QB Crouch To Start For Nebraska
Eric Crouch is Nebraska's man.
Cornhuskers coach Frank Solich said Friday the redshirt freshman from Omaha will start at quarterback Saturday against Alabama-Birmingham in place of injured sophomore Bobby Newcombe.
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Solich said Newcombe, who didn't practice until Thursday, will suit up but won't play as he recovers from the slight knee ligament tear received in last week's 56-27 victory over Louisiana Tech.
When Newcombe and Crouch joined the Huskers last fall, Nebraska coaches lauded their similar talents. Crouch practiced with the No. 1 offense this week, and Solich said he'll step right in.
"We will not restrict playcalling because of Eric being in the game," Solich said. "He's practiced as much as Bobby in terms of running our offense and he's shown that he can run it well."
Nebraska cuts off cuts player interviews two days before games, so neither Newcombe nor Crouch was available for comment. Crouch wore a serious look as he jogged out for Friday's walk-through.
"He
found out about it today. I think he knew it was coming," Solich said. "After yesterday's practice, it was probably somewhat obvious to him even though Bobby said he felt good." 
Bobby Newcombe will suit up for Nebraska, but won't start against UAB. (AP)
The decision also moves up reserve quarterback Monte Christo, a fifth-year senior whose career has been plagued by injuries.
"Our feeling is that Eric has had a good week of practice," Solich said. "Monte hs had a good week of practice. They're prepared well. They've got a lot of skill, and I hope that will show in this game."
Solich said Newcombe indicated to coaches that he felt he could play, but wasn't cleared by Nebraska's medical staff.
"What we were hearing from Bobby and what we were hearing from the doctors were two different things," Solich said.
Newcombe will be re-evaluated before next week's game at California.
Solich recoiled at the suggestion that it wouldn't hurt the Huskers for Newcombe to miss a game against Alabama-Birmingham, playing its third year of Division I-A football.
"We want our best people on the field when they're healthy to play," Solich said. "The one thing that we've learned over the years at Nebraska is that you prepare for each team.
"To us, Alabama Birmingham is a tremendously dangerous team. If we don't prepare well for them, if we don't play our best, we won't have a chance to win the game," he said.
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