Brown Doesn’t Expect To Be Singing The Blues

James Brown may have to be the hardest-working quarterback in college football if he thinks Texas can beat Nebraska by three touchdowns.

Brown, obviously full of confidence after a 51-15 rout of Texas A&M last week, predicted his Longhorns would upset No. 3 Nebraska in Saturday’s Big 12 title game in St. Louis.

“I think we’re going to win by three touchdowns,” said Brown, even though Texas is a 20-point underdog. “If they blitz us, and we make plays against the blitz, we’ll be all right.”

Big if.

Ever since their 19-0 loss to Arizona State on Sept. 21, the Cornhuskers (10-1) have outscored nine opponents 430-83. And that includes last week’s 17-12 victory over No. 7 Colorado.

“I watched the Colorado game and they sacked Detmer every other time he dropped back to pass,” said Brown. “To sack me, they’re going to have to catch me.”

The Huskers, with an outside chance at a third straight national title, need a win to move into a Sugar Bowl matchup against No. 1 Florida State on Jan. 2. To win the title, they need No. 5 Ohio State to beat No. 2 Arizona State in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, then they must beat the Seminoles in New Orleans.

There are two other league titles at stake Saturday: No. 4 Florida (10-1) plays No. 15 Alabama (9-2) for the SEC title and a probable Orange Bowl berth, and No. 6 Brigham Young plays No. 20 Wyoming for the WAC title.

Texas should have its hands full against Nebraska, which ranks fourth in overall defense (232.9 yards per game) and fourth against the run (77.8 yards). Texas counters with an offense ranked 12th overall at 456.6 yards per game.

Brown has completed 151 of 271 passes for 2,115 yards and 16 TDs, while tailback Ricky Williams has 1,265 yards rushing.

For the Huskers, fifth in rushing at 296.4 yards per game, Ahman Green (917 yards) is doubtful with a foot injury. The other I-backs, Damon Benning and DeAngelo Evans, are also ailing, Benning with a sprained ankle, Evans with groin pull.

No. 3 Nebraska (minus 20) vs. Texas: Huskers shut down Brown… . NEBRASKA 31-17.

No. 4 Florida (minus 15) vs. No. 15 Alabama (at Atlanta): Can Gators’ Danny Wuerffel recover from FSU’s blitz barrage? … FLORIDA 28-21.

No. 6 Brigham Young (minus 8-1/2) vs. No. 20 Wyoming (at Las Vegas): BYU playing for a possible Fiesta Bowl berth… . BYU 38-21.

No. 22 Army (plus 2) vs. Navy (at Philadelphia): Independence Bowl on the line… . ARMY 24-20.

Last week: 5-3 (straight); 4-3 (spread).

Season: 193-50 (straight); 112-118-6 (spread).