Colorado Springs Gazette-Telegraph from Colorado Springs, Colorado • Page 12

writers homers GAZETTE TELEGRAPH Telegraph Nov. 24, 1971 Colorado Springs, Colo. 'Huskers, Sooners End Preparations For Title Contest NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Can the No. 1 college football defense stop the No.

1 offense? This appeared to be the big question today as top-ranked Nebraska and second-ranked Oklahoma wound up prepara- tions for nationally televised game of the year. The kickoff is set for 2:50 p.m. EST. Nebraska has yielded only 171 yards a game. blistering wishbone offense has averaged 563 yards a game.

To the question, quarterback Jack Mildren, the trigger man in offense, flatly said, Sooner halfback Greg Pruitt, who has averaged 9.5 yards a play, said, Both are impressed with the Black Shirts, defensive unit, but insisted Oklahoma can move the ball against the Comhuskers. better on defense than any team said Mildren, generally regarded as the best triple option quarterback in the country. we think anybody can stop Pruitt, whose rocket running has netted 1,423 yards, said bluntly: am confident we will beat them because I have confidence in our team and myself. I think we proved we played our best under back there when we beat Southern Califor- dary for us. I expect any big change.

They have the best defense as it Larry Laccvvcll, the defensive coach, admitted Oklahoma have the depth on defense some other teams have. in our defense has been a problem all he said, then sighed and added: only good thing that has happened to me this year is I have to defense the Oklahoma Devaney has said that the theory the Sooners are strictly offense-oriented and do not have a is a lot of hogwash. defense is vastly Devaney said. just heard more about their Fairbanks sidestepped a question about the outcome. Instead of answering the question, he said: hope the game is not decided by some fluke.

I want Oklahoma at full strength and Nebraska at full strength. I hope decided by who ever has the best palyers on the Devaney made any predictions, either, but has let it be known that going to do everything possible to remain No. Devaney did indicate he thought the game between these two high-scoring teams could be a close one. a game between two high nia, Texas and Colorado in a scoring he said, "you row. I think Nebraska has normally think of a field played a pressure game this goal being a factor but it sure CC Fighting Inexperience Tigers Open Home Tilt Against Minn.

Nebraska To Beat Oklahoma? Champions Pittsburgh Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh, who stepped aside, relinquished the duties to coach Bill Virdon Tuesday is shown earlier in the season in his dressing room rocking chair at Three Rivers Stadium. (AP Wirephoto) Virdon Takes Pirates' Reins As Ailing Murtaugh Retires Coach Chuck Fairbanks of i Oklahoma, 9-0, go along with the theory that Nebraska, unbeaten in 29 straight games and 1(M) this season, is better on defense than on offense is as fine a col- lege football team as ever Fairbanks said. are a complete football team. could be. Oklahoma is expected to attack mostly on the ground.

The Sooners have averaged 481.4 yards a game and only 81.8 yards passing. However, Mildren has completed 48 per cent of his rare passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. Besides Pruitt and Mildren, 1 They do so well in all phases of who have rushed for 968 yards, the game. I the Sooners have Joe Wylie, is not the type of team that beats itself. To win, have to play better than we who has missed three games with an ankle injury; powerful fullback Leon Crosswhite, who have all year long.

We have to has a 5.1-yard aveage, and play a complete game. back Roy Bell, 6.9 yards, ready not going to win it on offense or on defense Fairbanks said he think Nebraska Coach Bob Devaney will make major ad- to go. Fairbanks has said he will alternate Wylie and Bell. Nebraska was scheduled to arrive at mid-afternoon and go directly to the scene of Thurs- justments on defense. showdown battle for the Fairbanks said, Big Eight Conference cham- will be adjustments.

Ne- pionship and possibly the na- braska probably will make tional title and hold an after- some adjustment in their secon-inoon workout. PITTSBURGH (AP) Two years ago Bill Virdon figured he was pegged to manage the Pittsburgh Pirates. But Danny Murtaugh was hired. thought I was ready at the said Virdon. ready, but I know Tuesday, Murtaugh stepped down, mainly for health reasons', and the 40-year-old Virdon was named to take his place.

prepared for this said Virdon, who like Murtaugh, is a tobacco chewer. think I can manage. And now Murtaugh, who directed the Pirates to two World Series championships and a divisional title in 11 years, has given Virdon a tough act to follow. But Virdon, says he prefers it that way. a little difficult to see Danny go, been close, but if I had my choice er start with a top club than a losing Virdon said.

This year, Virdon managed respectively. decision to retire and return to the Pirate front the club for a 16-game period office in charge of player devel- ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Atlanta Braves catcher Earl Williams was named National League Rookie of the Year Wednesday by the Baseball Writers Association of America. (AP Wirephoto) NL Rookie Is Atlanta's Williams NEW YORK (AP) Earl Williams, slugging mung catcher, was named Na- ional League Rookie of the if ear by the Baseball Writers Association of America today Williams, who walloped 33 lomers last season, received 18 )f the 24 votes cast by two from each NL City, seating out Willie Montanez by a wide margin Montanez, who had 30 homers, received the other six votes. Williams, 23, came up to the Braves as a third baseman-outfielder and was converted to catcher during the season. He oatted .260 and drove in 87 runs.

Montanez, who came to the Phillies as part of the settle ment from St. Louis when Curt Flood failed to report, drove in )9 runs and batted .255. He had been the early favorite for rookie honors and led Williams in homers 17-15 at the All Star break in July. But Williams blossomed in the final 2 Ms months and his 33 were fifth best total in the National League. He is only the second catcher to ever win the NL rookie award.

The other was Johnny Bench in 1968. Williams, who lives in Montclair, N.J., is the first Atlanta player to win the rookie award and the third Brave in the 25- year history of the award. The others were Alvin Dark in 1948 and Sam Jethroe in when the team was still in Boston. Chris Chambliss was named American. League rookie of the year by the BBWA on Monday.

when Murtaugh was hospi talized with a heart ailment. seems tougher than Dan- opment came as no surprise to those closest to him. hinted pretty strongly said Bill Mazeroski at the near the end of the season that time. tougher he return if he than he seems. And they both feel said third base are coach Frank Oceak, who along straight says with the other coaches, Don Os- Nelson Briles of Virdon.

I really thought Danny coming said Mazeroski, who, with Virdon, were part of born, Don Leppert and Dave Ricketts, have been retained by Virdon. Murtaugh managed the Pi- the 1960 team, managed by rates from Aug. 3, 1957 when he Murtaugh, which defeated the relieved Bobby Bragan until New York Yankees for the 1964 when he suffered a mild World Championship. heart attack. stepped players know he will treat each one of them the Mazeroski said of Virdon.

did it, too. It always that way around From 1956 until 1965, Virdon was the Pirate center fielder, one of the best defensively in the history. It was his ground ball the 1960 World Series that bounced up to hit Yankee shortstop Tony Kubek in the throat that eventually paved the way for the big seventh game, eighth- inning rally, finally capped by game-winning homer. Virdon has been groomed as successor the past two years, running clubhouse meetings this year and generally becoming right hand man. He has had previous managerial experience in the minor leagues, leading the New York Williamsport and Jacksonville clubs in 1966 and 1967, He stepped down and returned as interim manager in 1967, replacing Harry Walker.

Then he returned once again in 1970 and led the Pirates to the division title. This year, the Pirates were expected to take the division and they did. But they were underdogs to the Baltimore Ori oles in the world series yet went on to defeat them in seven games. decision was' said Murtaugh, a three-time Manager of The Year who said he made up his mind 10 days ago. I think made the right one.

had some events last year which led me to believe that I might be in some difficulties next Murtaugh said, re- fering to his hospitalization. Virdon, managing the first- place San Juan Senators this winter in Puerto Rico, will return there for the duration of the season. By HERSCHEL NISSENSON NORMAN, Okla. (AP) Ne braska or Oklahoma? Oklahoma or Nebraska? Nebraska or Oklahoma? unstoppable of fense or immovable defense? own potent offense against big play defense? Be forewarned that last score was a putrid 31-21- for .596. For the season, So-o-o-o, throwing defense out the window, it says here that super offense gets overshadowed and outscored by NEBRASKA.

Other Thursday picks: Georgia over Georgia Tech Texas over Texas Mississippi over Mississippi State. SATURDAY Alabama vs. Auburn at easy one Merely two more unbeatens Johnny running or Pat passing? Will another wishbone bite the dust? Nope. ALABAMA. Army vs.

Navy at Philadelphia-After last 11-7 loss, Army's Tom Cahill was heard to mutter: season have the veteran So his starter will be, naturally, J. Kingsley Fink, a sophomore. Last year, each team had only one victory. This time Army has five and needs one more for a winning season; Navy has three. ARMY.

Arizona at Arizona State- Last year it was only 10-6 Arizona State. This time, a fiesta on the way to Fiesta Bowl. ARIZONA STATE. Pitt at Florida Last year it was only 10-6 Arizona State. This time, a fiesta of points and yet faced a passer like Gary Huff.

FLORIDA STATE. Utah at Bateman may kick one through the roof of the Astrodome, but to no avail. HOUSTON. Tulane at Louisiana State Tigers ripe for upset after sky- high win over Notre Dame, bit LSU. Iowa State at San Diego have the misfortune to play in the same conference with Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado.

IOWA STATE. if if By BOB LUDWIG Gazette Telegraph Sports Writer Figures never lie, but they always give the entire picture, either. Looking over the first individual statistics for Colorado hockey team, you get the impression the Tigers been in any game played to date. That would be stretching it, to say the least year when we went to the NCAA CC will be looking for more scoring depth in its three main lines with Doug Palazzari the leading scorer for the Tigers thus far. In three games, the center iceman has four of the six CC goals while his left wing, Steve Sertich, has another.

Goalie Doug Schum, who looked strong in both losses to Notre Dame, will get the nod. After taking their initial licks He has made 67 saves in 2 and in Western Collegiate Hockey one-third games while allow Association action last weekend 12 goals, at Notre Dame, the Tiger Working on Schum will be showed that they do have the turning Golphers Mike Antonov- skating ability to win some ich, the leading scorer with games. three goals and a lone assist, is the main along with his wings, Dean thing we're fighting right Blais and John Matshke. said coach Jeff Sauer. had Antonovich line will pro- the chance to put the puck bably be their starting away against Notre Dame, but commented Sauer, I think we just put it in the the strongest one is the second net.

line. Jim Gambucci centers it think more from and they seem to have the best inexperience than lack of abil- potential for ity. And that point is what gives me a sense of optimism for the rest of the season. skated! evenly with the Irish and had chances to win both games. nndcbrand" just have to develop the sense of putting it away.

It all comes with experience and we get it at home during the next ten CC HOCKKY STATISTICS (0-3) WCHA (0!) A TP Pf Min 2 2 0 2 1 2 The opening series for the Bengals at home is this wee- Stebe Sutherland Winoirrad kend when Minnesota comes to town and again, CC will be facing a prime target in goalie Dennis Erickson. guess have to get our experience said Sauer considering Erickson. had a i (Dick) of Notre Dame last weekend and another tough goalie this Erickson worked a busy series last weekend against Michigan State, making saves during the two-game series. His best night was the second when he earned the Gol- siuherUnd phers a 3-1 victory and a split schSmratl in the series. Erickson is working better than he ever said coach Glen Sonmer of Minnesota.

schum kept us in the games with State and in better form than last pp CC OPP Schum CC OPP Hendrickson Bertsch Sertich Hildebrand Mailinuer O'Connor Pye Allen Baldrica Egan 1 Gall as 01 Griffin Goalie Statistica Omi Ave 2 10 59 5 00 2 10 59 5.0* 3 3 51 1 5 Season Gnu A TP Pen Min 3 4 15 12 3 0 2 2 0 0 3 10 3 1 0 3 0 1 3 1 3 0 1 3 0 1 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 3 0 0 1 3 0 0 3 0 0 .300 3 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 3 3 24 35 Goalie Stallatica Gma 2' 5.22 900 Other Saturday names: Abilene Christian over Texas-Arlineton. New Mexico State over Colorado State. New Mexico over Hawaii, Boston College over Holy Cross. Louisville over Cincinnati, Florida over Miami. Rice over Baylor.

Morgan State over Rutgers, South Carolina over Clemaon, Texas Christian over Southern Methodist. Southern Mississippi over West Texas State. Tennessee over Vanderbilt. San Jose State over San ta Barbara, Long Beach State over Texas-El Paso. Virginia Tech over VMI, Tulaa over Wichita state.

Dec. 4 games: Nebraska over Hawaii, Oklahoma over Oklahoma State, Miami, Flo. over Syracuse, San Diego State over North Texas State and. In the final big one of the season Penn State over Tennessee. Orvis Named All-American NEW YORK (UPI) Herb Orvis of the University of rado was named Tuesday to the 1971 Kodak All-America football team.

Orvis, defensive lineman for the Buffaloes, joined fellow Big Eight stars Tom Brahaney and Greg Pruitt of Oklahoma and Johnny Rodgers and Larry Jacobson of Nebraska on 24-man squad. Oddsmakers Install One-Point Pick Over Navy ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP)-The oddsmakers have installed Army as a one-point favorite in the ritual football battle with Navy Saturday, and Rick Forzano, the Navy coach, figures they be very wrong. look like as even an Army- Navy football game as been Forzano said Tuesday. feel its a darned even teams are young teams on the he told reporters at a pre-Army game news conference.

both at about the same stage of our rebuilding He said the two teams use an almost identical defense and that neither is particularly big or especially speedy. Forzano described Army as better football team than it was last Army team made a lot of mistakes offensively. They beat This year, he said, the coaching staff has their offense and kept everything to a Although he said Army is not big or very strong, they pursue the ball like crazy. They out of position, and about the best things about Although Army coach Tom Cahill has gone with two quarterbacks, junior Dick Atha and sophomore Kingsley Fink, Forzano believes he will start Atha to get the experience. But he also believes Cahill bring Fink in Asked to assess the two signal callers, the Navy coach said he thinks is a better thrower than Atha this time last but that Atha was a better runner when he directed the Army attack in 11-7 vjm I tory last November.

Navy scout Steve Belichick, who has watched Army in five games this season, agreed with Forzano that the Cadets are a much improved team. the start of the season, I think they would he said, adding that a major contributing factor to the improvement has been a much better team attitude. have a confident team. Listening to them I kind of get the impression going to see Oklahoma play. know not, but not knocking it.

Last year they have this Belichick expect any major changes in the Army offense or defense for game at Philadelphia because only drastic changes they have made this year have been when they felt they have chance to MIKE ANTONOVICH Leading Scorer Denver Gets Stofa As 2nd Quarterback DENVER (UPI) The Denver Broncos Tuesday acquired veteran John Stofa from the Miami Dolphins as a reserve quarterback. Bronco head coach Jerry Smith said the 6-3, 210 pound athlete would come off the injured reserve list to join the Broncos. Stofa, who has played pro ball since 1966, suffered a hip injury Sept. 4 and has seen no action since then. is an experienced quarterback and gives us the security we need behind Steve Smith said.

Stewart, who was the No. 2 quarterback in the Kansas City game last Sunday, is young and inexperienced and we needed 3 Stofa, a graduate of Buffalo University, will serve as backup quarterback to Ramsey, who inherited the Denver starting job after a shoulder injury to Don Horn. Ramsey is in his second year in the pros. Stewart, a product of the University of Northern Arizona, was brought up from the taxi squad for last game against Kansas City, but is expected to go back down to the reserve list when Stofa joins the team. Stofa was signed by Miami as a free agent in 1966 and passed the team to a win over Houston in the last game in the season.

He broke his ankle to start off the 1967 year and was traded during the off-season to Cincinnati. While a member of the gals, Stofa appeared in 10 games in 1968, completing 85 of 177 passes for 896 yards, ghe was released and went back to the Dolphins in 1969. Smith said the Broncos obtained Stofa on waivers, but also must compensate the Dolphins with a future draft choice. 1.