The Nebraska Cornhuskers participated in a 108 play scrimmage on Saturday, applying themselves primarily to the basics in preparation for the fast-approaching season. The Huskers offense did what they do best by rushing the ball early and often in the fall's first scrimmage. Thirteen different players rushed the ball 91 times for a total of 447 yards.

Transfer I-Back Thunder Collins made his presence known quickly in his first scrimmage as a Husker. He led all rushers with 56 yards on nine carries and scored twice with runs of 35 and 1 yards.

The Husker rushing game showed early season power in the scrimmage. The ground game averaged almost five yards per rush, with four players gaining over 50 yards on the ground. In addition to Collins' gains, freshman DeAntae Grixby (55 yards), and veterans Dahrran Diedrick (52) and Dan Alexander (50) all topped the half-century mark. Buckhalter included a touchdown run of two yards in his total.

With only two weeks remaining until the Husker host San Jose State, Husker head coach Frank Solich felt the team was showing improvement, but still had areas of concern.

"The quarterback/center exchange with the young guys wasn't good, and we had way too many motion penalties." Solich said.

All four of the Huskers' signal callers switched off throughout the afternoon. Starting quarterback Eric Crouch and freshman backup Jammal Lord were able to connect on long touchdown passes in the scrimmage. Crouch landed a 38 yard toss to Matt Davison and Lord connected with Troy Hassebroek on a 51-yard strike. Crouch's TD toss was his only completion in four attempts. He also rushed four times for 43 yards, including a 51 yard yard bootleg dash. Lord went 3-9 for 52 yards in passing and rushed for 29 yards on six carries. Freshmen Kelly Cook (2-3, 27 yards passing, 7 carries for 48 yards) and Joe Chrisman (0-1 passing, 7-26 rushing) also saw action.

Despite the offense's ability to run the ball, Solich said he felt the team has showed it's talent on the defensive side of the ball as well.

"I think they have improved. They played well. The effort and movement was good." Solich said.

Saturday's scrimmage marked the end of two-a-day practices for the Huskers. Nebraska will take Sunday off and continue regular fall practices when fall semester classes begin on Monday.

As of Monday the Huskers will have their full roster of 105 players in camp after 70 walk-ons reported to the team over the weekend. The newcomers did not participate in the scrimmage. Notable among the walk-ons are Dusty Keiser (TE, 6-3, 240, Norfolk, Neb.), Justin Lanum (Guard, 5-11, 255, Lincoln Northeast), Mitch Manstedt (DT, 6-4, 270, Clarks, Neb.), Ryan Mikluscak (SE, 6-0, 190, Bellevue West), Jack O'Holleran (WB, 5-10, 195, North Platte, Neb.), Scott Siefken (QB, 5-11, 190, Boerne, Texas), Donnie Sizemore (QB, 5-10, 235, Diamond Bar, Calif.), Tyler Toline (rush end, 6-2, 210, Wahoo, Neb.) , Trejon Walker (cornerback, 5-8, 170, Grand Prairie, Texas)