The Nebraska Cornhusker overcame a shaky season opening performance and produced a 21-7 win over Texas Christian in the Pigskin Classic Saturday afternoon.

Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch, who became the Huskers' all-time career leader for offensive yards, guided the Huskers on three scoring drives despite heavy pressure from the TCU defense.

The Huskers vaunted rushing attack was held in check throughout the game by a spirited Horned Frog defense. Nebraska finished with 151 yards on the ground, nearly 200 yards below the Husker rushing average last season. I-Back Thunder Collins, starting in place of suspended I-Back Dahrran Diedrick, lead all rushers with 71 yards on 14 carries. Collins added two touchdown runs including a 26 yarder in the fourth quarter.

Nebraska appeared to be in command early on. Their opening drive was workmanlike, moving 71 yards in six plays for a score. A Crouch run for 32 yards from midfield was the big play. Collins provided the points on a six yard run for a 7-0 lead with 9:42 left.

Texas Christian showed their spirit on the ensuing drive. Facing a 2nd and 14 at their own 33, quarterback Casey Printer scrambled right, then reversed his field and heaved a bomb to Matt Schobel who had moved behind the defense. Schobel hauled in the pass, then out raced the secondary for a 67-yard touchdown. Midway through the first period the teams were tied-up at 7-7.

After the teams traded punts, the Husker scored again. A 42-yard completion by Crouch to Jon Gibson set up the score. Crouch took the ball in on a 1-yard sneak. The point-after was missed leaving Nebraska up 13-7 at the end of the first.

The game became a defensive battle from there. TCU held Nebraska to 11 yards in the second quarter and 143 for the first half. Nebraska was the only team to provide an extended drive until midway through the third period. An eight play drive netted only four yards.

Despite the low offensive numbers, Husker offensive tackle Dave Volk says they aren't sounding any alarms.

"Nobody's worried about our offense," Volk said. "We came out and showed what we can do when we want to move the ball. That's what it's like to play mistake free football."

Nebraska remained with their power running game plan to create the game's final score. Behind runs by Crouch of 8 and 42 and an 11 yard run by Collins, the Huskers turned in a 98 yard scoring drive, capped by a 26 yard run by Collins. A two-point conversion run by Crouch made the score 21-7.

Crouch completed 10 of 18 passes for 151 yards and 1 interception. his counterpart, Printers, finished with 122 yards passing on 10 of 21 attempts. Crouch added 69 yards rushing on 24 carries.

Crouch passed Tommie Frazier on the all-time career offensive yards charts. Frazier held the old mark of 5,476 yards. Crouch surpassed the mark on the team's second drive of the fourth period.

The Huskers were spared any serious injuries in the game. Defensive Tackle Jason Lohr suffered a minor ankle sprain. TCU wasn't so fortunate. Starting defensive end Bo Shobel is out for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament. Defensive tackle John Turntine appeared to have sustained a serious injury when he collapsed on the field. The injury was not serious, however, and he was able to return with the team to Texas.