By Don Borst
CBS SportsLine Senior Writer
Oct. 31, 1998

With three games remaining, Texas tailback Ricky Williams ranks second on the major college career rushing list and is on the verge of passing all-time leader Tony Dorsett.

Williams

Ricky's record countdown 294 Current Record 5,789 6,082

needs only 294 yards to pass Dorsett, which might sound like a forgone conclusion, since he has averaged a national-best 204 yards a game this season. Through the Longhorns' first eight games Williams has compiled 1,634 yards, putting him at 5,789 for his career.

But what makes the chase especially compelling is that he and the Longhorns -- a surprising 6-2 in coach Mack Brown's first season -- face three defenses in the coming weeks that are anything but willing foils.

Consider that before this weekend's games, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M allowed an average of only 2.9 yards a carry this season, and they allowed only an average of 112 yards rushing per game.

Williams needs to average 98 yards per game the rest of the way against three of the toughest rushing defenses he has faced this season.

Related Links Williams helps 'Horns stun 'Huskers Williams heads Heisman Watch More college football coverage: Power Players CBS SportsLine 112 Power Poll Forum: Will Williams break the mark?

LAST YEAR, WILLIAMS MANAGED only 79 yards against Oklahoma State and 80 against Texas Tech, but bulled his way for 183 against Texas A&M.

"I don't play for records," Williams said this week, but for the Longhorns to continue their winning ways, he might have to set the record.

The senior from San Diego spent his first two years at Texas as a fullback, moving to tailback only last season, and then surprisingly staying at Texas through a head coaching change.

He certainly helped his Heisman Trophy chances with 150 yards against Nebraska on Saturday. And if he passes Dorsett, one way or the other, that would mean he's gained at least 1,928 yards this season, and it would be difficult for Heisman voters not to nod in his direction.

Williams vs. Nebraska

Williams enhanced his Heisman chances by running for 150 yards on 37 carries in the Longhorns' stunning 20-16 victory on Saturday. It was Nebraska's first home loss since Sept. 21, 1991.

"I'm

Ricky Williams ran right past the Huskers in Nebraska. (AP)

going to say it now, and it's early, but if he doesn't win the Heisman Trophy I don't know who the heck should," Nebraska defensive coordinator Charlie McBride said after the game. "At times, it was a man against boys. He's the real deal. I don't know how many things good you can say about him."

Williams picked up the most yards against Nebraska by an opposing runner since Barry Sanders had 189 yards in a 63-42 Huskers' win over Oklahoma State in 1988. Sanders won the Heisman that season.

As he departed, Williams was cheered and got a standing ovation from several hundred Nebraska fans who had gathered near the tunnel leading to the Texas locker room.

"Most places you go, the fans boo you," Williams said. ``But here, it's nothing but cheers. This is the most fun I've ever had playing a game."

Tony Dorsett

Dorsett became the Dallas Cowboys' first pick of the 1977 NFL Draft, and he went on to become a four-time Pro Bowl selection and twice played in the Super Bowl.

All-Time Leading Division I-A Rushers
No.	Name	School	Yrs.	Yds.	Att.	Avg.
1.	Tony Dorsett	Pittsburgh	1973-76	6,082	1,074	5.66
2.	Ricky Williams	Texas	1995-	5,789	914	6.33
3.	Charles White	USC	1976-79	5,598	1,023	5.47
4.	Herschel Walker	Georgia	1980-82	5,259	994	5.29
5.	Archie Griffin	Ohio State	1972-75	5,177	845	6.13

Williams: 1998