Rebels will need to contain the ‘other’ Anthony Davis

Steve Guiremand

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2002 | 10:42 a.m.

Next up

What: Wisconsin at UNLV

When: Saturday, 5:45 p.m.

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium

TV: ESPN2, Cox cable ch. 31

Radio: KBAD, 920-AM

Line: Wisconsin by 3. Total is 51.

Tickets: A crowd of more than 40,000 is expected, and fewer than 1,000 seats remain. Standing room tickets will be sold. Order online at unlvtickets.com or call 739-FANS.

The name Anthony Davis brings back pleasant memories for UNLV coach John Robinson.

Robinson was an offensive assistant for the late John McKay at USC in the mid-1970s when a flamboyant running back named Anthony Davis knee-danced his way to the cover of Sports Illustrated. Davis scored six touchdowns against arch-rival Notre Dame over a three-quarter span, including a couple of memorable kickoff returns in the Trojans' 55-24 comeback victory over the No. 1-ranked Irish in 1974.

Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium, Robinson will be on the sidelines staring at another running back named Anthony Davis. And this one may have a Sports Illustrated cover in his future, too.

Wisconsin sophomore Anthony Davis was fifth in the nation in rushing last year en route to earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, rushing for 1,466 yards and 11 touchdowns. His 10 100-yard games broke the NCAA freshman record previously held by Tony Dorsett.

In the Badgers' season-opening 23-21 victory over Fresno State last Friday night, the lightning quick 5-foot-9, 191-pound Davis picked up where he left off by rushing for 184 yards on a career-high 37 carries.

"He's really, really, fast, and he has a low center of gravity so he's able to stop and change directions on a dime," Fresno State middle linebacker Marc Dailey said.

"This guy is a very talented player," Robinson said. "Wisconsin has built a tradition of running the football. Every year they seem to have a big-time tailback. This year is no different."

Davis also has the advantage of running behind an offensive line that averages 308 pounds and returns all five starters, led by senior center Al Johnson and his 6-7, 321-pound cousin at left tackle, Ben Johnson.

"They build their program around their offensive line," Robinson said.

As impressive as Davis' freshman campaign was, the Badgers are expecting even bigger things from him in 2002.

Robinson made the announcement at his weekly press luncheon on Monday afternoon at Big Dog's Cafe, part of Wiesner's local business empire. Wiesner died this summer after a long bout with leukemia.

Terrell, a 6-foot-4, 310-pound senior from Hawthorne, Calif., will be presented with a special jersey featuring a patch with Wiesner's name just before Saturday's season opener against Wisconsin. Because of NCAA rules concerning player numbers, Terrell will continue to wear his old No. 70 jersey instead of switching to 38, Wiesner's number at Wisconsin.

"It's an award for a man who represents leadership, courage and toughness -- the qualities that Tom had," Robinson said.

A surprised Terrell wiped away tears when told that he had been named the first winner of the Wiesner Award.

"I say to the Wiesner family that this is a great privilege and opportunity for me," Terrell said. "I'll go out and play every play as hard as I can for you."