Huskers Pass Louisiana Tech Test

Lincoln -- It was a new look, but an old result as the Frank Solich era began with a 56-27 victory over Louisiana Tech in the Genuine Nebraska Eddie Robinson Classic.

Solich was an assistant for 19 seasons until replacing Hall of Fame Coach Tom Osborne following last season. The Huskers, ranked fourth and third in the preseason polls (AP/Coaches), scored on all six of their first half possesions en route to a 35-6 halftime lead.

Sophomore quarterback Bobby Newcombe completed nine-of-10 passes on the day for 168 yards, including a 46-yard scoring pass to tight end Sheldon Jackson to give the Huskers a 7-0 lead. NU increased the lead to 14-0 as Newcombe scored from one yard out.

The sophomore from Albuquerque, N.M., rushed for a pair of scores in his starting debut before suffering a torn PCL in his left knee late in the third quarter. After Louisiana Tech cut the lead to 21-6, Joe Walker took the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for his second career touchdown to increase the NU lead to 28-6. Newcombe closed out the first-half scoring with a one-yard run to give NU a 35-6 halftime lead.

The Bulldogs, behind the explosive combination of quarterback Tim Rattay and wide receiver Troy Edwards, closed the Husker lead to 35-21. Edwards set an NCAA record with 405 yards on 21 catches, while Rattay completed 46 of 68 passes for 590 yards. Edwards' receiving yards broke the previous NCAA mark of 363 yards held by UNLV's Randy Gatewood against Idaho. Edwards' 21 catches were two shy of Gatewood's NCAA record 23 receptions.

Sophomore I-back Correll Buckhalter rushed for a career-high 143 yards and two scores, including a 43-yard jaunt for the final score.