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About The daily Nebraskan. ([Lincoln, Neb.) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 28, 1994)
Nation’s top rushers to fight for big yards Phillips, Salaam ignore Heisman, focus on winning By Pffc taw—n Senior Reporter The Nebraska-Coloradogame Sat urday will match the No. 2 and 3 teams in the country for the Big Eight and possibly the national champion ship. But the biggest matchup of this game features Col “I’m overwhelmed that I’m even considered the favorite,” Salaam said. “I’m surprised my name is comingup, because I don’t see myself as a Hei sman Trophy winner. I just see myself as a hard worker on the team.” As for Phillips, the Heisman isn’t what he’s concerned with now, either. “It would be nice, but the biggest thing we’re after here at Nebraska is the national championship, and ev eryone is focused on that,” Phillips said. “I don’t get upset when I’m not mentioned with the others. We’re doing a good jbb here, and I’m proud of what I’ve ac oraao s nasnaan Salaam and Ne braska’s Lawrence Phillips, the No. 1 and 3 rushers in the country, respec tively. Salaam leads the country with 179.4 yards per game on the ground, while Phi llips has had 154.1 rushing yards per contest. Both backs are averaging 6.7 yards a carry. Phillips said he wouldn’t be bat tling Salaam, be cause with Nebras ka quarterback 7'm overwhelmed that I’m even considered the favorite. I’m surprised my name is coming up, because I don’t see myself as a Heisman Trophy winner. I just see myself as a hard worker on the team. ” ■ RASHAAN SALAAM Colorado running back complisbedat Ne braska.” Nebraska coach Tom Osborne said Salaam and Phil lips were similar, except for the of fenses in which they ran. “They’re both Seat backs, but ey’re a little dif ferent, because they’re running in a little different system,” Osborne said. “Lawrence runs behind a full back a lot of the time, and Salaam is in the one-back set. moo* Derringer beingfullyrecoveredfromacollapsed lung, Phillips wouldn’t be carrying the offensive load. “I don’t lode at this game asa head to-head (with Salaam),” Phillips said. “I don’t think we’re going to be fo cused on <me type of offense like the last couple weeks. Brook is healthy now, so we can get the rest of our offense in, and it won’t be focused QQ. me like the past games.” The Big Eight isn’t finished seeing its best backs, because Salaam is just a jpniotamd Phillips is a sophomore. And the big numbers that both runners have posted have them in this year’s Heisman Trophy race—espe cially Salaam, who is considered the front-runner for the award. Salaam said he was surprised with the attention he had received. bui tney oom are instinctive runners, both have speed, both have strength, and they both catch the ball well. They both seem like complete backs.” But Phillips did find one difference in their running styles. “He’s a power runner, and I’m more a speed runner and try to make people miss,” he said. Colorado coach Bill McCartney didn’t compare Phillips to Salaam but instead compared him to past Nebras ka I-backs. “Historically, Nebraska tailbacks are rugged runners,” McCartney said. “They run hard, fast and strong. He’s out of the same mold. We’ve been playing good backs all season. You can compare Phillips to Michigan’s Tim Biakabutuka and Wisconsin’s Brent Moss.” Running for the Newman Abova: Colorado running hack Rashaan tslsnw fights Ids way past Kansas’ Marlin —afcsnay la ths Buffs’ victory ever the Jay hawks last season. Loft: Nebraska Mback Lawrence Phillips runs past Wyoming’s Chuck Pelssn In Nebraska's 42-32 win ever the Cowboys on Oct. 1.