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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 11, 1980)
i thursday, december 1 1, 1980 daily nebraskan page 13 . i J i .i 'A i i .5 4 H j i i i JMS'l' coacfc Bulldogs will go to Sun Bowl with 'balanced team' By Larry Sparks Mississippi State's 9-2 season which included a 6-3 win against Alabama and a Sun Bowl invitation oppo site Nebraska, was no fluke, according to Bulldog Coach Emory Bellard. "We're a reasonably balanced team, both offensively and defensively, and our kicking game is good," Bellard said. "We don't have a whole lot of depth, though. That's our major weakness." Bellard also praised other areas of the MSU team. "We're doing a good job of punting and we've done very well in returns. We have some very capable run ners who are backed up with a solid offensive line. We have a young freshman quarterback (John Bond) who has also done a good job for us," Bellard said. Bellard said, however, that based on performances so far, Nebraska probably should be the 13-point favor ite it was tabbed by The Latest Line, a ratings service of the Chicago Tribune. "1 assume that's a legitimate prediction, based on Nebraska's strength and how well they've done this season," he said. The Bulldogs made a complete turnaround from last year when they were 3-8. Bellard noted, though, that no one within the program was very surprised by the improvement. "We had the team last year. We just weren't very secure at some positions. We didn't show much consis- tency either, and that makes it very difficult to win many games," Bellard said. "It's been a learning process for all of us," he added. "We still have a lot of learning to do, but we are a much better fundamental team than we were last year." Bellard's biggest concern about the Dec. 27 game in El Paso, Texas, is MSU's injury situation. "We've had a lot of people out (with injuries) this season. Most of them are back in practice now, but it's always hard to predict how they perform in a game," he said. The Bulldogs didn't spend much time worrying about which team-Oklahoma or Nebraska-they would be playing, according to Bellard. "We were just concerned with getting ourselves into a bowl," Bellard said. "Oklahoma and Nebraska are both top quality teams. There's not much difference between them, as was indicated by their game in Lincoln. They're both outstanding teams and always have been." Bellard said the Huskers will be a tough opponent for Mississippi State, but that the Bulldogs are looking forward to the challenge. "They are strong. They have a fine defensive team and a great offense. The stats prove that," Bellard said. "I'm sure they could beat any team in the country on a given day. They're just a very fine collegiate football team." Bama-Baylor Cotton Bowl game bears watching It's that time of year again. Bowl time. Football's annual gift to television and television's annual gift to the public. Or maybe it's the other way around. I forget. If W.C. Fields had been a Nebraska fan he would have preferred to be in Miami, New Orleans, Dallas. Phoenix, or . . . Actually, there are some good omens about the Huskers trip to the Sun bowl. The last time the Huskers played in the Sun Bowl, 1969, they won the national championship the next two years. And, just like in '69, they're playing a team from the SEC whose nickname is the Bulldogs. goodwin Nebraska is at a disadvantage in this game. Mississippi State is going to be more up for this game than the Hus kers are. That's only natural. But Nebraska has more talent than the Bulldogs. The Huskers end the season with a victory: Nebraska 31 , Mississippi State 21. I'm really sorry, but I just can't take Georgia seriously. I low can any team that has a quarterback named Buck lielue be ranked No. 1 by anybody, except maybe "llee Haw'" The Bulldogs have played only three teams with a winning record. One of those teams, Tennessee, blew a 1 5 -point lead in the second halt" and lost 16-15. And Georgia got a last-minute bomb to beat Florida. Notre Dame, in contrast, has beaten some good teams, like Michigan. Purdue and Alabama. And, pardon the Chargers should romp pun, last week's loss to USC has gotten their Irish up. Notre Dame brings home a Sugar Bowl victory and sends Dan Devine out a winner: Notre Dame 21, Georgia 10. The Cotton Bowl features Alabama vs. Baylor. The Battle of the Bears. Unfortunately for Alabama, the Bear can't suit up. They might need him before this is over. Alabama's problem, in the two games they lost, was scoring points. They managed only a field goal against Mississippi State and nothing against Notre Dame. Against Baylor, they're likely to encounter the same problem. If Baylor's defense can contain the wishbone, their offense should put enough points on the board to win: Baylor 21, Alabama 17. Michigan's problem in the Rose Bowl, as usual, is the date it's played. Michigan always seems to go on a work stopage after November. Under Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines have never won their last game. That should change this year. Washington isn't the best representative the Pac Ten could send, despite taking the conference outright. But the main reason Michigan should win is their detense. They haven't allowed a touch down in five games. They probably won't be able to keep that streak alive in this game, but they will manage to stop the Huskies enough to win: Michigan 21 , Washington 13. At the end of this football feast comes the Orange Bowl. Like last year, Oklahoma plays Florida State. But this is a better Seminole team and a weaker Sooner team. Guess what? Oklahoma still is going to win. Except for their Orange Bowl loss to Arkansas three New York Giants at Washington: The Redskins jus! demolished San Diego, so you would think Sunday's game with the Giants is cakewalk material. The Redskins by six. Seattle at San Diego: San Diego's em barrassment of a week ago is Seattle's loss. San Diego by 2 1 . iufc carlson New Orleans at the New York Jets: There are only a few teams that are pit ted enough to throw away 28-point leads, and New Orleans joined that elite group last Sunday. The Jets by 17. Buffalo at New England: Having greai personnel doesn't ensure success, as New England's 3-game losing streak attests. However, New England has to make things happen if they want to make the play-offs. New England by 1 1. Kansas City at Pittsburgh: Now that the Steelers have some faint play-off hopes, things aren't looking good lor the team standing in their way. I'll take the Steelers to win. but the Chiefs will cover. The Steelers by seven. Tampa Bay at Detroit: Tampa Bay will get a second chance to play spoiler after tailing aginst Minnesota last week. IXMroit proved they couldn't win the big game last week, vo the iuhI goes to the Bucs. Tampa Hay by eight. St. Louis at Philadelphia: The Eagles are now the recipients of a two game skid and are looking for a way out. Can the Eagles return ly the form that staked them to a III record' The Eagles by 10. San Francisco at Atlanta: Atlanta has to guard against a letdown after their hard fought victory over the Eagles. I'm sure the Falcons will be a bit Hat, so watch for quarterback Steve Bartkowski to pick up the slack and start pitching bombs early. Atlanta by 1 1. Cincinnati at Chicago: Chicago may be out of the playoffs, but they look to be the best team the division has to offer. Chicago by 14. Cleveland at Minnesota: The making of an upset here with the Browns having a playoff spot secured, while the Vikings are still scrambling for survival in the NFC Central. Minnesota by seven. Houston at Green Bay: There's no rea son to waste time on this game. Houston by 13. Oakland at Denver: Everyone's picking Oakland, so Ell take the Broncos. Denver by five. Miami at Baltimore: The Dolphins arc coming off a stunning upset of New England, and will now try to ensure another winning season for Head Coach Don Simla. However, the Dolphins have not been treated too well at Baltimore in recent years, and the imminent letdown from Monday Night will not help. The Colts by three. The Monday Night Game: Dallas at Los Angeles: The Rams are now in a corner they h?vo to win one of their last two games (both of which arc against division leaders) to get into the play-offs. Fortun ately for the Rams, both games are at home, plus the return of quarterback Vince Eerragamo has to help their peace of mind. The Rams bv three. THE READ Fopjjohp suxjct tooth NOV SERVING ICE CREAM - 5 FLAVORS FROM THE DAIRV STORE! I.i h Dc!i years ago, the Sooners have never lost a bowl game under Barry Switzer. But it's unlikely the Sooners will rout Florida State as they did last year. An added incentive for both teams is that, if Georgia loses, this game could be for the national championship. The Sooners win a close one: Oklahoma 28, Florida State 23. Independence Bowl: Southern Mississippi 27, McNeese State 14; Garden State Bowl: Houston 34, Navy 21 ; Holi day Bowl: BYU 35,SMU 28; Tangerine Bowl: Florida 17, Maryland 10; Fiesta Bowl: Ohio State 27, Penn State 24; Liberty Bowl: Missouri 30, Purdue 27; Hall of Fame Bowl: Arkansas 24, Tulane 14; Gator Bowl: Pitt 21, South Carolina 10; Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl: North Caro lina 24, Texas 20; Peach Bowl: Miami, Fla. 23, Virginia Tech 14. iiiiijfin 475-COPY 330 No. 13 We can print your resume while you wait Fine papers Matching envelopes Open 7 days a week COMPLETE RESUME SERVICE Electronic typing Bold type face capabilities Dnpn Mnnriav-Fririav 8 00 a m -5:00 D.m. 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