Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • 45

Oct. a 1979 Llrtcotn, Sunday JovrnalondSTor 7E Solomon: Buffs 3000 percent better than in opener Sooner glory didn't carry over for Fairbanks Vy 6. By Chuck Sinclair Staff Sports Writer The return of Colorado Coach Chuck Fairbanks to the University of Nebraska's Memorial Stadium Saturday will certainly hold no fond memories for the former Oklahoma head coach. The visiting dressing quarters hadnt changed much over the past seven years and neither had the sea of Red that greets the opposing teams. What had changed, that made his return less than gratifying, were the circumstances.

Instead of leaving the field spoiling Bob Devaney's home-coaching finale as he did with a come-from-behind 17-14 victorv back in 1972, Fairbanks saw his Buffaloes battered around to the tune of 38-10 before the season's largest crowd of 76,158. It was of little consolation that some 400 more fans and millions of television spectators had viewed his past triumph in Lincoln, and had not seen this particular contest The days of living the Oklahoma glory are over for Fairbanks, now in the midst of trying to build a similar program at Colorado. In his first seven games, he's just two losses short of his six year total of eight at Oklahoma. Remarks brief, to the point That's one reason he found it difficult in addressing the press following the latest of Colorado's disappointments in his first season back in the college ranks following a successful professional tenure with the New England Patriots. His remarks were brief and to the point Praise of Nebraska's effort was limited to a prepared-type statement and dis appointment in his owi team's progress was obvious.

"I think Nebraska has a very fine team," Fairbanks opened. "They dominated the ban game today and deserved to win. They were physically very strong in the running game and they could make both the assaulting type run and the big gaining running plays. I'd like to compliment them on their victory. Our players tried to play today, but they were outclassed in the ball game." He was asked by one reporter to compare Nebraska's current team with the last one he coached against "I don't think it's fair to make those comparisons," he said.

"It's a different time, and a different set of circumstances. I wouldn't care to make that kind of comparisoa" He was asked if the Colorado offense caught the Nebraska defense off-guard early in the game. "I didnt notice it We didn't exactly tear "em a new one" He was asked if Colorado's defense made Nebraska guess on its passing game as the Huskers were limited to their lowest aerial output in several years. "That's probably true, but we didnt make 'em guess much in their running game Fairbanks 'elated He was asked how he would classify this particular ball game. "I dont think it was anything out of the ordinary.

Our kids tried to play, but I dont think there was any extra effort by any stretch of the imagination." Finally, a broadcaster asked for Fairbanks' comment on how he felt about Colorado at this particular point in the season. Fairbanks paused, shook his head and said, "Well what would YOU think? I'm just elated." After seven games, most of the improvements Fairbanks was hoping to see in the ball club just weret there, but not everyone in the Colorado lockerroom felt that way. After four years at the school, the previous three under former CU Coach Bill Mallory, starting quarterback Bill Solomon is seeing positive results despite a 1-6 record Buffs have realistic outlook "It's been disappointing to lose like we have," Solomon said. "But to have a realistic outlook, we knew this was going to be a building year, and maybe next year, too. You can't expect to turn things around in one year, even with someone like Coach Fairbanks.

If you do, it's just a miracle. "We were all hoping to do much better at the beginning of the year, and obviously we haven't" Solomon added. "The only thing we're looking at right now is to get the team better with each game. I know we're 3000 percent better right now than we were at the beginning of the season. There's no comparison.

We'd embarrass ourselves by going back and watching films of the first games. "We're happy we're making that progress." he added. "We're just minus a real win. We had one against Indiana, but even that wasnt real solid. "But the building is definitely evident" Solomon said.

"When you get a coach in of the caliber of Coach Fairbanks and combine it with the quality of players you know are going to be here in the next couple of years, you know there are good things to come to Colorado football You just can't expect miracles. You have to make things happen yourselves." Colorado Coach Chuck Fairbanks. Huskers find closed aerial lanes iPzv i rii Si5ri vSj sfS '--iw'C! -T't 1 ''rrty iirtMLf- "i nil Jl Tij'aoi tii nT 1 1 UPI TELEPHOTO BY TED KIRK ffJv iM 4 Passing just was not the name of the game for Nebraska as just about everything Jf" f's 'Fm I the Huskers dished up, the Buff defenders either knocked down or intercepted. til''' 1 jp' ,,4 i "''1 Colorado linebacker Bill Roe (36) picked off only the second intercepted pass this a 1' season from Husker quarterback Tim Hager (above), The ironic thing warlike 't'f. IVS the first interception, that this one also was returned for a touchdown.

Intended fi i 'v'tSi' receiver Jim Kotera (44) was unable to catch Roe. Cornerback Mark Haynes (44) fX knocked down this pass (below) intended for Junior Miller (89) to ruin another Jn f-' VV Husker opportunity. LlJ Bill Solomon and Charles Davis as the Nebraska Black Shirts saddled the sided the sophomore for a 9-yard loss. Ready to assist Lee is defensive end 1 Buffalo QBs with 60 yards in losses. Oudious Lee (65) contributed one of Derrie Nelson (92).

mmm N-Schleusener JMrj V4'- I The Big Red Wave t7vv ftlC cfe N-M erl llx f4V'A ic-wwi 1 I ft it ft. Afc' i I I p' S' A KT Senior quarterback Tim Hager (10) didnt have one of his best passing days, but it didn't hinder the NU offense as fullback Andra Franklin () added to the Husker rushing totals with 70 yards on 12 carries. Offensive linemen Kelly Saal-feld (57) and Randy Schleusener (53) lend blocking support.