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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 24, 1998)
■he Battalion Sports Page 7A • Tuesday, November 24, 1998 UTs Ricky Williams is glad Tony Dorsett will be there when - - not if — - he sets the NCAA rushing record BY JEFF WEBB The Battalion A USTIN — When University of Texas senior running back Ricky Williams went to see a movie Friday night, he waded through throngs of high-school teens clamoring for his autograph. In fact, Williams can rarely venture into the city of Austin without being recognized. “People are a lot nicer to me now that I’m doing well,” he said. Williams is doing so well, he needs only 63 yards to surpass former University of Pittsburgh running back Tony Dorsett for the NCAA-career rushing record. But it is not just the citizens of Austin who are stricken with dread-lock fever. His Longhorn teammates also seem -to be smitten with the thought of making his tory against Texas A&M Friday. “They [the offensive line] are fully aware of every yard,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “Every time Ricky has a run called back for a penalty, they are aware of it. There’s no question these young guys are obsessed.” Football obsession is something many thought was impossible after last year’s 4- 7 campaign that ended the Texas coaching tenure of John Mackovic. However, Williams has provided a goal for the Longhorns this season, something the team will strive for now that the Big 12 Championship game is out of reach. Now, Williams has Dorsett’s record in his sights with A&M’s 14th-ranked rushing defense visiting at the end of the week. Dorsett will be on hand Friday to see Williams’ performance against the Aggies. “It’s great that he’s going to be there to watch me break the record. ” Notice Williams said “break the record.” With A&M’s “Wrecking Crew” defense, Williams should worry about getting his 63 yards. Right? “Should l? I don’t doubt myself,” he said. “To me, it’s not that big of a deal. But I don’t think we’re going to be that close if I only have 60 yards.” Williams’ career has been a remark able one. He has the NCAA record for points in a career with 446. He is 262 yards behind former Navy running back Napolean McCallum for the career all-purpose yards record. He has 71 rushing touchdowns, the NCAA career record. The Heisman favorite also has a truckload of memories. “The high points? Beating A&M my sophomore year,” he said. “Beating Ne braska. There weren’t any last year. But this year, I’m proud of how we’ve come to gether as a team. ” The team, which so many forget is 7- 3 this season with a bowl bid all but guar anteed. Now, the whole team is pulling for Williams to work his magic one more time Friday, especially freshman quarter back Major Applewhite. “The quarterback’s best friend is the running game,” Applewhite said. “I real ly walked into a great situation here with him at running back. I’m just happy I’m here with Ricky.” Williams’ gift to his offensive lineman for a job well-done is autographed copies of the recent Sports Illustrated with his likeness on the cover. He said he will not autograph copies for anyone else to make them special to the players. However, it is hard to believe anything could make the season any less special for the Longhorns’ faithful. Williams will play his last home game in front of a raucous orange-and-white- clad crowd bent on watching history. “It’s been a lot of fun,” he said. “Fm glad I came to this university. I just think there are so many more things I could have done better.” But not too many. After all, anyone who walks down the street fearing dis covery behind every turn has to have done something right. Like maybe restoring hope in a football program. Aggie Pride License Plates A Great Gift Idea For: GRAT> uATlON Christmas fcnv other occasion I. To apply for your Aggie Pride License Plates, send this completed form, and a cashier's check, money order or personal check to: Texas Department of Transportation Division of Vehicle Titles and Registration Austin, Texas 78779-0001 Make checks payable to: Texas Department of Transportation Name of Vehicle Owner : Texas County of Residence Address City/State_ Signature Zip. Please indicate the type of license plates you wish to obtain. One set of plates per application Collegiate ( Aggie Pride ) Fee: $30.00 J Personalized Collegiate Fee: $70.00 Personalized Collegiate License Plate Selection: 11-98 1st choice: 2nd choice: To apply, fill out and send in the form above. Call the Office of University Relations (845-4662) for more information. You'll be showing your Aggie Pride and helping provide scholarships for needy Aggies.