Louisiana Tech at Nebraska
New coach, new QB stepping forward for Cornhuskers
Posted: Friday August 28, 1998 03:01 PM
| |
The Frank Solich era begins at Nebraska when it hosts Louisiana Tech in the Eddie Robinson Classic Saturday AP |
LINCOLN, Nebraska (AP) -- A year ago at this time, Frank Solich and Bobby Newcombe were cushioned in relative anonymity. Now, they're big names on the college football landscape, leading Nebraska into a new era.
When the No. 4 Cornhuskers cross Tom Osborne Field to play Louisiana Tech in the Eddie Robinson Football Classic on Saturday, it will mark the debuts of Solich as coach and Newcombe as quarterback.
There's been a lot of attention on Solich, a 19-year assistant who succeeded the retired Osborne this spring, and Newcombe, the sophomore whose dazzling talent was displayed last fall on punt returns and as a receiver.
Finally, the buildup is over and the butterflies begin.
"I expect Bobby will be a little nervous. ... The head coach is going to be a little bit nervous, too," Solich said.
The 53-year-old Solich, hired to maintain a Nebraska system that has produced a 60-3 record and at least a share of three national titles since 1993, is stepping beyond one of the longest shadows in coaching.
Solich insisted it's no big deal to replace Osborne.
"The fact that Tom decided to step down brought a lot of attention to a program that already gets a lot of attention," he said. "I tried to downplay it to the players. For a lot of them, it's their first game, too."
Still, the questions about Osborne's legacy have persisted. Like Ray Perkins following Bear Bryant at Alabama or Gary Gibbs following Barry Switzer at Oklahoma, Solich invariably will be measured against Osborne.
Solich said he will try to avoid comparisons.
"I'm looking at keeping this program at the level of success it has become accustomed to," Solich said. "I'm certainly more interested in continuing that success than any accomplishments I can have personally."
Newcombe's career has been eagerly anticipated in Nebraska. He was one of the nation's top prep quarterbacks two years ago, and tales of his speed and agility excited Husker fans before he ever stepped on campus.
Without taking a snap as a starter, Newcombe has become a national hit. Earlier this month, he appeared on a prominent sports radio program and was featured on the covers of several magazines.
"I didn't expect this much hype, being a first year quarterback," Newcombe said. "At the same time, playing at Nebraska with a big-time program and a new coach and a great football tradition, you definitely get a lot of hype. But I didn't think it would be this much, this soon."
The opponent seeking to spoil the coming-out party, Louisiana Tech, is known more for producing former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw and NBA All-Star Karl Malone than for its football tradition.
The pass-happy Bulldogs, who went 9-2 last season but didn't receive a bowl invitation, are trying to win respect.
"I think this is a great opportunity for us to go to Lincoln and show everyone what we can do," said Louisiana Tech coach Gary Crowton.
Solich and Newcombe aren't the only Huskers moving into new roles. With only one returning starter on the offensive line and two starters injured on each side of the ball, Nebraska introduces several new faces.
Solich predicts a battle against a high-powered Louisiana Tech offense, led by quarterback Tim Rattay and receiver Troy Edwards. He said he expects a veteran Bulldogs defensive line to test Nebraska's young offense.
"We wouldn't have done this game if it was the Kickoff Classic back at the Meadowlands," Solich said. "The fact that it's at home was important. We wanted to get a few more games at home for our inexperienced players."
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
| 
MULTIMEDIA
