Lincoln – The Nebraska football team took to Memorial Stadium for its final regular-season practice with a two-hour half-pad workout on a warm fall afternoon as the squad prepared for Friday’s regular-season finale against Colorado.
Head Coach Bill Callahan was excited to end practice on an optimistic note and looking forward to the team dinner to celebrate the many players’ family who were in town for the holiday.
“We ended things on a positive note,” Callahan said. “We’re just ready to play Friday. We’ve got a team dinner tonight at 5:30 in West Stadium, and then tomorrow we’ll go through our normal routine, with afternoon meetings, a walk-through and our team movie at night. Then Friday we’ll wake up and get ready to play a game.”
Callahan was additionally encouraged about the status of offensive linemen Matt Slauson and Greg Austin, who have been battling injuries, after seeing them fully participate in the afternoon’s practice.
“(Matt) Slauson and Greg (Austin) both practiced today, and it was good to see them both on the field,” Callahan said. “We’ll see, and take a look at them Friday morning. We’ll come to the stadium and work them out, and we’ll make a decision at that time to see where they’re at.”
Callahan and the team spent the morning visiting four Lincoln area hospitals, including Bryan LGH East and West, Madonna Rehabilitation Clinic, and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, something the head coach saw as a great opportunity for the team to give back.
“We went all over Lincoln today, and really got in the community,” Callahan said. “It was exciting. It was a great opportunity to visit a lot of people not as fortunate as us, and not feeling as well. It was good to get out and spread some good cheer amongst people, and a great opportunity to give back to some people. We had a lot of fun. I know the players like this a lot. They can relax and get out there, and I know the fans were excited about seeing them as well.”
Fans can see a gallery of today’s visits by clicking on the album link above.
The Huskers will hold a walk through in Memorial Stadium on Thanksgiving before taking on Colorado on Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m.
Note: A reminder to Husker fans for Friday’s football game. A Toys for Tots collection drive will be held this Friday at the Nebraska-Colorado football game. Fans coming to the game are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate at the gates. Members of the U.S. Marine Corps will be on hand to collect the donation for children in the Lincoln area. Husker fans may also give cash to the Toys for Tots Drive if they prefer.
