The Lincoln Star from Lincoln, Nebraska • Page 13

The Lincoln Star Saturday, Page 13 The second part of the Sooners' razzle dazzle game breaker involved the pitch from receiver Steve Rhodes (24) to the trailing back, Elvis Peacock (4). Trying to keep warm i Randy Lessman (39) and Bruce Dunning (50) keep their hands warm by visiting a portable burner set up along the Cornhusker sideline Switzer thought verdict was in before pass plays turned tide By Chuck Sinclair Staff Sports Writer Barry brilliant coaching mind was working overtime in the final minutes of the Nebraska-Oklahoma game, carefully mapping his strategy to include the smallest detail. Surprisingly, the Oklahoma chief concerning himself with the two big aerials that finally produced the Husker demise. He was concerned with what to tell his players after the loss. It was becoming increasingly apparent to Switzer that his four-year mastery over Nebraska was about to come to an abrupt end.

Especially after quarterback Thomas Lott and fullback Kenny King missed connections on a handoff and turned the ball over to NU trailing 17-13 with remaining. So while the Sooner defense was struggling to stop Nebraska and get one last chance, Switzer made his decision. was going to tell them about how we were such a young team and would be back next he admitted. "How we had played just four seniors against a fine team like Fortunately for Switzer, while he was figuring out a way to lose with class, offensive coordinator Galen Hall came up with the plays that allowed Switzer to save his speech a 47-yard pass from halfback Woodie Shepard to freshman Steve Rhodes and a pass from Dean Blevins to Rhodes who pitched to Elvis Peacock for 32 yards to the two. Peacock scored the winning touchdown on the next play.

"That has got to be one of the biggest, most beautiful wins Oklahoma has ever Switzer beamed dripping wet from a post-game victory shower. "So many people contributed in the last few minutes of the ball game. Shepard's play was such a great play. And the holding on fourth and Shepard, who had thrown just two passes previously, both in high school and both for touchdowns, found the third much more satisfying. practiced the play all week, especially for this Shepard said.

put on a pretty good rush, but I knew I was going to get the pass off and I knew I was going to get it to him "I never dreamed we would use either of the two Rhodes said Horace (Ivory) or Elvis (Peacock) would throw the halfback pass, but just last week the coaches gave Shepard a chance and he was throwing better than our While the halfback pass was the only time Shepard lined up in the wishbone formation, flea flicker to Rhodes was the only play he was in the game. basically a running quarterback and the said Lott who was attempting a pass on the play before Blevins came in but backed off because his receiver was covered. Blevins had to come in cold and complete a pin-point pass so the pitch timing would be perfect "I actually started warming up at the start of the fourth Blevins said. "So I was ready to throw a pass like that. In fact, if nothing else.

I was a little tired from all the passing I was doing on the sidelines. was my favorite Blevins said of what the Sooners call a 317 stop pass. thrown that pass without the lateral about eight times this year and completed six. All I could do was throw the pass The rest was up to Rhodes and Peacock "If the pass have worked, we probably would have come back with a draw play on fourth Blevins continued. "Rhodes was about seven yards short of the first dowTi when he caught the ball, so the pitch had to Sooner defensive back Scott Hill could find no fault with the way Nebraska cornerback Dave Butterfield played the flea flicker from Blevins.

would have reacted the same Hill admitted. got to fly in there and stick that receiver the best you can. I really think that play would Peacock knew different. knew both those plays could work he said, of the way backs coming up to cover. On the last pass.

I know if ever run faster in my life, because I was running for my While Peacock saw considerable duty, scoring all three Oklahoma touchdowns, his elation was no greater than that of Blevins. Once the starting quarterback, Blevins has seen limited play since giving way to Lott after an illness sidelined him in the season. going to dream about 317 stop and lateral for a long Blevins said. "Those are magic numbers for me. I just knew something had to come along for me sometime.

been around so long and had been working just as hard as anyone Blevins said just been tough keeping myself keyed mentally But even if it was only one play, it was a big play for me and a big play for Dave Butterfield (34) has moved up to defend against Rhodes who completed the first part of the play by catching a pass from Dean Blevins. Chuck AAalito (89) consoles disbelieving defensive coordinator Monte Kiffm as the two lea.c following the disappointing setback Mike Fulti (72) keeps his grip on the teg of Thornes Lott (6) efter tackling the Sooner quarterback in the fourth quarter. Elvis Peacock (4) is a popular Sooner after scoring the deciding touchdown with 38 seconds left in the game. I I.