Fourth quarter ‘Sooner magic’ fizzles
HUSKERS from Page 1
Osborne said he credits a different defense
for Nebraska's success on defense.
“1 think they did a good job with the
schemes. We took a page out of Miami’s
defense and wc worked on n a little all year and
on Mondays. Wc tried to use it against Colo
rado but we were able to save it until today ."
Osborne said he was worried most about
turnovers. Taylor threw two interceptions
while completing 2 of 12 passes for 48 yards.
But it was a f umble that had Osborne wor
ried the most.
With 4:35 left in the third quarter, Nebraska
had the ball at its own 3-yard line. 1-back Ken
Clark, who gained 167 yards on 24 carries,
carried through the middle but fumbled. The
Sooners’ Scott Garl recovered at the 30-yard
line.
Six plays later, Oklahoma’s R.D. Lasher
kicked a 29-yard field goal to cut the Huskers’
lead to 7-3.
“We expected to see the ball on the ground
some today but wc just didn’t gel any turn
overs. We had three turnovers and they had
one,’’Osborne said. "1 felt if the turnovers went
that way, we’d lose the game. I though we had
to at least come out even to win the game."
Nebraska look its 7-3 lead into the fourth
quarter, and Osborne said he was confident the
Huskers could slop Oklahoma for the final 15
minutes of the game.
With 2:45 left in the game, Nebraska’s John
Krockcr had a punt upped at the line of
scrimmage and the Sooners got the hall at the
Nebraska 48-yard line.
After three plays, the Sooners had a fourth
and-15 situation bui Thompson was sacked by
Willie Griffin logive the Huskcrs their first win
in Norman in five years.
“We talked a lot about the fourth quarter
today,” Osborne said. “There’s been a lot of
mention of Oklahoma magic, the fourth quarter
and choking. W'e talked about it a great deal
that we’re going to play hard in the fourth
quarter."
Nebraska outside linebacker Broderick
Thomas said there’s no such thing as Sooner
magic.
“As far as Nebraska choking and things like
that, its a w hole lot of nonsense,” Thomas said.
“Our team has a saying: ‘Don’t believe the
hype. ’ And as far as the rest of these things go,
it’s time to crown a new Big Eight champion.”
Thomas said the four-year wail to defeat
Oklahoma was worth it.
“They said they had the key to our house,”
Thomas said. “But I think gelling the last laugh
is what was most important. Us seniors are
going out in class — there’s nothing they can
say about it. They lost in their house, we took
their keys and arc going back to Lincoln.”
With the Big Eight title, Osborne said he’s
excited about playing Miami.
"Tell (Miami coach) Jimmy Johnson we’re
looking forward to seeing him,” he said.
Photos, clockwise from top: Ken
I Clark steps out of a tackle during
first quarter action Saturday.
Nebraska’s Tim Jackson brings
own OU quarterback Charles
Thompson.
Two fans huddle for warmth
underneath an umbrella as they
watch first-half action.
Nebraska cheerleaders celebrate
with fans who stormed the field
after the 7-3 Husker victory.
To the victor goes the spoils. An
orange lies on the field after
being thrown by a fan.
Nebraska’s victory Saturday
sends them to the Orange Bowl.
Photos
by
Doug Carroll
I ~. 1