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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 13, 1993)
NU hopes to earn respect against favored ’Noles By Derek Samson Senior Reporter After Florida State was beaten by Notre Dame, the team many described as the best in a decade had fallen from its throne. Nebraska, however, knows it will face the same Florida State team New Year’s Day that had college football fans in awe during most of its season. ‘They’ve had a very good year and have done some great things,” linebacker Mike Anderson said. “We respect what they’ve done This season, but we’re a good QLuulGiE . Nebraska players do not seem to mind being as much as a 18-point underdog to the 11-1 Seminoles. Quarterback Tommie Frazier said the Huskerswere far from intimidated by Flor ida State. “We look at them as a good team, but we don’t look at them like supermen or anything like that,” Frazier said. “We look at them as we do all our opponents. “We know that Florida State can be beat and we know we have the capability to beat them. We just have to play our best game.” Coach Tom Osborne said Nebraska’s lack of respect was a result of its six-game losing streak in the bowls. “A bowl game is kind of the last impression your team leaves,” Osborne said. “It’s also a lot more visible as far as a national audience.” Nebraska defensive tackle Kevin Ramaekcrs said if Nebraska beats Florida State, the lack of respect may switch sides. “We could get all the respect back if we_ would beat a team like Florida Sate,” he said. “A big win down there would definitely put us on the map and give us some respect.” Florida State handed Nebraska its third loss of the 1992 season in last year’s Orange Bowl with a 27-14 win. Nebraska has lost three of its last six bowl games to Florida State. “We’re not concerned w ith revenge or re spect at this point,” Anderson said. “We’re just looking at this game as the national champion ship and that we have to play our best. That’s enough motivation.” Once the game is underway, Frazier said, all the talk will be forgotten in hopes of the nation al title. “It’s just two teams out there trying to win [he national championship,” he said. “I don’t :hink there is any extra incentive because it’s Florida State for the national championship.” Osborne said Nebraska would try to earn its admiration with its play. “As far as respect, that goes kind of like the weather or the officials,” he said. “You can’t :ontrol it, other than the way you play on the field.” _Ml Shaun Sartin/DN Quarterback Tommie Frazier says the Huskers won’t be intimidated by Florida State. “We don’t look at them like supermen,’’ Frazier says. JC )STENS IJOOQSlrMl (403) 478-0111 NU rushes to meet FSU’s speed By Derek Samson Senior Reporter The Nebraska offensive line has blocked itself near the topof the coun try in rushing, but the Florida State defense has a quick fix for that suc cess: Speed. Nebraska’s of fensive linemen said they knew what lay ahead — one of the fastest defenses in the country. “1 think their strength is their overall defensive speed,” tackle Zach Wicgert said. “It’s kind of a concern, but it’s definitely nothing to be scared of. “I don t think it sjust flat-out speed, but they flow a lot faster than other teams.” Ken Mehlin, a senior guard, said Nebraska had faced strong 1 incbacking corps in the past. “Oklahoma and Colorado had some great linebackers, so we’ve seen some good ones already,” he said. “Florida State is real tough at the linebacker position, but everybody thinks they arc superhumans or some thing. “They have a lot of speed on de fense, but if we come out and have a great technique game, we should be fine.” Senior tackle Lance Lundbcrgsaid the Huskcrs were looking to make up for a poor offensive showing against Oklahoma. Nebraska gained just 179 yards, including 122 yards on the ground, against Oklahoma. “Wc need to execute as close to perfection as we can,” Lundbcrg said. “Wc had some problems againstOkla homa but wc have a couple of weeks to iron those out. So far, the bowl practices have gone well.” Mchlin said Nebraska might not be able to rack up the yards it normally did, but should be able to score. “They’re a great defensive team and it is going to be hard to go up and down the field on them,” Mehlin said. “Wc have some great athletes just 1 ike them, and if we do what we need to do, we should be able to score some points on them.” Sophomore center Aaron Graham said Florida State shouldn’t take Ne braska’s offense lightly. “1 think with the way our offense is set up, that if everybody does what they are supposed to do, our offense is going to be tough to stop.” Orange Continued from Page 10 year.” Osborne said. Along with leading the nation in scoring defense, the Seminolcs also have the country’s top scoring of fense. “They have great athletes on of fense too. and C harlie Ward is the catalyst that seems to make it all hang together.” Osborne said. “There just isn’t anyone thing you can do to stop Charlie Ward.” Despite Florida State’s talent, Ne braska defensive tackle Kevin Ramaekers said, the Huskers won’t be intimidated by the Scminoles. “They’re a little flashier than we are,” he said. “They’re a little more colorful, and maybe they even have a little nicer uniforms than we do. But they are adjust football players. They put their pants on the same way we do.” Regardless of the Scminolcs’ tal ent, Fra/.ier said, Florida State still must play a great game as a team to beat the Huskers. ‘‘They don’t do anything different than any other team,” Fra/.ier said. “You don’t win or lose on talent alone. 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