Section B · Page 8
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday, September 2,199
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AUTOMOTIVE
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Nebraska leaves options open
Quarterback's injury leaves Cornhuskers with big dilemma
INLCONL, Neb. — Bobby Newcombe or Eric Crouch?
The Associated Press
Nebraska coach Frank Solich said yesterday that when it comes to picking a starter for this weekend, he will keep his options for quarterbacks open.
Newcombe, a sophomore, partially tore a ligament in his left knee during Saturday's 56-27 victory against Louisiana Tech. Solich said the team's medical staff still had not determined Newcombe's status.
"We're not counting him out, but we're not saying whether he'll be able to start or even play." Solich said.
Newcombe did not dress for practice Monday, while Crouch, a redshirt freshman, directed the first-
team offense as the No. 4 Cornhuskers prepared for Saturday's game against Alabama-Birmingham.
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But this is not cloak-and-dagger stuff. Solich promised a starter would be named long before kickoff.
would be a deal where we're try-
"It won't be a deal where we're trying to keep everybody in the dark, then race somebody out onto the field," he said.
The Nebraska staff repeatedly has said Newcombe and Crouch — two of the nation's top prep quarterbacks, two years ago — have similar
SUIL, the sense yesterday was that the "Huskers were hoping for Newcombe, who looked solid against the Bulldogs, to start Saturday. He was 9
speed, passing skills and leadership abilities.
Solich: isn't sure when Bobby Newcombe will return
of 10 for 168 yards and a touchdown
and also ran for two touchdowns.
"Until a guy does start, you really can't tell how it's going to unfold." Solich said. "But we certainly have all the confidence in Eric. Bobby threw the ball well last week. He's a great scramble. It's the same thing with Eric."
Crouch played the final two series against Louisiana Tech and completed 1-of-3 passes for five yards. Crouch, from Millard North High School In Omaha, Neb., said he would be ready.
"Last week, I prepared as if I was going to play." he said. "There was a possibility I would be going in, maybe on the second play. You can get hurt anytime. If do play, that's a good opportunity for me to contribute."
After Crouch, the 'Huskers have fifth-year senior Monte Christo and sophomore walk on Jay Runty. The staff has ruled out using former backup quarerback Frankie London, who moved to wingback this fall.
Solich said it was the Nebraska system — not the guy taking the snaps — that mattered most.
Berringer were out w i t h injuries.
The most memorable precedent is Matt Turman, the walk-on from Wahoo who led the 'Huskers to a 174 victory at Kansas State in 1994 when Tommie Frazier and Brook
"You look at Matt," Sollich said.
"When he stepped in, he knew the
Crouch is no Turman. Like Newcombe, he was a Parade All-American two years ago. Unlike Newcombe, who returned punts and played wingback last fall, Crouch had not seen action for a long time.
system inside and out and he was able to execute it with the tools that he did have."
"I hadn't been on the field until last week for about two years," Crouch said. "It felt good. I'm ready to go."
Florida quarterback set to lead team
The Associated Press
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Learning football from a taskmaster is difficult, and that goes double when the coach is your father.
Of course, that experience may be the reason Jesse Palmer feels right at home at Florida, since Steve Spurrier has picked up where Palmer's dad left off.
Palmer will open the season as No. 3 Florida's starting quarterback Saturday when the Gators play Citadel.
day when they are in school.
A penchant to do things most coach's sons do — study film, ask questions, pay attention to detail — has earned the sophomore from Nepean, Ontario, early praise from Spurrier, although Palmer understands how fickle some coaches can be.
coaches can help.
"I don't know what it's like to play for a coach who doesn't yell," he said Tuesday. "I know there are some coaches who really live in quiet coaching. That may work if that's their style, but I don't know."
with his father came in 11th grade after he threw a first-quarter interception in a game his team eventually won.
"All that day — in the first quarter, at halftime, on the bus ride back, my dad yelled at me about throwing the interception," Palmer said. "It was always constructive. I could handle it at that level, and at this level, it will be fine."
S spurrier, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback for the Gators, his known for accepting little less than perfection from his quarterbacks. Danny Wuerffel got it right. And Shane Matthews before him.
One of Palmer's most vivid battles
But Spurrier is realistic enough to know that it takes time for a player to master Florida's complex offense and the defenses Southeastern Conference opponents will throw at him.
"Jesse can make all the throws." Spurrier said. "He's got as strong an arm or stronger as Shane or Danny. He just needs experience. He needs to get in there and experience some good things happening. We're going give
him every chance to do that, just like we have with every quarterback around here."
Palmer's first start, last year at Auburn, was not the time or the place to ease in. He was handed the starting job after starter Doug Johnson was suspended for missing curfew, and he went 8-for-14 for 92 yards with two interceptions. He was lifted in the second half for senior Noah Brindise.
Citadel, a Division I-AA team that the Gators are expected to roll over, may be a more appropriate opponent for a young quarterback to learn his lessons.
"I'll be able to tell you after game's over," Palmer said. "But it's been very nice getting the reps since two-a-days started. It helps with the confidence. Mentally, there's an advantage going in as a No. 1 guy instead of taking over at mid-season."
Palmer's teammates say there's been a noticeable change between this year and last — a difference in the behavior of someone who feels he belongs in his spot and someone who
just got thrown in.
"He's lot more relaxed than he was before," left tackle Zach Piller said. "He's taken a leadership role in the huddle and has been showing a lot more confidence."
Of course, Spurrier will have a quarterback controversy on his hands as soon as Johnson fully recovers from shoulder surgery. Johnson has been throwing faster balls in practice and is said to be at 80 percent strength or better. Spurrier said Johnson would not play in the opener, although some in the Florida camp would not be surprised to see him.
Palmer knows he will have to perform well this week and against Northeast Louisiana next week to keep his spot for the real start of the season — Sept. 19 at Tennessee.
"I'm not going to lie and say I'm as good as I can get." Palmer said. "I want to improve. I aspire to do that. I watch the tape. It's not hard to stay out of trouble, and it's not hard to commit yourself if you want it bad enough. And that's what I'm trying to do."