Lincoln--- The Nebraska football team practiced in full pads for two hours Tuesday at the Hawks Championship Center. The Huskers are preparing to face No. 20 Oklahoma on Saturday. Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson discussed the learning process freshman quarterback Cody Green has gone through after making his first career start last Saturday at Baylor.
"He had a lot to learn," Watson said. "The first time you walk out onto the field is obviously different than practice. You can't simulate a game, the emotions of the game and the highs and lows. He had a valuable learning experience in that game. There are a lot of things from the management aspect and getting into the huddle and situation football."
Watson commented that while there is room for improvement, Green's play at Baylor is a good starting point for where he wants the young quarterback to go.
"He had a good performance," Watson said. "He had some errors and things to work through. That was to be expected; we knew that. We just have to keep working."
Nebraska has seen a slew of younger players gain substantial playing time on the field this season. A situation like this puts responsibility on the older players to be leaders and help guide the younger guys on the field.
"As far as the older guys playing, their leadership is important because there are some guys who have obviously never walked out there before," Watson said. "Their leadership is important in terms of helping the young guys keep their poise and keep their focus, what's important and what's not important. They have a huge leadership responsibility. Their example of play is going to help speak to that too."
While he normally directs the offense from the press box, Watson spent the whole game on the sidelines at Baylor and sees that becoming a trend for the rest of the season as he looks to guide the younger players.
"I want to be down there to help the quarterback and to help the unit," Watson said. "We are playing a lot of younger guys. I think I have a responsibility to be down there to help."
The Huskers will return to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is set for 7 p.m. with primetime television coverage provided by ABC. Check back to Huskers.com for more updates on the Nebraska football team throughout the week.
