Saban Gets Nfl-Like Challenge When Msu Takes On Nebraska

With Nick Saban as defensive coordinator, the Cleveland Browns gave up the fewest points in the NFL last season. Saban will need another great defensive effort Saturday, when he makes his debut as Michigan State’s head coach against second-ranked Nebraska.

The Cornhuskers opened defense of their national championship last Thursday with a 64-21 victory over Oklahoma State. They probably could have scored 100 if coach Tom Osborne hadn’t pulled his regulars in the second half.

Saban’s Spartans will have their hands full trying to contain quarterback Tommie Frazier and tailback Lawrence Phillips, who were involved in six touchdowns against Oklahoma State. Phillips rushed for 153 yards and three TDs, while Frazier ran for one and passed for two.

“Their backfield is obviously one of the best in the nation,” Saban said. “They have so many weapons, both offensively and defensively. They are a very explosive team.”

Another major concern for Saban is Michigan State’s running game.

Senior tailback Duane Goulbourne, who rushed for 930 yards last year, is out with a broken leg and will be replaced by two sophomores. That puts an extra burden on fullback Scott Greene, who will be running behind an offensive line with four first-time starters.

Tony Banks, who completed 61 percent of his passes last year, gives the Spartans experienced leadership at quarterback. But that won’t be enough against the Cornhuskers, who are 18-point favorites…. NEBRASKA 35-14.

Today

Georgia Tech (plus 15) at No. 17 Arizona

No runner has gained 100 yards vs. Wildcats since 1992 …. ARIZONA 21-14.

Boston College (plus 2-1/2) at No. 20 Virginia Tech

Eagles are much better than they looked against Ohio State …. BOSTON COLLEGE 21-20.

Saturday No. 1 Florida St. (minus 20) at Clemson

Combined score of last two meetings: Seminoles 74, Tigers 0 … FLORIDA ST. 42-14.

Texas Tech (plus 22) at No. 4 Penn St.

Nittany Lions have won 17 in a row … PENN ST. 38-14.

No. 5 Florida (minus 27) at Kentucky

Bill Curry 0-8 vs. Gators … FLORIDA 51-14.

Tennessee-Chattanooga (no line) at No. 6 Auburn

Paycheck game for Chattanooga … AUBURN 55-10.

San Jose St. (plus 36) at No. 7 Southern Cal

Big expectations for Trojans this year … SOUTHERN CAL 44-14.

Georgia (plus 13) at No. 8 Tennessee

Bulldogs haven’t won in Knoxville since 1980 … TENNESSEE 24-21.

Colorado St. (plus 18-1/2) at No. 10 Colorado

Buffaloes impressive in opener against Wisconsin … COLORADO 31-10.

Memphis (plus 21) at No. 11 Michigan

First meeting between schools … MICHIGAN 35-7.

No. 12 UCLA (minus 10-1/2) at BYU

Bruins too strong for Cougars … UCLA 38-21.

Southern Mississippi (plus 14) vs. No. 13 Alabama at Birmingham

Tide has won 17 straight non-conference games … ALABAMA 24-7.

San Diego St. (plus 14) at No. 14 Oklahoma

Schnellenberger wins first game as Sooners’ coach … OKLAHOMA 27-17.

No. 16 Virginia (minus 5) at No. 23 North Carolina St.

Cavs have won three of last four in Raleigh … VIRGINIA 21-20.

Florida A&M (no line) at No. 19 Miami

Hurricanes take out frustration on I-AA opponent … MIAMI 55-0.

No. 21 Kansas St. (minus 13-1/2) at Cincinnati

Wildcats 27-3-1 at home in the ‘90s … KANSAS ST. 27-6.

East Carolina (plus 6) at No. 22 Syracuse

Orangemen young but talented … SYRACUSE 20-10.

Illinois (plus 3-1/2) at No. 24 Oregon

Illini rebound from last week’s Michigan disaster … ILLINOIS 17-14.

No. 25 Notre Dame (minus 9) at Purdue

Irish barely avoid 0-2 start … NOTRE DAME 24-23.

Last week: 11-5 (straight); 9-6 (spread).

Season: 13-5 (straight); 10-7 (spread).