Lincoln Journal Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • Page 17

Huskers to Co After Record in Fiesta Bowl Appearance A Nebraska team is headed to IU seventh poet- S86so game in as many and OK jn past seasons. Coach Tom Ortorae's current totnbusker club voted Sunday to accept a Fiesta Bowl bid to ptay the Western Athletic Conference champion (he Phoenix ewnt set for Friday, Dec. 26. The vote came a week after the team had said 'No' to a similar invitation. At that time the NU squad decided they wanted to beat Oklahoma and go to the Orange Bowl or not go anywhere at all.

Co-captain Terry Luck explained that after the loss to Oklahoma, "We decided we Ticket Policy Slated Nebraska fans will be aUoted "oirty tickets to the Fiesta Bowl game, NU ticket manager Jim Pittenger said Monday. "Most of them are in the 18 category," he announced, "so people should get their checks in right away. They should add 50 cents per order not ticket for handling and mailing." Pittenger said the same priorities as have been used in the past will apply. That means that NU students and faculty will have first choice, followed by major con- tributing organizations; season ticket holders, former 'N' Club members; then travel agencies which have normally provided tour service for fans to Nebraska games. "We'll be filling the orders on a first-come-first-served basis," Pittenger added, "based on the post mark.

So those interested should get their check in the mail as soon as possible." Ticket requests should be mailed to Ticket Office, Memorial Stadium, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, 68501. owed it to ourselves, the school and the fans to accept the bid. We knew we didn't play up to our potential against Oklahoma and we didn't want to and UK season oa such a sow note." Osborae said he was pleased with the outcome of the reconsideration vote. "We were all disappointed in last Saturday's game. We wanted the chance to end the season right.

It may net work out that way, but at least we'll have that chance." Could Set Record A victory against the WAC champ Nebraska's opponent will be determined this Saturday night in a game between unbeaten Arizona State (No. 8 in the nation) and Arizona, one loss and llth ranked would set a national record. The past six bowl victories, started in 1969 by a Sun Bowl win and extended by three Orange triumphs and one each in the Cotton and Sugar Bowls, is matched only by Georgia Tech. "We're on Cloud Nine," Fiesta Bowl director John Reid said after the Nebraska acceptance. "This is a major breakthrough for us.

It's the first time we're assured of a game between two teams which are likely to be in the Top Ten." The Fiesta Bowl will be nationally televised by CBS as part of a two-game package which will both involve Big Eight teams. Kansas will meet Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl starting at 11 a.m. that day (Friday, the day after Christmas) with the Fiesta Bowl set for 2 p.m. kickoff. (Both times listed are CST).

The Fiesta, just in its fifth year, is not as rich an event as several others, although the bowl committee recently an- Final Big Eight Standings Team 'Oklahoma Colorado Kansas Missouri Oklahoma Slate Iowa State Kansas State Pet PF PA Pet PF PA 6 1 0 857 210 8 3 1 0 1 0 909353120 6 1 0 857 178 97 10 1 0 909 330 148 5 2 0 7 1 4 1 7 4 166 9 2 0 818 3 1 0 2 1 1 4 3 0 571 154 112 7 4 0 636 243 147 3 4 0 428 193 162 6 5 0 545 282 241 3 4 0 .428 153 142 7 4 0 636 285 178 1 6 0 142 82 205 4 7 0 363 161 263 0 7 0.000 23206 3 8 0 77? 89 24S -conference co-champions Bowl Games Nebraska v. WAC champion, Fiesta Bowl, Tempe, Dec. 26, 2 CST (CBS). Oklahoma v. Michigan, Orange Bowl, Miami, Jan.

1,6:45 p.m. CST (NBC). Colorado v. Texas or Texas AM, Astro-Bluebonnet Houston, Dec. 27, 2:30 p.m CST (ABC).

Kansas v. Pittsburgh, Sun Bowl, El Paso, Dec. 26,11 a.m. CST (CBS). nounced that they expect to expand to 70,000 seats within four years.

Money Comparison NU athletic director Bob Devaney said "a little over $200.000" will be distributed to the participating teams. Nebraska will share that money with each of the other Big Eight schools. That amount compares to $1.4 million from the Rose Bowl, between from the Orange and Cotton Bowls, and about 1500,000 from the Sugar. "We're going to have to cut down on expenses," Devaney promises. "We'll take the number of players necessary to try to win the game, but some players on the squad may have to stay home." Devaney said the biggest problem is how to finance taking the band along.

"That represents a large.deficit," he noted. The Nebraska team will take two weeks off before starting practice for the Fiesta event. Devaney said the official party will leave for Phoenix "about Dec 21st and return on the 27th, although those dates are very tentative at this time." Griese, Anderson, Jones Latest Victims More NFL QBs Injured The ball is loose and New England's Leon Buffalo and the Patriots battle fbT McQoay (left) is getting ready to recover as kickoff. NBA Perennial Losers Huskers By Associated Press The short-range effects really aren't all that bad. Wounded pnde, after all, fades with tune.

But wounded bodies are a different matter--and with time running out, those could be literally killing blows to a few a i a Football League teams. Cincinnati, smack in the middle of the league's tightest divisional race, suffered a shocking loss Sunday at the hands of the previously winless Cleveland Browns 35-23. And worse, Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson, who had been slicing up Cleveland's secondary the way he's cut up just about every other pass defense, was knocked out of action with a bruised chest. The extent of the injury was still question today. In Miami, the Dolphins wished there was a question about the seriousness of quarterback Bob Gnese's injury--but there isn't.

He's out for the rest of the season and scheduled to undergo surgery today to repair a torn tendon in his right big toe That tear also helped Baltimore tear up the Dolphins With Gnese out and Earl Morrall m- Ciunrlu Journal Monday, November 24, 1975 effective, the Colts rallied for a 33-17 victory. But it was a costly once for Baltimore, too, when quarterback Bert Jones suffered Druised ribs Like Anderson, Jones' status was uncertain. 17 In the rest of Sunday's action, Atlanta beat Denver 35-21, Minnesota defeated San Diego 28-13, Buffalo belted New England 45-31. St. Louis ripped the York Jets 37-6, Oakland nosed out Washington 26-23 i Dallas defeated Philadelphia 27-17.

Los Angeles routed Chicago 38-10, Green Bay crushed the New York Giants 4014, Kansas City beat Detroit 2421 in overtime and San Francisco slipped past New Orleans 16-6 Tonight. Pittsburgh is at Houston witn first place in the American Conference's Central Division at stake Browns 35, Bengals 23 Cincinnati could have taken at least a temporary lead in the division--but the Browns in general and quarterback Mike Phipps in particular decided it was time to do something about their dreadful record "I enjoy playing against Cincinnati It's a great rivalry. Phipps said after he burned the Bengals on 23 of 36 passes for 298 yards and two touchdowns There Little for us to win as far as stats go. but it mean: a lot to our club Pruitt kicked in with 121 yards rushing and two TDs, one on a a i Said Cleveland's first-year co-icri, Forrest Gregg I don have to tell ou how 1 feei It oeen a long dry spell Anderson completed 13 of 2o ior 292 yaras and two touchdowns Before giving wav to John Become League Leaders ers Unfriendly for Dionne Ma 0 Jfc i By United Press International Four teams who sat out the playoffs last season are now leading or tied for the lead in each of the National Basketball Association's divisions. At this point in the season, team standings in the NBA probably mean as little as a first quarter rally.

It doesn't matter if you're leading 15-3 after two minutes; all that counts is the final score. Similarly, a half-game lead or even a five- game division lead in November is hardly cause for celebration. "See me in May," says the knowledgeable NBA fan, who realizes the second season--the playoffs--is the only thing that really matters in pro basketball. But on this November morning, you can't blame a few young teams for feeling particularly chirpy. Atlanta was getting a good start on a 31-51 season this time last year while Philadelphia was on its way to a 34-48 campaign.

Today they are leading, respectively, the Central and Atlantic Divisions by a half- game each. Los Angeles was worse than either of those teams last season, finishing dead last in the Pacific Division with a 30-52 record but it, too, is getting some first place exposure. The Lakers, now featuring Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, have a 12-6 record and are only percentage points behind defending champion Golden State, 10-4. Detroit, another non- playoff team last season with a 40-42 record, holds a three game edge over Milwaukee, which finished behind ths Pistons in the Midwest Division. In Sunday's action, Atlanta scored a 115-111 victory over Philadelphia in a nationally- televised game to put the Hawks just ahead of the faltering Washington Bullets; Los Angeles kayoed Houston 110-99, Boston ripped Cleveland 105-90 and Seattle beat Milwaukee 112-104.

The New York Nets downed Utah 113-106 andn Kentucky defeated St. Louis 93-85 in the two ABA games. Hawks 115, 76ers 111 Atlanta's Tom Henderson almost ran out of time before tossing in a spectacular 22-foot jump shot with just three seconds left in the game. The game was tied at Ill-Ill with 26 seconds left. Atlanta then took the ball and went into a freeze while the seconds ticked away.

"We wanted penetration for the last shot," said Hawks coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, "but Henderson wasn't able to make it and when (John) Drew fed the ball back out to him, he had no choice but to shoot it at the last moment." After Henderson's gamebreaking shot, Philadelphia failed to get its in-bounds pass to forward George McGinnis and the ball bounced out of bounds untouched. The Hawks retained possession and Henderson made two final free throws for the margin of victory. "We had McGinnis blocked out by several people," Fitzsimmons said. "I believe John Brown held him up and he never made it to the ball." McGinnis and Drew were the high scorers with 33 points each. Debut White Fort (6-3) Coard (6 I) McPIpe (6-8) Siegel (6-7) Hedberg (6-6) Holder (6-3) POS' RED Willis (5-10) Banks (6-1) Cox (6-6) Harris (6-7) Novak (6-4) Chevannes (6-5) Martin (6-7) F-G P.

Chambers (6-6) Tipoff 7 30 rn Grand Island Senior High School, Grand Island Radio broadcasts KLIN Grand Island Moe Iba is optimistic about Nebraska's basketball team. "We're getting together now in practice," said Nebraska's assistant basketball coach. "They're giving the effort and playing more as a team." The Huskers put more than six weeks of practice to work here Monday at 7 30 p.m. at the Grand Island Senior High School gymnasium in the annual red- white intrasquad scrimmage. It's the first time the Huskers have been allowed to hold games away from campus under a new Big Eight regulation.

Nevertheless, the contest will be played under full collegiate rules regulation time periods and other rules. The teams will also be divided equally so the game doesn't become a route. "They've been handling the basketball much better now and that's encouraging," Iba said. "We split the squad down the middle to try to make the game more equal." By United Press International It was a rude homecoming for Marcel Dionne. Dionne, once the toast of Detroit as the Red Wings' No.

1 draft choice in the 1971 National Hockey League free agent draft, wound up in Los Angeles last June after a stormy four-year career with the Wings After repeatedly blasting the Detroit organization in the media, Dionne became a free agent and was acquired by the Kings for defenseman Terry Harper and left wing Dan Maloney. Sunday, Dionne made his first appearence in Detroit since the trade. It wasn't one he'll likely care to remember. First off, the Red Wings beat the Kings 4-1 their first victory over Los Angeles in two years. Second, Dionne failed to get a shot on goal.

Third, he was booed lustily during pre- game warmups, the National Anthem and on each succeeding shift on the ice. Finally, he sustained an arm injury when he was sandwiched into the boards by a pair of Red Wings in the first period. "The crowd reception didn't bother me," Dionne said. "I hardly noticed it." Then, gingerly favoring his left arm while dressing after the game, he said: "I was squeezed by two guys I pulled my arm. I think a muscle got twisted." Walt McKechnie scored his 10th and llth goals for Detroit, while rookie Dennis Polanich pestered Dionne throughout the night and prevented the highscoring Kings' center from getting even one shot on goal.

Elsewhere in the NHL, the New York Rangers edged California 3-2, Buffalo beat Kansas City 6-2. Boston and Toronto deadlocked 3-3. In World Hockey Association play, Winnipeg nipped New England 3-2, Houston blanked Quebec 4-0 and Denver put away Cinccnnati 53. Rangers 3, Seals 2 Rookie Wayne Dillon, whom the Rangers hope will eventually match the goal scoring and finesse so long provided by the departed Jean Ratelle, scored a pair of second period goals 21 seconds apart that gave New York a suitable cushion to put away California Dillon also assisted on Rick lite goal later in the period. Sabres 6, Souts 2 Don Luce scored two goals and assisled on two others by his linemates Danny Gare and Craig Ramsey to provide the bulk of tne Sabres' firepower over the Scouts Buffalo has now won seven of its last eight games and is 12-1-1 at home Bruins 3, Maple Leafs 3 Andre Savard's fifth goal of the year at 15 13 of the final period tied the game up for Boston less than a minute after Greg Hubick had put Toronto ahead 3-2.

It was the third tie in as many games for the Bruins, who have non- theless not lost in seven games. WHA Ulf Nilsson's 30-foot slapshot 5:52 of the third period proved to be the game-winner in i i 3-2 i over New Ron Graham recorded his second shutout of the season and rookie John Tonelii scored a pair of goals in Houston's 4-0 blanking of Dan Borgeson scored a pair of goals and Gary MacGregor netted a power play marker to spark Denver to victory over Cincinnati. Ohio State Within One Game of Championship By Associated Press Ohio State may be within one step of coBege football's national "I we should be No. 1. We beat the No.

4 team," Coach Woody Hayes said after the top- ranked Buckeyes completed an 11-6 regular season and captured tne Big Tea crown and a fourth coaseeutive trip to the Rose Bowl by defeating Michigan 2114 Saturday. OWo State's ROM Bowl oppo- Beot and last stumbling Mode en route to a possible national chMopiowbip wiB be either No. 14 UCLA, a tetra the routed 41-28 earlier in the or No. 12 California, tootocfld Stanford tt-15 as rematch with Ohio State. The main challengers were pulling for Michigan.

"It would have been better for us if Michigan had won. I don't think any Pacific-8 team can beat Ohio State," said Oklahoma's Barry Switzer, whose seventh-ranked defending national champs ended second- ranked Nebraska's perfect record with a 35-10 triumph and, ironically, landed an Orange Bowl berth Cteck Hade lawd four Md (tew a 4fyard touchdown MM to Wofey Wafer. UCLA hot Swflwrn Cattfarnia Friday can a The recovered four of five Nebraska fumbles, intercepted two passes and turned five of the turnovers into touchdown. Two of them were scored by Steve Davit, who rutted for yards. Texas AM, Alabama, Texas and Arizona State, ranked 8-548, were idle.

Ninth-ranked Colorado, goiag to tte Bluebonnet Bowl, whipped Kansas State 35-7 triggered by Billy Waddy's 100-yard dash with the opening kickoff. Penn State, ranked No. 10 and beaded for a controversial Sugar Bowl meeting against Alabama, nipped No. 17 Pitt 7-6 when the losers' Carson Long missed field goals of 51,23 and 45 yards in the final five minutes. The last attempt fell just wide and short with nine seconds left, 82 seconds after the 23-yarder sailed wide.

Arizona, the No. 11 team, scored four touchdowns and a field goal on its first five possessions and cruised past Utah 38-14, setting up next Saturday's Western Athletic Conference showdown against Arizona State for the right to meet Nebraska's Big Eight co- champioas in the Fiesta Bowl. No. 12 Florida, UCLA and No. 15 Georgia had the weekend off.

No. 16 Miami of Ohio shaded Cincinnati 21-13. Laverne Smith rushed for 236 yards and two touchdowns as Kansas trounced No. 18 Missouri 42-24 and won a Sun Bowl trip to meet Pitt. No.

19 Arkansas remained alive in the three-way Southwest Conference race by defeating Texas Tech 31-14. No. 20 Maryland nailed down its second straight A a i Coast Conference title, crushing Virginia 62-24. After the setback, Virginia's 10th in 11 games, Coach Sonny Handle was fired with three seasons left on a five- year pact. Ohio State's No.

1 ranking was in danger when Rick Leach's one-yard run gave Michigan a 147 lead with six minutes left. But the Buckeyes, who hadn't put on a sustained drive since their opening possession, inarched 80 yards to tie the game, Pete Johnson plunging across from one yard out. Johnson, who scored all three Ohio State touchdowns, tallied the game-winner on a three-yard run 59 seconds later after Ray Griffin intercepted a pass and returned it 30 yards. Ray's older brother Archie, the 1974 Heisman Trophy winner, gained only 46 yards, snapping his streak of consecutive 100-yard regular-season games at a record 31. "It's the greatest comeback I've ever had," raved Hayes.

"It's the greatest game I've ever coached. We were outplayed until they scored in the second half. It's amazing how the game turned around." Michigan, which finished with an 8-1-2 record, needed a win to get to the Rose Bowl. "We decided before the game we would not settle for a tie," said Coach Bo Schembechler. "Ties always seem to go against us.

You either play conservatively, or you play to win. We had to gamble late in the game and you know what happened when we had to go to the air." Switzer called Oklahoma's victory over Nebraska "probably the finest and biggest win since I've been the head coach. To be conference champs and go to a bowl was the goal we set and we were able to accomplish it." Penn State's triumph over Pitt gave the Nittany Lions another in a seemingly endless string of "mythical Eastern champ i i Odell blocked Long's extra point attempt after Pitt's second- period touchdown but Penn State's Chris Bahr converted the winning point following Steve Geise's 29-yard run with 8:18 to play. "It looked like it was Pitt's turn to win it." said Penn State Coach Joe Paterno. "When I get home, I'm going to church real quick-like." Elsewhere, Harvard won its first outright Ivy League title with a 10-7 victory over Yale on Mike Lynch's 26-yard field goal with 33 seconds remaining.

a upset Peach Bowl-bound West Virginia 20-19, Notre Dame finished 8-3 under first-year Coach Dan Devine by downing Miami of Florida 32-9 and Texas Christian ended the nation's longest losing streak at 19 games with a 28-21 decision over Rice. "I know it sounds kind of ridiculous, but this is as big a victory as I've ever been involved in," said Coach Jim Shofner. "I'm surprised at my emotions. I'm sure winning the Cotton Bowl won't be any sweeter than this." Reaves, who had little success. He hit on just four of 11 for 68 yards and throwing an interception that was returned by safety Jim Hil! 56 yards for Cleveland's last score Colts 33, Dolphins 17 fne Colts, with their fifth straight victory, moved within a game ol the Dolphins in the AFC East--and right into the playoff picture All VOL: can ask out of Me is an opportunity to get in the 1 a said Baltimore loach fed Marciioroda.

'and we have that opportunity now." a Donres replaced Jones and kept the Colts moving--although it was really Lyd 1 1 i and Don McCaulev wnu kept them going. Mitchell ran tor 106 yards, 32 cf them for a touchdown, and MoCau'ev scored Uiree times trorn one vard out As Gnese replacement, 41- Earl was in- efieitive. fumbling the ball away once completing only one of nir.e losses and suffering two in- tercepujii las: go with Earl and Don StroiK," saic Mic.n. Coach Don bnula Eari a proven Dc.ck.up mar. anc Strock hus tteen with us three vears Falcons 35, Broncos 21 While some quarterbacks were qoing out.

Atlanta Steve Bjitk.cmbk. was coming back. I knew Liangs jest had to utart going my way. I don't live that Dad he said after returning from four weeks of inaction due to a dislocated shoulder, ihrugging off three early interceptions and throwing two touchdowns to Alfred Jenkins. fne kid just nai something I explain it He be a good one," saia Jenkins Haskel Manoack also scored two touchdowns against Denver 28, Chargers 13 Minnesota Fran Tarkenton completed 24 of 32 passes against San Diego to run his Career total to 2,841 surpassing Jonnnv record of of 8JO Running back Chuck Foreman rashed 33 tunes for 127 vards and three touchdowns to help keep Minnesota unoeaten and keep the Chargers the only wmiess team Raiders 26, Redskins 22 "We beat George Allen.

That just tickles the hell out of me," said Oakland's George Blanda, who missed a 33-yard field goal in the waning seconds of regulation play, then hit from 27 yards out in overtime to down the Redskins "I'm just glad I got a second chance," he said. "I didn't do my job the first time." So. Carolina In Tangerine Columbia, S.C. (AP) -Tangerine Bowl and South Carolina officials confirmed today that the Gamecocks will play Miami of Ohio, at Orlando Dec. 20.

The Gamecocks completed their season Saturday with an awesome display of offense, beating cross-state rival Clemson, 56-20. They finished with a 7-4 record under first-year coach Jim Carlen. Monday Pro Football Pittsburgh v. Houston, 8 p.m., O84. Thursday Pro Football Los Angeles v.

Detroit, 11:30 a.m., Offi); Buffalo v. St. Louis, 2:30 p.m., fldS. College Football Georgia v. Georgia Tech, 8 p.m., QQ4.

College Football Texas v. Texas AM, 1:45 p.m., UCLA v. USC 7 p.m., IN FW SPA PERI IN FW SPA PERI.