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LINCOLN, Nebraska (Ticker) -- Hoping to fare better than Iowa, California travels to Nebraska to play the sixth-ranked Cornhuskers in revamped Memorial Stadium. Nebraska clubbed Iowa, 42-7, last weekend, running up 543 yards of total offense and allowing only 169. A blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown was the only thing separating the Cornhuskers from a road shutout. Some $36.1 million of work was done and Memorial Stadium now has triple the number of restrooms and a capacity of 74,056, an increase of 1,356. There now are 42 skybox suites and a new two-level press box that can accomidate 200 people. In addition, concessions and other fan amenities were improved throughout the facility. The starting quarterback for Nebraska will not change, since Bobby Newcombe has the job. But Eric Crouch was equally impressive in his playing time against Iowa and coach Frank Solich indicated both players will see time once again. Both quarterbacks were very impressive in camp, but Newcombe was given the starting job. He carried 15 times for 35 yards and completed 7-of-10 passes for 128 yards with an interception against Iowa. Crouch had 92 yards and three touchdowns on five carries and was 3-of-5 for 68 yards. "Eric really took it very hard, which was understandable," Solich said about breaking the news to Crouch. "He had an excellent fall camp and you could have made a case for either quarterback to be the starter. In most cases if you give an athlete a little bit of time to think through things, he is going to come out and make good decisions. It was tough on Eric, but he certainly has always been a team player. It has worked out well for us since both guys have been fresh." Solich addressed rumors that Crouch might see time at receiver. "It's tough to prepare your quarterbacks because the No. 2 guy is always a play away from being the No. 1 guy," the coach said. "You have to continue to give him the reps to stay sharp at quarterback." Known for its vaunted rushing attack, Nebraska has a receiver, Matt Davison, who has at least one reception in 18 straight games. California (1-0) posted a 21-7 victory over Rutgers in its season opener as Marcus Fields ran for 123 yards and a touchdown and Deltha O'Neal returned an interception for a score. "Cal is really an excellent senior-dominated team," Solich said. "O'Neal returns kicks and also is an excellent corner and they have some skill people to make big plays." The Golden Bears lost, 24-3, at home to Nebraska last season but were down only 11 points with five minutes left. They are more than a four-touchdown underdog this time around and are looking for their first win in three games between the schools.
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