Based upon his play against the “big guys” in Division I-A, the Leathernecks’ 5-foot-8-inch, 170-pound wide receiver James Norris is a giant. In last week’s 56-17 loss at Nebraska, Norris returned five kickoffs for 207 yards, an average of 41.4 per return. He broke one for a 98-yard touchdown and another for 75 yards.
Last year Norris led the nation’s I-AA schools with a 19.1-yard average in punt returns, including a 95-yard TD against I-A Eastern Michigan. The native of Northridge, Calif., also caught 35 passes for 629 yards. . . .
Former NFL coach Bill Callahan introduced his pass-happy West Coast offense before the Nebraska crowd. However, Western defenders had four interceptions, one apiece by Chris McNutt, Michael Woods, Marlon McLaughlin and Ruad Khaleel. . . .
Placekicker Justin Langan has scored 269 points, two short of a WIU career record.
