Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • 11

EE S3 FORTS IT 3i else en .213 NU simply toiigH ennounglhi Gordon Winters BY KEN HAMBLETON Lincoln Journal Star Scoring, team stats 11 Vs iJiL. fx: A I- Hi Nebraska answered the question "Tough enough?" in more ways than one. Crashing head-first into one of the best rushing defenses in the nation, Nebraska bullied its way to a 35-21 victory over Washington State. In doing so the Huskers hung up 428 yards on the ground and 527 yards overall Saturday at Memorial Stadium. "This was football This was great," said Grant Wistrom, Nebraska outside linebacker.

"They came out talking, it was a great atmor sphere for football. The weather was different, cool and cloudy. The fans were different in it the whole game. And this felt different than anvthing we felt all year. loved it." The crowd of 75,777 did too.

They cheered loudly when freshman I-back Ahman Green pulled away from the entire Washington State defense on a 7-yard run. The crowd roared and the entire Nebraska bench cheered when Green struggled to his feet and pumped his fist in the air on a run with time running out in the game. Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne put it simply, "Ahman did some great things." "You look at those runs of Ah-man's and the blocks by Tommie Frazier, and the way the defense rose to the challenge, the whole game typifies Nebraska football head-banging, maximum effort by everybody on the field," said Husker tight end Mark Gilman. The difference between blowouts over Michigan State, Arizona State, Oklahoma State and Pacific and Saturday was the competition, and according to quarterback Frazier, "The fun." Washington State, 2-2, charged from the start. On the second play Nebraska lost a fumble on the Cougar 10-yard line, tailback Frank Madu tore past a blitzing safety and raced 87 yards to score with 8:44 in the first quarter.

Nebraska had never trailed this season until Madu's shocker. "I didn't have any doubt we'd come Washington St. 7 0 0 14 21 Nebraska 0 20 8 7 35 WSU Frank Madu 87 run (Tony Truant kick) NU Tommie Frazier 4 run (Kris Brown kick) NU Frazier 20 run (Brown kick) NU FG Brown 33 NU FG Brown 22 NU Ahman Green 3 run (Brian Schuster pass from Brown) WSU Shawn Tims 33 pass from Chad Davis (Truant kick) NU Mark Gilman 35 pass from Frazier (Brown kick) WSU Tims 30 pass from Davis (Truant kick) WSU NU First downs 17 27 Rushes-yards 24-72 63-428 Passing yards 278 99 Total yards 350 527 Passing 20-37-0 9-20-0 Return yards -1 47 Punts Fumbles-lost 2-0 5-3 Penalties-yards 5-42 3-35 Time of possession 24:43 35: 1 7 3rd-down conversions 4-14 8-17 4th-down conversions 0-1 2-2 back, but that was tough to give up a big play like that at the start," Osborne said. And the Washington State defense was the stingiest Nebraska faced this year. Nebraska had only failed to score five times out of 26 opportunities inside opponents' 20-yard line.

The Cougars cut off Nebraska drives at the WSU 14-, 16-, 2- and 3-yard lines. "We've finally beaten Washington State," Osborne said referring to Nebraska's 0-3 record against the Cougars with losses in 1977, 1957 and 1920. "It wasn't easy. It was a good game. I was proud of Washington State and, I guess overall, I was proud of us.

"We just missed three scoring opportunities and some of that was my fault. I thought we could just run it into the end zone. But they play a real tough goal-line defense. The scoring was not commensurate with More on NU, Page 4B it TED KIRKUncom Journal Star yard gain in the second quarter A Nebraska freshman l-back Ahman Green (30) breaks loose on a 36 Saturday in Memorial Stadium. Green finished with 176 yards rushing.

Green leaves Cougars black, blue BY CURT MCKEEVER Lincoln Journal Star Even Coach Tom Osborne was singing Green's praise. "I think Ahman showed a lot today," Osborne said. "He's got that step. I think three or four weeks ago he couldn't have done this." Green had 114 yards after only three first-half carries. He took his first 24 yards on a pitch play to the Washington State 4-yard line to set up a touchdown that tied the game 7-7.

Green was knocked out of bounds by Chris Hayes and when he hit his head More on GREEN, Page 4B Ahman Green felt Washington State's best shots, but he countered with enough licks of his own while banging his way through the Cougars' highly touted defense Saturday. The freshman I-back rumbled for 176 yards and a touchdown, and showed so much savvy against the nation's No. 4 rushing defense that the Memorial Stadium crowd was chanting his name toward the end of the second-ranked Cornhuskers' 35-21 victory. How Associated Press Husker line creates star every week In this year of round-robin running backs, it has been Nebraska's offensive line that has written the script for the Husker rushing attack. Every week there's been a running back behind this line that has posted Heisman-like numbers.

The story stays the same, but the identity of the star keeps changing. This week's hero was Ahman Green, who had 13 carries for 176 yards. Last week it was Damon Bcnning who had 10 carries for 173 yards. In the weeks before that it was Clinton Childs and Lawrence Phillips. Maybe there could be slot on the Heisman ballot that simply says "Nebraska running He could be kind of a composite character, made up the various qualities displayed by the first through fifth string I-backs at Nebraska, as described by the offensive line.

The lead writer would be center Aaron Graham, one of the team co-captains, and the lone returning starter from last year's line, one of the most famed in Husker history. The constant rotation of backs has not affected the way the line plays, Graham said. "We don't do anything different when a back changes. Our blocking assignments stay the same." Cougar challenge Graham said the line looked forward to the challenge presented by the Washington State defense ranked fourth in the country against the run. A special goal for Nebraska was to break the string of 19 consecutive quarters including the bowl gama that the Cougars had not given up a rushing touchdown.

"We knew that if we could go in and score a rushing touchdown, we could take away some of their confidence," Graham said. Nebraska ended the Cougar string at 20 quarters when Tommie Frazier went 4 yards around the right end to cross the goal line. Graham said that one of the team goals this year is to average 6 yards per carry every game. The Huskers met that goal Saturday, averaging 6.8. A major contributor to that average was Green, who averaged 13.5 yards a carry.

Green brought the trademark toughness of Husker backs to his performance. And, as NU Coach Tom Osborne said, "He's got that step." The appreciation that Green has for his line was clear in his postgame comments. When asked what kind of day the line had, a smile spread across his face before he framed a verbal response. "Our offensive line had a great day," he said. "Between the tackles there were huge holes and my fullbacks held the linebackers for just a second so I could get past." Encouragement helps But the help they gave him went beyond blocking, Green said.

On several plays he made mental mistakes. "They didn't let me get down," Green said. "They'd tell nie not to think about it. That we'd get it back the next down." Aaron Graham, the only returning starter from last year's offensive line, reciprocates Green's appreciation. "He's a tremendous player to come in as a freshman and do what he's Graham said.

"He made three or four errors, but I've been running this offense for four and one-half years and he's been here three months. I think it's important that he knows we're behind him." One reason that Nebraska's line has been a constant force in this year's rushing game is Graham's stabilizing influence. Another reason is that the line itself been constant. Injuries and disciplinary problems nave not disrupted its rotation. If that remains the same and the line continues to improve, it looks as though Nebraska is deep enough in running backs that there will always be one to fill a starring role.

Rank, team Comments 1 Florida State (4-0) did not play We'll see how the Seminoles eather Hurricanes next week 2. Nebraska (5-0) defeated Washington State 35-21 Week off before Mizzou comes to town 3. Florida (4-0) defeated Mississippi 28-10 So much for runnin' up the scores 4. Colorado (5-0) defeated No. 10 Oklahoma 38-17 Hessler's 5 TD passes buffalo Sooners 5.

Southern Cal (4-0) defeated Arizona State 31-0 Not quite 77 points, is it? 6. Penn State (3-1) lost to Wisconsin 17-9 Wonder what Papa Joe said in the locker room? 7. Ohio State (4-0) defeated No. 15 Notre Dame Penn State will be angrier next week 8. Michigan (5-0) defeated Miami, Ohio 38-19 This Miami wasn't like the other one 9.

Texas (2-1) did not play Aggies needed time off before Texas Tech game 10. Oklahoma (3-1) lost to No. 4 Colorado 38-17 Playing Cyclones Saturday will be more of breeze 1 1 Virginia (5-1) defeated Wake Forest 35-17 Except for Michigan fluke, Cavs perfect 12. Tennessee (4-1) defeated Oklahoma State 31-0 Cowboys won't Volunteer for this again 13. Auburn (3-1) defeated Kentucky 42-21 Slow start, but Tigers too tough 14.

Louisiana State (3-1-1) tied South Carolina 20-20 Looking to get swamped in Florida Saturday 1 5. Notre Dame (3-2) lost to No. 7 Ohio State 45-26 Washington next, is another loss? 16. Kansas State (4-0) defeated Northern Illinois 44-0 Will soften up Mizzou for NU 17. Maryland (4-1) lost to Georgia Tech 31-3, Thursday Can gain redemption against Wake 1 8.

Washington (3-1 defeated Oregon State 26-1 6 Huskies lickin' their chops for Irish 19. Oregon (3-1) did not play Preoarina for Pacific iust duckv. Hessler's lead Buffs NORMAN, Okla. (AP) John Hessler made Colorado history in his first career start Saturday night, throwing a school-record five touchdown passes in a 38-17 victory over No. 10 Oklahoma.

Hessler, who came off the bench last week to lead Colorado (5-0 overall, 1-0 Big Eight) past Texas had to lead the Buffaloes back from first-half deficits of 10-0 and 17-7. The sophomore did it in style, completing 24 of 34 passes for 348 yards. Oklahoma (3-1, 0-1) had no luck moving the ball in the second half, and now has gone seven years without beating the Buffaloes. Hessler's five touchdowns broke the team record of four held by Da-rian Hagan and Kordell Stewart. It also tied a Big Eight record.

Colorado took control of the game with two third-quarter touch- Lav 20. Alabama (3-1) defeated Georgia 31-0 Rolling Tide takes Dawgs down. 21 Texas (3-1 defeated Southern Methodist 35-1 0 Mustangs aren't quite Notre Dame 22. Stanford (3-0-1) did not play Cardinal rule: bulk up vs. Sun Devils 23.

Arkansas (4-1) defeated Vanderbilt 35-7 No waltzing over Tennessee next week 24. Texas Tech (1-2) lost to Baylor 9-7 Will fall from ratings, gets Saturday n. rvansas aia noi piay buffaloes' stampede ahead. TD tosses past OU Ohio State rips Irish; Badgers stun Penn State 2B downs, a 71-yarder to Rae Carruth and a nice screen pass that Lendon Henry turned into a 28-yard score. That left the Buffaloes with a 28-17 lead after three quarters.

The Colorado defense held Oklahoma to 28 yards during the period, and then the Buffaloes snuffed out any Oklahoma hopes midway through the fourth. Oklahoma tried for a first down on fourth-and-2 at the Colorado 28, but a bad snap resulted in a 9-yard loss. Five plays later, Hessler rolled out and found Phil Savoy for a 42-yard touchdown. His other touchdown passes came in the second quarter a 19-yarder to Savoy and an 11-yarder to Carruth. Belle tolls 50th; Indians win 99th CLEVELAND (AP) Albert Belle tied the game with his 50th home run, and Carlos Baerga won it with an RBI single in the 10th inning Saturday as the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2.

The Indians won in their final at-bat for the 27th time this year. Belle, who homered in the sixth inning, matched Babe Ruth's record with 17 September home runs and became the 12th major league player to hit 50 in a season the first since Detroit's Cecil Fielder hit 51 in 1990. Belle did it in Cleveland's 143rd game. Ruth homered 17 times in September 1927, the year he set a record for a 154-game season with 60 home runs. Jesse Levis led off the Cleveland 10th against Jeff Montgomery (2-3) with a double.

An intentional walk to Kenny Lofton and a sacrifice bunt by Omar Vizquel put runners at second and third, and Baerga then blooped a single into victory kept the Indians in reach of 100 wins for only the second time in franchise history. They won 111 in 1954 154-game season. Fared A on VOLLEY, Page 9B Sarah Rappard. A Nebraska's the first game, No. 1 Nebraska's power forces OU to sober up BY STEVE SIPPLE Lincoln Journal Star blocks.

"I thought Allison was quick over the net," Nebraska Coach Terry Pettit said. "As a team, we did very well blocking." Nebraska had 14 block assists and three solo blocks while holding Oklahoma to a hitting mark. The Sooners entered the match hitting .272 as a team. "They shut down our middle blockers, and we didn't react and do what we needed to do," said Pabst, in his 19th season as Sooner head coach. "It might be the first time in my coaching career we had a minus hitting efficiency." In the meantime, Nebraska hit only .267 as a team, well below its season average of .351.

"I think Oklahoma has some talent," Pettit said. "This match went differently than I thought it would. I thought they would be more successful offensively, and I thought we'd be more successful offensively." Nebraska was successful enough to record its 22nd straight victory in regular-season league play. The Huskers were never in serious trouble, although the Sooners mounted an impressive first-game rally. Nebraska jumped to a 12-0 lead before Oklahoma recovered to score nine of the next 10 points to pull to 13-9 behind.

But Weston, a Hoot native of Papillion, gave the Huskers a Oklahoma volleyball coach Miles Pabst knew his team was in trouble when it fell behind 7-0 in the first game Saturday night. "I called time out, looked in my players' faces, and it looked like they were on drugs," Pabst said. Top-ranked Nebraska can have that effect on teams. The Cornhuskers won their 11th straight match, needing only 68 minutes to blister the unranked Sooners 15-9, 15-2, 15-2 before 4,239 spectators at the NU Coliseum. Nebraska improved to 12-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Eight Conference.

Each of the Huskers' wins have been 3-0 sweeps, and they have now won 33 straight games. "We knew we would have to play a perfect match and they'd have to be flat (in order to win)," said Pabst, whose Sooners fell to 11-5 and 1-1. Nebraska, however, was too sharp for Oklahoma, which started three sophomores in addition to true freshman setter Meredith Van Horn. Husker middle blocker Allison Weston sparkled, finishing with 17 kills and a .382 hitting percentage (anything around .300 is considered very good). Weston, a two-time All-American, was also dominant on defense, recording seven 'i IAN DOREMUSLincotn Journal Star Billie Wlnsett (4) puts down a kill in beating the block of Oklahoma's More.