Lincoln, Neb. - The
Nebraska football team practiced for just over two hours in full pads on the Ed
and Joyanne Grass practice facility Tuesday afternoon, as the Huskers continued
preparations for Saturday's game against Arkansas State. Offensive Coordinator Tim
Beck addressed the media after practice, focusing on starting quarterback
Taylor Martinez's performance in the 36-30 loss at UCLA.
"I think (Taylor) hurried some things back there," Beck
said. "I don't know if he got hit a few times or if he felt like he had to get
rid of the ball and get it to the receivers faster so they could make plays. I
think he was pretty efficient going into the fourth quarter and the game before,
but he forgot. He tried to create plays instead of letting them develop in the
confines of the offense."
One bright spot might have been the performances of running
backs Ameer Abdullah and Braylon Heard. Beck praised their effort, as they were
forced to play bigger roles against UCLA due to the injured status of starter
Rex Burkhead.
"I liked the way both of those guys played," Beck said. "They
were quick and decisive, and they ran hard. It's just unfortunate that we
turned the ball over."
Turnovers are something Nebraska looks to eliminate as
they shift their attention to Saturday's matchup against Arkansas State. The
Red Wolves are 1-1 on the season after a 33-28 win at home against Memphis last
week.
"They are a hungry football team. They play very hard and
they run to the football," Beck said. "It's going to be a challenge and we have
to come ready to play."
Check back here at Huskers.com for updates as the Nebraska
football team prepares for the Arkansas State Red Wolves this Saturday. The
game will be nationally televised on ESPN2 at 11 a.m.
