The Nebraska football team continued its preparations for their Saturday night Big Ten opener with the Illinois Fighting Illini on Thursday afternoon, as the Huskers completed a 50-minute walk-thru inside of the Hawks Championship Center.
Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini met with the media afterward, noting that the Huskers have had a good week of preparation leading up the game Saturday night.
“We’ve had a good week of preparation,” Pelini said. “It’s been a good attention to detail. We’re looking forward obviously to starting Big Ten play.”
After a shaky defensive start in the first few games, Pelini is happy with the progress the linebackers have made since the victory over longtime opponent Miami last weekend.
“We’ve definitely had a good week,” he said. “I mean it always depends how they’re going to come out and choose to play us, but we could definitely end up in multiple packages. We just have to see how it plays out. Our linebackers have had a good week.”
Pelini announced that junior linebacker David Santos will most likely not see any action Saturday night due to an injury suffered last Saturday against Miami. So far this season, Santos has made 11 solo tackles and 13 assisted tackles. The Spring, Texas, native also had an interception against Miami last weekend.
With the absence of Santos, look for senior walk-on Trevor Roach of Elkhorn, Neb. to step in and fill the position. Roach played a key role during NU’s last game against Miami, forcing a fumble that senior cornerback Josh Mitchell recovered and returned for a touchdown.
The Nebraska football team will have one more practice Friday afternoon before its Saturday night game. Nebraska’s Homecoming game against the Fighting Illini kicks off at 8 p.m. (central) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. BTN will carry the TV coverage.