Lincoln--- The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads for two hours and 15 minutes Tuesday on the Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields. The Huskers are preparing to face Colorado in their regular season finale on Friday. Defensive Coordinator Carl Pelini discussed what sticks out most with Colorado 1uarterback Tyler Hansen.
"He is similar (to guys we've seen)," Pelini said. "He has a good arm and he's real slippery. He can find his way out of pressure, and when he does he is always looking downfield. Again, you have to do a good job in coverage, but you still have to deal with him. That has kind of been the theme of the last few weeks. We've been facing quarterback after quarterback who can run and hurt you with their feet. You have to account for that all the time."
Pelini noted that while they know there is a possibility of seeing quarterback Cody Hawkins, the offensive scheme as a whole does not change. He said Colorado boasts one of the biggest offensive lines they have encountered all year.
"(They are) one of the better lines we've seen," Pelini said. "They are big and athletic too. They can move their feet really well. They get out on pull on plays and find people in space. It's a good offensive line; they've come a long way."
Pelini is also prepared to handle Colorado running back Rodney Stewart and the threat he brings to the CU offense. While they rely heavily on the pass, Pelini is aware of their strength in the running game.
"It seems like the pass has become more of an emphasis for them as the season has gone on, yet they are a good running football team," he said. "They gain yards when they run and they execute well up front. He (Stewart) seems to find the hole. To me, it's an offense that you have to defend both aspects of even though the percentages tell you there are more pass (threats). There is still a run threat there that you need to deal with and be prepared to stop."
The Huskers will return to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon. The game Friday is set to kick off at after 2:30 p.m. with the contest nationally televised on ABC. Check back to Huskers.com for more updates on the Nebraska football team throughout the week.
