Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • 21

Lincoln Journal Star Friday, Sept. 9, 1988 21 UCLA quarterback Aikman learns to handle pressure Cornhusker opponent i-r "i 1 4 it V-' Jji i4T By Ken Hambleton UCLA running back Eric Ball said Troy Aikman has handled the media pressure welL "He gets interviewed all the time, and he does it well," Ball said of the UCLA quarterback, "It takes a lot of his time, but I dont think itll hurt us as a team. As a matter of fact, it should help. Because if Troy doesn't play good, he won't get any of those interviews." Aikman, who graces the covers of eight pre season football magazines, has gotten enough requests for interviews that he now has two press conferences each week. His performance against San Diego State -13 for-17 for 155 yards and three touchdowns last Saturday didn't hurt his popularity with the national press or his chances for the Heisman Trophy this year.

But Aikman still tries to maintain a proper perspective. There is little or no boasting from the quarterback who probably would have been the first player chosen in last year's NFL draft and is almost a lock to be the first player chosen in the next draft "We're a young team with one game under our belts," he said. "Everybody realizes that San Diego State was not a real test. "I don't know how we stack up offensively. Nebraska did a job against our offense last year, and we had a lot of experienced people.

"Everybody is expecting us to play great football, but we won't know if we can do that until we do it And if we're going to be a top offensive team, it'll be along and it learns the system." As Aikman gets more comfortable with the UCLA offense, he is given more freedom to run it, he said. "I feel there is a lot more I can do this year with this offense," Aikman said. "It was a comfortable feeling last week, but we cant pat ourselves on the back for one game." Nebraska defensive coordinator Char- -lie McBride said Aikman is the most dangerous quarterback the Comhuskers will face this year. i' "He can throw; goodness he can throw," McBride said. "But unlike (Utah State's) Brent Snyder, who can throw, too, Aikman can run and move them with the option.

"He has an appreciation and understanding of running coming from Oklahoma, and he has the speed and size to do some very good running himself," McBride said. Aikman said hell do whatever Is necessary to win. "We got more people to our games than ever before last year," he said. "A win over Nebraska would get some more out to our games. We want make our mark in Los Angeles where we have the Bams, Raiders, USC and UCLA." As for Saturday's game with Nebraska, Aikman said he is looking forward to the matchup.

"I haven't seen anything with Nebraska I didn't already know," he said. "They're tough, aggressive and physical; nothing surprising. "I never thought about it, that I'd have to play Nebraska no matter if I stayed at Oklahoma or transferred here. It's just my luck, I guess." because our running game is working, and we dont have turnovers." Although he is considered one of the best passers in college football this year, Aikman has a special appreciation of the running game. His two years at Oklahoma, before a broken leg and a subsequent transfer to UCLA, helped him learn how important the running game is.

"We didnt run well against Nebraska last year, and I got sacked six times," he said. "Last week, we didn't give up any sacks, and I was pressure one time. But that was San Diego State, and this is Nebraska." Aikman played all of the first half and one series of the second half against San Diego State. He helped UCLA score on five of its first seven possessions. "I feel a lot more comfortable with our offense than I did last year, my first year with this offense," he said.

"I wasnt even certain of my status week to week last year, and this year, I know they're counting on me every game." Aikman has to work patiently with a new set of receivers and a young offensive line. UCLA had 13 players drafted in the NFL last year, including the top three receivers from the Aloha Bowl championship team. "We're learning and gaining confidence," he said. "I feel I'm a better quarterback than a year ago, and I think this team will get better as the season goes completed 13 of 17 passes for 155 Journol-Star library yards and three touchdowns In the Nebraska review, preview Texas (0-2) Oklahoma St. (0-0) Taylor-Aikman encounter will be game within a game; NU won't score 42, but than last week's trip and loss to Hawaii Iowa 56-0.

No. 9 Michigan at No. 13 Notre Dame (by 2): For the third straight year, this is the opening game for two of college foot-. ball's traditional powers, and they'll do it again in 1989 and 1990. Notre Dame Coach Lou Holtz is glad it's a night game because "it gives us longer to mature." Ho, ho, ho; oops, sorry, make that Bo, Bo, Bo Michigan 21-17.

Furman at No. 3 Clemson (no line): Bill Curry has never beaten Furman, but Bill Curry doesn't coach at Clemson 34-7. No. 4 Oklahoma (by 24) at North Carolina: Mack Brown, Carolina's new coach, was Oklahoma's defensive coordinator in 1984. That's the year, not the number of points Oklahoma scores against some teams Oklahoma 40-14 No.

6 Southern California (by 13) at Stanford: While UCLA's Troy Aikman has the spotlight in Los Angeles this week, USC's Rodney Peete takes his show to northern Cal Southern Cal 28-14. Kentucky at No. 7 Auburn (by 15): Kentucky broke Auburn's longest home winning streak of 30 games in 1961, but the Tigers have won the last nine meetings Auburn 35-0. Texas Christian at No. 8 Georgia (by 15): With a veteran team, it may be this year or never for TCU.

Never say never, but not this year Georgia 27-10. Southern Mississippi at No. 10 Florida State (by 32): Well see how much the Seminoles can recover after being embarrassed by Miami Florida State 35-7. No. 20 Washington (by 11) at Purdue: This is the week the Big Ten gets even for last week's 0-4 disaster.

Upset special of the week Purdue 21-14. Wyoming (by 8) at Louisville: Maybe the Cowboys are still celebrating their big win over BYU. Second upset special 24 20. By Herschel Nissenson Associated Pren There will be a game within a game when second-ranked Nebraska visits No. 5 UCLA Saturday night The oddsmakers have made the Nebraska-UCLA game an even affair.

There is no line on the Steve Taylor-Troy Aikman encounter. For the second time this year, two players prominently mentioned in the pre-season Heisman hype will meet Last week, Miami quarterback Steve Walsh (37 passes, 18 completions, 228 yards, two touchdowns) won by a knockout over Florida State tailback Sammie Smith (10 carries, 6 yards). Of course, Walsh's seconds (Miami's defense) had something to do with that This week, it's Nebraska quarterback Taylor vs. UCLA quarterback Aikman. Taylor was 18 of 31 for 268 yards and two touchdowns, plus 108 rushing yards on 27 carries, in victories over Texas and Utah State.

Aikman completed 13 of 17 for 155 yards and three touchdowns in little more than a half against San Diego State last Saturday. "The Heisman Trophy is like the national championship," Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne says. "It's something that just happens. You can't make it your objective or it gets in your way." Nebraska has won the last four meetings and seems to be in a 42-point rut The Comhuskers won 42-10 in 1983, 42-3 in 1984 and 42-33 last year when Taylor threw a one-game school-record five touchdown passes. The Comhuskers wont score 42 points this time, but the pick is still Nebraska 24-10.

Other top games this week include: No. 17 Iowa (favored by 31) at Kansas State: Strange as it seems, the Hawkeyes will enjoy Manhattan, much more 14 0 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct.l Oct. 8 Oct.

15 Oct. 22 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov.

24 Nebraska Louisiana State Alabama atOklohomaStote Texas Tech at Houston Baylor Rice Louisiana Tech at Arkansas Texas Christian at Texas 23 27 Utah State (0-1) 13 Sept. 10 Sept. 24 Sept. 30 Oct.8 Oct. IS Oct.

22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nebraska 63 at Missouri New Mexico State at Brloham Young Long Beach State at Fresno State at San Jose State Pacific Nevada-Las Vegas Utah at Fullerton State UCLA (1-0) 59 San Olego State Sept.

10 Nebraska Sept. 17 Long Beach State Oct.l at Washington Oct.8 Oregon State Oct. 15 at California Oct. 22 at Arizona Oct. 29 Washington State Nov.

5 ar Oregon Nov. 12 Stanford Nov. 19 Southern Cal Arizona St. (0-0) Sept. 10 Illinois Sept.

17 Colorado State Sept, 24 at Nebraska Oct. 1 Lamar Oct.8 Washington Oct. 15 at Stanford Oct. 22 at Washington State Oct. 29 at Oregon Nov.

5 Oregon Slate Nov. 12 Southern Cal Nov. 26 at Arizona UNLV(O-l) 3 Baylor Sept. 17 Fullerton State Sept. 24 Ohio University Oct.

1 at Nebraska Oct.8 at Pacific Oct. 15 New Mexico State Oct. 29 Tulsa Nov. 5 at Utah State Nov. 12 Fresno State Nov.

19 San Jose State Nov. 26 ot Long Beach State Kansas (0-0) Sept. 10 Baylor Sept. 17 at Auburn Sept. 24 at California Oct.

1 New Mexico State Oct. 8 Nebraska Oct. 15 Colorado Oct. 22 at Iowa State Oct. 29 at Oklahoma Nov.

5 Kansas State Nov. 12 at Oklahomo State Nov. 19 Missouri 27 Sports Report Top 25 UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman Bruins' opener last Saturday. Ham hocks college picks Big Eight games By Ken Hambleton (Picks in boldface) Nebraska (-4) at UCLA Troy Aikman can pass, but can the Bruins run. That will determine this game.

Corn-buskers complete the coast-to-coast run with a strong running game themselves, and, if needed, Steve Tgylor has shown he can pass with the best. NU's pass defense could become one thin dime If Lorenzo Hicks and John Custard miss this gome though. Oklahoma (-24) at North Carolina This might be a great basketball matchup, however It doesn't figure to be much of a football game, even though North Carolina is one of the picks in the Atlantic Coast Conference. North Carolina Coach Mack Brown was an assistant at OU, but that probably won't help much. Baylor (-14) at Kansas Kicker Louis Klemp quit KU when he was demoted to second team.

Maybe the Jayhawks can score, but don't count on much. Baylor Isn't expected to be that good either, but does anybody have to be to beat Kansas. New Kansas Coach Glen Mason said, "For us to have a chance to be successful, we have to virtually eliminate all mistakes." No kidding. Iowa (-35) at Kansas State No luau here for the Hawkeyes, who discovered -the hospitality of the Hawaiian Islands last week. Kansas State lost to Tulsa last week 35-9.

It should be a lot worse this week. K-State Coach Stan Parrlsh on Iowa: "They're great team." Iowa Coach Hoyden Fry on K-State: Fresno State at Colorado Now that the Colorado backf leld is out of loll and on the field, the Buffs can count on. some scoring. The problem is, can the Buffs stop Fresno State, which walloped New Mexico 68-21 last week. If Colorado can stop the big plays and create some for themselves, the Buffs should win.

CU QB Sal Aunese was named to the All-Italian-American team. Aunese Is Sa-moon. Utah Stdte at Missouri (-35) Utah State does have potential to win the Big West Conference, but that isn't the Big Eight. QB Brent Snyder has plenty of potential, but Missouri shouldn't have problems handling the one-dimensional Aggie attack. If the new backfield behind quarterback John Stollenwerck comes alive, Missouri could be a factor this year.

Tulane (-5) at Iowa State The Green Wave won there opener over Tennessee-Chattanooga, which should be as good as the Cyclones. However, ISU kicker Jeff Shudak and RB Joe Henderson may start the Cyclones rolling to a four-win season with an upset here. Miami, 0. at Oklahoma State (-20) The Cowboys need to pile up the big wins before the NCAA sacks the program later this fall. OSU QB Mike Gundy Is one of the best and should start proving it here.

Miami already lost to Eostern Michigan and doesn't appear to have the guns to match the Pokes. HarrahY college odds AP Top Twenty 1 No. 1 Miami, Flo. Is Idle No. 2 Nebraska at UCLA, even No.

3 Clemson vs. Furman, no line No. 4 Oklahoma 24 over North Carolina No. 5 UCLA vs. Nebraska, even No.

6 Southern Cal 13'j over Stanford No. 7 Auburn 15'i over Kentucky No. 8 Georgia 15 over Texas Christian No. 9 Michigan 2Vi under Notre Dame No. 10 Florida State 32 over Southern Miss No.

1 1 Louisiana State is Idle No. 12 West Virginia vs Fullerton State, no line No. 13 Notre Dame 2Vj over Michigan No. 14 Alabama 15 over Temple No. 15 Michigan State VVi over Rutgers No.

14 South Carolina vs West Carolina, no line No. 17 Iowa 31 over Kansas Stale No. 18 Penn Slate 7Vi over Virginia No. 19 Texas 4 over BYU No. 20 Washington 1 1 'i over Purdue Sept.

10 Sept. 24 Oct.l Oct.8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov.

5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Dec. 4 Miami, Ohio Texas Tulsa Texas at Nebraska Missouri at Kansas State Oklahoma Kansas at Iowa State Texas Tech Kansas St. (0-1) 9 Tulsa 35 Sept.

10 Iowa Sept. 17 at Tulane Oct. 1 Louisiana Tech Oct. 8 Missouri Oct. 15 ot Oklahoma Oct.

22 Nebraska Oct. 29 Oklahoma State Nov. 5 at Kansas Nov. 12 Iowa State Nov. 19 at Colorado Missouri (0-0) Sept.

10 Utah State Sept. 17 Houston Sept. 24 Indiana Oct.l at Miami, Flo. Oct. 8 at Kansas State Oct.

15 Iowa State Oct. 22 at Oklahrmo State Oct. 29 at Nebraska Nov. 5 Colorado Nov. 12 Oklahoma Nov.

19 at Kansas Iowa State (0-0) Sept. 10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct.l Oct.8 Oct. 15 Oct.

22 Oct. 29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Tulane Baylor at Iowa at Oklahoma Northern Iowa at Missouri Kansas at Colorado Nebraska at Kansas State Oklahomo State Colorado (0-0) Sept.

10 Sept. 17 Sept. 24 Oct.l Oct.8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct.

29 Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Fresno State at Iowa Oregon State ot Colorado State Oklahoma State at Kansas Oklahoma Iowa State at Missouri at Nebraska Kansas State Oklahoma (0-0) Sept. 10 Sept.

17 Sept. 24 Oct.l Oct.8 Oct. 15 Oct. 22 Oct. 29 Nov.

5 Nov. 12 NOV. 19 ot North Carolina Arizona at Southern Cal Iowa State Texas Kansas State at Colorado Kansas at Oklahoma Stote at Missouri Nebraska PLAY THE GAME AT THE SARATOGA! OPENKVERY SUNDAY Test your skill at quarterback. Call the plays for college and pro games on our new TV interactive game QB1. 16 TV SCREENS HOURS: Mon.

through Fri. llam-lam Sat. lOam-lam Sun. SARATOGA I mt In Um AUmo Cmtar at Beth and Highway Probable Nebraska travel roster No Name Pot Ht Wt Yr 29 Bryan Carpenter FB 5-10 200 Jr. 64 John Roschal OG 4-3 260 Jr.

2 Mickey Joseph QB 5-10 170 Fr. 31 Jamie Worden WB 5-10 17S Sr. 65 Andy Ketler OG 6-3 265 Sr. 4 Tim Jackson 4-0 190 Sr. 32 Ken Clark IB 5-9 200 Jr.

68 Jake Young 6 5 260 Jr. 5 Tohaun Lewis CB 5-11 170 So. 33 Dono Brinson WB 5-9 170 Sr. 69 Bill Bobboro OG 6-3 260 Jr. 8 Lorenzo Hicks CB 6 0 195 Sr.

34 Tyreese Knox IB 5-10 215 Sr. 70 DougGlaser OT 6-7 295 Jr. 9 Steve Taylor OB 6-0 205 Sr. 31 Bruce Pickens CB 5-11 IBS Jr. 74 Mike Murray MG 5-10 240 Jr.

10 Charles Fryar CB 5-10 175 Sr. 40 PatTyranct LB 6-2 230 So. 75 Ray Vollodao DT 6-3 255 Jr. 13 Junior Monarrex MG 6-1 270 Jr. 42 JeH Mills OLB 6-3 220 Jr.

76 John Nelson OG 6-1 260 Jr. 14 Gerry Gdowskl QB 6-1 195 Jr. 43 Todd Mllllkon TE 6-3 235 Sr. 77 Terry Evman OT 6-6 265 So. Chris Drennan 5-9 180 Jr.

44 Greg Barrios 5-8 180 So. 78 Tom Punt OT 6-8 270 So. 17 Reggie Cooper SS 6 3 200 So. 45 Jon Crlppen CB 5-10 165 So. 82 Chip Bane SE 5-10 175 Jr.

18 Lonce Lewis FB 6-0 200 Fr. 46 John Kroeker 5-11 175 Sr. 84 Willie Griffin DT 6-3 275 Sr. 19 Morgan Gregory SE 6 0 185 Jr. 47 LeRov Etlenne LB 6-1 230 Sr.

85 Monte Kratxenstein TE 6-4 225 Jr. 20 Terry Rodgen IB 5-7 170 So. 49 Chris Callendo LB 4 3 240 Jr. 87 DonSvehla OLB 6-0 215 So. 21 Richard Bell WB 64 195 Jr.

52 Roger Flfike 64 225 Jr. 88 MlkeCroel OLB 6-3 215 So. 22 Nate Turner SE 6-1 270 Fr. 53 Mark Antonlettl OG 6-2 265 89 Broderlck Thomas OLB 6-3 235 Sr. 23 Mark Blaiek 4-2 200 Sr.

55 Rondall Jobmon LB 6-3 230 Jr. 91 Kent Wells DT 6-5 285 Jr. 25 Sam Schmidt FB 6-1 230 Jr. 56 Joe Sims DT 6-4 265 So. 93 Jon Marco OLB 4 1 220 Sr.

26 Marvin Sanders CB 6-0 185 Jr. 57 Kenny Walker LB 6-4 230 So. 94 Corey Grobe TE 6-4 225 Sr. 27 Cartier Walker CB 5-10 175 Sr. 59 JeH Anderson 6-4 270 Jr.

95 Paul Brungardt DT 6-7 255 So. 28 John Custard CB 5-9 165 Sr. 62 Bob Sledge OT 6-2 270 Sr. 96 Lawrence Pele MG 6-1 270 Jr. Team (record) Rating Pvt.

1. Miami, Flo. (14) .954 13 2. Nebraska (24) .932 9 3. Southern Cal (14) .917 4.

Clemson (14) .915 5. Michigan State (04) .906 3 6. Syracuse (14) .905 2 7. UCLA (14) .890 10 8. Alabama (04) .886 4 9.

LSU (14) .885 20 10. W.Virginia (14) .851 14 11. Auburn (04) .845 7 12. Michigan (04) .818 8 13. Georgia (14) .797 19 14.

Florida Stote (0-1) .792 1 15. Texas (04) .780 11 16. Florida (14) .751 16 17. Howall(14) .750 18. South Carolina (14) .728 24 19.

San Jose St. (14) .725 20. Baylor (14) .712 21. Washington St. (14) .706 22.

Arkansas (14) .698 23. Ball St. (14) .697 24. Mississippi (14) .694 25. Tulsa (14) .493 UCLA roster 32 Randy Beverly 33 KeltonAlexoder 35 Billy Ray 36 Damion Lyons 37 Willie Crawford 40 Roman Phlfer 42 Koleaph Carter 43 Maft Darby 45 Randy Austin 46 Kirk Maggio 47 Brad Bryson 48 Doug Kline 49 Marcus Patton 50 Andy Brlglda 52 Stacy Elliott 53 Meech Show 54 Craig Davis 55 Rocen Keefon 56 JohnWinnek 57 Sean Bell 58 James Molone 59 CoryWaylond 60 Scott Spolding 61 Jeff Bailey 62 Dove Audelo 63 KIpp Kleldgoard 64 JonPrvor 65 Brlon Kelly 66 JlmWahler CB 5-10 CB 5-8 LB 64 CB 5-11 SS 4-0 LB 6-2 FB 6-1 SS 42 LB' 6-2 5-11 DT 6-4 LB 42 LB 6-1 NO 6-1 DT 4-1 LB 6-3 LB 6-2 LB 6-2 LS 5-11 DT 44 LB 4-2 OT 6-4 OG 6-5 6-a OG 6-4 OT 6-5 DT 6-3 DT 6-5 NG 6-4 167 Jr.

171 Sr. 239 Sr. 170 Jr. 200 Fr. 214 So.

205 Fr. 190 Fr. 227 SO. 157 jr. 244 Jr.

244 Sr. 214 Jr. 270 Fr. 253 So. 215 Fr.

208 Jr. 242 So. 180 Fr. 255 Fr. 223 Fr.

250 Fr. 246 Fr. 270 Fr. 270 Fr. 270 So.

246 Jr. 255 Fr. 263 Sr. OT 6-1 270 Sr. 6-4 265 Jr.

OT 6-5 240 Fr. OT 6-8 270 Fr. OG 6-6 244 Jr. OT 6-5 245 Fr. OG 6-4 246 Fr.

5-10 170 So. OG 6-5 265 Fr. OT 6-4 273 Jr. OT 6-5 265 Jr. DT 6-6 254 Sr.

OG 6-4 240 So. TE 6-2 233 Jr. SE 64 185 Jr. FL 511 183 Sr. SE 4 3 189 Fr.

FL 6-2 199 So. FL 5-9 17S Jr. TE 6-2 225 So. LB 64 205 So. TE 6-5 210 Fr.

DT 6-7 254 So. DT 6-3 253 Jr. LB 6-1 213 Fr. FB 64 215 Sr. LB 4-4 217 Fr.

LB 6-3 236 Sr. NG 6-4 236 Jr. No Name Pos Ht Wt Yr 7 Darryl Henley CB 5-10 165 Sr. I Anthony Burnett SS 6-2 185 So. 4 Reggie Moore SE 5-9 166 So.

4 Jim Bonds QB 5-11 208 Fr. 7 Chance Johnson LB 4-1 235 Sr. 8 Troy Aikman QB 4-3 217 Sr. 9 Mike Farr FL 5-10 185 Jr. 10 RonCoroeher QB 6-2 198 Jr.

II Bret Johnson QB 4-1 175 Fr, 12 Brendan McCracken FL 6-0 202 Sr. 14 Fred Gilbert FL 5-9 170 Fr. 15 Danny Thompson TB 6-0 201 Sr. 17 Bobby San Jose QB 6-1 188 So. 18 Harold Barkale 6-0 190 Sr.

19 MorkMcGIII FS 6-0 197 Jr. 20 Kevin Wlllloms TB 6-2 190 Fr. 21 Erie Ball TB 6-1 216 Sr. 22 Mark Estwlck FB 5-10 223 So. 23 David Michaels SE 6-1 205 Jr.

24 Marcus Turner CB 6-2 192 Sr. 25 Alfredo Velosco 5-10 185 Jr. 26 Dion Lambert CB 6-1 175 Fr. 27 Maury Toy FB 64 215 Fr. 28 Wes Denton 4-1 195 Jr.

29ErlcTurner FS 6-1 200 So. 30 Brian Brown TB 5-9 1B5 So. 31 Cornell Lake LB 6-0 204 Sr. 67 Bobby Menlf leld 68 Fronk Corlsh 69 Mark Wilder 70 Rick Fuller 71 Rick Meyer 72 Brlon Jacobs 73 Jomes Roe 74 JohnSoltlS 75 Mike Linn 76 Bill Paige 77 KellhJacobson 78 SfeveMehr 79 LonceZeno 81 Charles Arbuckle 82 David Keating 85 Fritz Jordo 87 Poul Richardson 88 Tony Schexnovder 89 Lawrence Burkley 90 Corwln Anthony 91 Br ion Lock wood 92 Rick Daly 93 Brian Wilcox 94 MikeLodish 95 Jim Wooner 96 HazenAdbellafif 97 Sean Howard 98 Eric Smith 99 Ron Evans A computer ranking based on the per centage of games a team would be expected to win over time were It to play a schedule ot .500 teams. Compiled by Bill Berghel, Atlanta, Ga.

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