The Nebraska football team practiced in half-pads for two hours inside Memorial Stadium Wednesday as they prepare for their first game of the season on Saturday night against Western Michigan.  After today’s practice, NU head coach Bo Pelini announced which players were named captains for the season opener.  Seniors Joe Ganz and Matt Slauson will be the captains for the offensive side of the ball, senior Barry Turner will represent the defense, and Dan Titchener will represent the specialists. 

“I feel good about it,” Pelini said. “I like the group.  That is one thing I like about this football team is we have good senior leadership.  The unity council has stepped into the forefront. They have taken great ownership into the program.”

As the Huskers hit the midway point through their first game week, Pelini is impressed with his team’s focus and believes they are picking up the game plan better everyday.

“We practiced well.  I thought we have had two good days of practice, but once again we still have some mistakes we need to get corrected.  They are starting to understand the game plan and what we are doing.  I thought it was pretty good on both sides of the football. I like what I am seeing right now.”

As for the game this Saturday, Pelini said he has been impressed with Western Michigan’s skill players and knows that it will be a good test for his defense.

“They have a number of skill guys.  They have some good receivers. Their quarterback is a good player.  They have some guys if you put the ball in their hands they can cause you problems. It is going to be a heck of a test for us.”

On the injury front, senior offensive lineman Lydon Murtha sat out of today’s practice with an injury, but Pelini said his status is “probable” for this Saturday’s game.