's Ray Lewis had said the Cornhuskers couldn't win with Supermaa at quarterback. The Hurricanes had reported for news conferences looking like rock stars with gold earrings, necklaces, bracelets and baseball caps they wore back- 1 wards. Unfortunately for Miami, those fashion statements mean little now. i i Nebraska, more conservative fl and morneatly dressed, is Ifa. I Mj 1 Nebraska 0 7 2 15 24 Miami 10 0 7 0 17 NB-UM Scoring pley PAT Myptoy Drive Tne First Quarter 03 fGPmMM C.T Jones IB pass from Coea 1001 5:35 0-10 T.

Jones 36 pen ton Cost PrewMlock Teeson 43 pass from Cosa 547 2:35 Second Oiler 7-10 Gnan 19 pass from Berringer Sieterlock 5-40 2:20 Third Quarter 7-17 Harris 44 pees torn Costt PrewH. kick 5-78 1:41 0-17 Safety. Herns sacks CoMa in end ions Fourth Quarter 17-17 Schlenger15run Aforr peas from Fraaer pmipsgrun 2-40 033 24-17 Schteanger 14 run Sietorkk 7-56 3:42 Nebraska's Abdul Muhammad (right) congratulates Cory Schlesinger on game-winning score. 'Huskers end 7-game bowl skid aal 4b. if rf An interception by Nebraska safety Kareen Moss on a fourth-and-19 pass from UM quarterback Frank Costa's denied Miami's final comeback efforts.

"We couldn't make the plays on offense when we had to," Miami coach Dennis Erickson said. "We just couldn't get anything done. They came down here and beat us in our home stadium. They deserve to be national champions." This one looked like it would slip away from Nebraska early in the third quarter, when Miami took its opening possession and extended its lead to 10 points on a 44-yard catch-and-run by Jonathan Harris. After running a short crossing pattern, Harris caught Costa's pass, faked Moss, and cut upfield.

He evaded lunging Nebraska cor-nerback Barron Miles inside the 5-yard line before scoring with 13:19 left in the third quarter. Dane Prewitt's conversion kick gave the Canes a 17-7 lead. Nebraska cut the lead to 17-9 when outside linebacker Dwayne Harris sacked Costa in the end zone for a safety with 11:35 left in the third quarter. The Cornhuskers continued their valiant run at the Hurricanes, tying the score with 7:38 remaining on a 15-yard run by Schlesinger and a 2-point conversion from Frazier to tight end EricAlford. "We felt if we were close going into the fourth quarter, we would have an excellent chance," Osborne said.

The Cornhuskers had difficulty int. ft Y' establishing offensive continuity early in the game after making a significant change just days before the matchup. Osborne picked Frazier out since Sept. 24 over Brook Berringer as his starting quarterback. Frazier had played in three games and less than one quarter of another before a blood clot in his leg forced him to the miss the remainder of the regular season.

He was ineffective a completion and interception on three attempts before Osborne replaced him with Berringer to begin the second quarter. By then, the Hurricanes had established their dominance, scoring 10 points on their first two possessions. After forcing Nebraska to punt on the game's opening series, the Hurricanes used a balanced attack to move 31 yards to Nebraska's 27-yard line. Prewitt then kicked a 44-yard field goal his longest of the season with 5:35 remaining in the first quarter. Although Nebraska drove into Miami's territory on the ensuing possession, Frazier threw into double-coverage on a pass intended for Abdul Muhammad, Miami cornerback Carlos Jones intercepted the pass, giving Miami a first down on its 3-yard line.

Five plays later, Costa threw a short swing pass to Trent Jones, who ran through a gantlet of Cornhuskers defenders to score on a 35-yard catch-and-run. Prewitt's conversion kick gave the Hurricanes a 10-0 lead with 4 seconds left in the quartenee ORANGE from B-1 misery that has marked recent efforts. Although Osborne is one of the most successful college coaches in history, winning at least nine games in all 22 of his seasons at Nebraska, he has yet to win a national title. The Cornhuskers had lost seven consecutive bowl games, including five losses in the Orange Bowl. Four of those defeats had come against higher-ranked Florida schools.

Osborne used Sunday's post-game news conference to reflect on his disappointments including an 18-16 loss to Florida State in last year's national championship game as he glanced at the runner-up trophy before making his opening comments. "I usually collect this trophy here," he said. "I thought our team really had a tremendous resolve. They pretty much dedicated themselves last year to get the job done. They had a tremendous work ethic during the summer." Nebraska finally held onto its No.

1 position before a record crowd of 81,753. Although Frazier completed only 3 of 5 passes for 25 yards, he led an option offense that gained 199 yards against the Hurricanes. A significant impact was also made by Nebraska's defense, which held Miami to 98 yards rushing. The Hurricanes, trying to position themselves for their fifth national title since 1983, dropped to 10-2. 4 1MS Orange Bowl Nebraska 24, Miami 17 199 Fleete BOM 1983 Sugar Bom Arizona 29.

Miami Alabama 34, Miami 13 1992 Orange Bowl 1991 Cotton Bowl Miami 22, Nebraska 0 Miami 46, Texas 3 Miami 33. Alabama 25 1990 Sugar Bowl 1989 orange bom 1988 Orange Bowl Miami 23, Nebraska 3 Miami 20. Oklahoma 14 1987 Fleela Bowl 1986 Sugar BoM 1985 Fiesta Bowl Penn Slate 14, Miami 10 Tennessee 35, Miami 7 Miami 37. UCLA 30 1964 Orange Bowl Miami 31, Nebraska 30 1995 Orange Bowl Nebraska 24, Miami 17 1994 Orange BoM Florida SL 18, Nebraska 18 1993 Orange BoM Florida St 27, Nebraska 14 1992 Orange BoM Miam, Fla 22, Nebraska 0 1991 Cltrua BoM Georgia Tech 45, Nebraska 21 1990 Fiesta BoM Florida St. 41, Nebraska 17 1989 Orange BoM Miami, Fla.

23, Nebraska 3 1988 Fleete BoM Florida State 31, Nebraska 28 1987 Sugar BoM Nebraska 30. Louisiana St. 15 1986 Fleete BoM Michigan 27, Nebraska 23 1986 Sugar BoM Nebraska 28, Louisiana St. 10 1984 Orange BoM Miami, Fax 31, Nebraska 30 1983 Orange BoM Nebraska 21, Louisiana St 20 1962 Orange BoM Clemson 22, Nebraska 15 1980 Sun BoM Nebraska 31, Mississippi St. 17 1980 Cotton BoM Houston 17, Nebraska 14 1998 1994.

1993. 1992. 1991. 1990. 1988.

Nebraska 24. Mnii" 17 --Floods St 18, Nebraska 16 Ffrjnda St 27, Nebraska 14 Miami. Re 22. Nebraska 0 Colorado 10, Notre Oams 9 Notre Dame 21, Colorado 6 -MiamtFle 23, Nebraska 3 -Mami, Fla. 20.

Oklahoma 14 Oklahoma 42. Arkansas 8 Oklahoma 25, Perm St 10 Warnngton 28, Oklahoma 17 Mart, Fla. 31, Nebraska 30 Nebraska 21 Lousrana St 20 Clemson 22, Nebraska 15 Oklahoma 18, Florida St 17 Oklahoma 24. Ffrjnda St 7 -OderxXTia 31, Nebraska 24 Arkansas 31 OMahome 8 1973-1974-1973-1972-1971-1970-1969. 1968-1967 Psnn Penn Notre Dame 13, Alabama 11 Pern St 16.

Loureene St Nebraska 40. Note Dams -Nebraska 38. Alabama 6 Nebraska 17, Louarana St 12 St 10, Missouri 3 St 15. Kansas 14 Odahorna 28, Tennessee 24 Florida 27, George Tech 12 Alabama 38. Nebraska 28 Texas 21 17 Nebraska 13, Auburn 7 Alabama 17, OMshoma 0 Louraana St 25.

Colorado 7 George 14, Missouri 0 Oklehome 21, Syracueet Oklahome 46. Ouka 21 1958-1957-1968- Oho a 27. Colorado 10 Oklahoma '4. Michigan 6 Colorado 27, Carnson 21 Olomrna 20, Maryland 8 1968-.