Signature Play

By GARY KLEIN

Dec. 31, 2001 12 AM PT

TIMES STAFF WRITER

Mike Stuntz never envisioned becoming a poster boy for Nebraska football.

But there’s Stuntz, a freshman, looking completely sure of himself as he lofts a perfect touchdown pass to Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch on a poster simply titled, “The Play.” The $10 graphic, which includes a subhead, “Black 41 Flash Reverse Pass,” is a popular collectors’ item for Husker Nation because it chronicles--with X-and-O detail--one of the stunning moments in the Nebraska-Oklahoma series and perhaps the most important play in Nebraska’s season.

“I know that was an important play for us, but you don’t expect something like being on a poster your first season at a school like Nebraska,” Stuntz said.

Stuntz, an All-American quarterback at St. Albert High in Council Bluffs, Iowa, wasn’t sure what to expect before the start of fall practice when Nebraska coaches asked him to forgo a redshirt year and switch to wide receiver for one season. Before his shining moment against then-No. 2 Oklahoma on Oct. 27, Stuntz had touched the ball in a game once--when he picked up an errant lateral against Rice and gained 25 yards.

Stuntz, a left-hander, ran onto the field midway through the fourth quarter against Oklahoma and lined up wide right. Crouch, the Cornhusker quarterback, took the snap on first down at the Nebraska 37-yard line and handed the ball to wingback Thunder Collins, who then pitched to Stuntz. Crouch, meanwhile, made his way downfield and caught Stuntz’s pass in stride before racing 38 yards to complete the 63-yard trick play that gave the Cornhuskers a 20-10 lead with 6:17 left.

It was the first pass of Stuntz’s career and made him an instant celebrity throughout the Cornhusker-crazed state. When Nebraska was selected to play Miami in the bowl championship series national championship game at the Rose Bowl, Stuntz’s stunning play became even more significant.

“After the Oklahoma game, people I didn’t know were coming up to me everywhere to shake my hand and say congratulations,” Stuntz said. “There were also some weird things that happened. Just overly excited people. I guess you could say encounters where you walk away just shaking your head.”

Stuntz’s pass against Oklahoma secured his place in Cornhusker lore. It did not, however, result in more opportunities. He has played in 10 games but has no receptions and has not thrown another pass.

“It’s been a little bit up and down,” he said. “That [Oklahoma] game was up there, it was great and amazing. But there are always the low points in a season. I can’t say I’ve done too much since then, but you just have to deal with it.”

Stuntz, 6 feet 2, 185 pounds, will compete with redshirt sophomore Jammal Lord and others to replace Crouch next season.

“Playing wide receiver has probably helped a little in terms of learning the offense, but in terms of executing the offense, I’m kind of rusty,” Stuntz said.

Not to worry, Crouch said. Stuntz has plenty of time to sharpen his skills. More important, he has shown that he can handle pressure.

“To go out there in a big game like that and put the ball right where he needed to says a lot about the kind of player he is going to be in the future,” Crouch said.

“What that did for him, I don’t think he understands quite yet. But he will as his career unfolds. People are going to be looking to him to make big plays now, and they’re going to expect them out of him.”

Nebraska Coach Frank Solich does not anticipate calling on Stuntz again in the same way against Miami. At least, Solich won’t admit to it publicly.

“I guess you never know on that kind of stuff, but Miami will certainly be well aware of Mike,” Solich said. “I doubt that we’ll be throwing that kind of pass.”

Stuntz also is playing it low key.

“I don’t see how we can fool anyone after what happened against Oklahoma,” he said. “But I’ll leave that one open.”