Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • 24

'-f 1 SB sSyl'NS'g. 1997 HUSKER EXTRA Page design: KarlVogd 1 iv.JS. X. A Alt i t.fi :9 1 i 7 1 i ft1-: J' i ri i -5 i i I 1 A. vV--i TED KIRKbncoln Journal Star NU fullback Joel Makovicka (45, above) high steps into the end zone for a first-quarter touchdown as Oklahoma defensive back Mike Woods (2) tries to bring him down.

Nebraska quarterback Scott Frost (7, right picture) jumps over fullback Joel Makovicka (45), whose block took out Oklahoma linebacker Brandon Moore (46), on a second-quarter run. TED KIRKLmcoln Journal Star Freshman phenom Newcombe makes big statement BY STEVE SIPPLE Lincoln Journal Star i i Eventually, Nebraska freshman Bobby Newcombe will have to choose either quarterback or wingback. Perhaps the Cornhusker football coaches will make the choice for him. Whatever the case, he's a wingback for now and he's not complaining. "I said at the beginning of the season that I just want to be able to 1 I 1 contribute, said Newcombe, who came to Lincoln last summer as a highly regarded quarterback recruit.

"Now that I am contributing, it makes me smile all day long." The 6-foot, 185-pounder had Wi if I jr s. 1 I end zone on his punt return before being tripped up by teammate Shevin Wiggins as Wiggins dove to make a block. Newcombe's 40-yard touchdown catch occurred when he sprinted free of coverage and hauled in a perfect strike from quarterback Scott Frost, helping give Nebraska a 27-0 lead early in the second quarter. His most athletic play, however, came during the third quarter, long after the outcome had been decided, when he made a twisting one-handed grab along the sideline. Newcombe had been forced out of bounds by an Oklahoma defender as he ran his pass route.

Nebraska receivers coach Ron Brown was impressed that Newcombe had the presence of mind to continue with his route and make the catch. Receivers can return from out of bounds if they are forced out by a defender. "People started to doubt us as to why we took Bobby out of a redshirt season," Brown said. "But he's a fabulous athlete He's not ready for the Hall of Fame yet, but he showed he'll be able to help us a lot this season." Nebraska coaches decided to play Newcombe as a true freshman because they wanted to put his athletic ability to good use. Injuries at wingback earlier this season made it even more of a logical move.

After Saturday's game, Newcombe was asked what position he would prefer to play in the future. "In my heart, I would say quarterback I've played there for awhile," he said. "But I'd also like to be used as an athlete. "Coach Osborne and I will talk about it after the season," he added. For now, Newcombe just wants the fun to continue.

"I'm feeling a lot more comfortable," he said. "My confidence is building every week." NEWCOMBE V- plenty to smile about after contributing mightily in Nebraska's 69-7 whipping of Oklahoma Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Newcombe returned a punt 57 yards to set up Nebraska's first touchdown and later caught a 40-yard touchdown pass. He entered the game with one reception for 1 yard on the season but caught three passes for 88 yards against the Sooners and finished with 167 all-purpose yards. "Bobby is a big-play guy and has really come around the last couple weeks," Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne said.

"He now knows the offense well enough that we can put him in any situation." Newcombe who shares the No. 2 spot on the depth chart with Wiggins behind starter Lance Brown appeared headed for the s5 AciWVjjsf -v. )S jjv- a-w (-wwwMi i- -aftf: "Wit i --mirinWii -ivfe 1 1 ijii.tj.immt: RANDY HAMPTONLineoln Journal Star Bobby Newcombe (1 2) eludes Oklahoma punter Brian Shackelford on a 57-yard punt return that set up Nebraska's first touchdown in the first quarter. Newcombe, a freshman wingback, also caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Scott Frost later in the game. Ml.

Ff V1'- Viz rNv )r An uuncmuauncoin journal aiar uinnmiu .1.1 j. i 4 BANDY HAMPTONUnooln Journal Star Husker linebacker 0ctavious (4) races away the celebrate Coach Tom Osborne 250th career victory. recoverjng a by ou quarterback Justin Fuente (1 2) in the first quarter. TED KIRKLmcoln Journal Star Black Shirt defensive tackles Jason Peter (55) and Jason Wiltz (back) sandwich Oklahoma quarterback Justin Fuente (1 2) on an early pass. I 1.