The Nebraska football team hit the practice field on Wednesday for a two-hour workout on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields located just northwest of Memorial Stadium. The Cornhuskers are in preparation for their upcoming matchup against Sun Belt foe Louisiana Lafayette on Saturday.
The Huskers practiced in half pads as they tune up for their last non-conference opponent of the season. Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini addressed the media after practiced and was pleased with the way the team has practiced this week.
"It was a good practice," Pelini said. "We had a good practice, had a good week so far."
Coach Pelini talked about the challenges his defense will face this week against the Ragin' Cajuns offense.
"Their offensive line is good. They're good run and pass," Pelini said. "They don't make a lot of mistakes. They don't hurt themselves. They are pretty balanced. They have a good passing game. They have a difficult running game to defend, they give you tons of different formations and they make you think. It's a good offense. They really thought it through and they create difficult situations for a defense."
One area of emphasis for the Husker coaches this week will be getting pressure on the quarterback. Through the first two games of the season, the Ragin' Cajuns' offense has yet to allow a single sack, a stat that caught the eye of coach Pelini.
"Great protection, but even when the protection breaks down the quarterback does a great job, gets rid of the ball on time," Pelini said. "He knows when to get ride of it, when to throw it away and when his feet will get him out of trouble. It's really a whole team thing. You can tell philosophically, even a year ago different quarterback and different quarterback, same type of thing. They don't give up a lot of sacks. Obviously, that's a big coaching point for them."
The Huskers will return the practice field on Thursday. This Saturday's game marks the 300th consecutive sellout for Memorial Stadium. Check Huskers.com for events scheduled to celebrate this weekend's memorable match up. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
