Callahan Impressed with Sooners

Lincoln - The Nebraska football team continued preparations for this weekend’s nationally-televised matchup at Oklahoma with a two-hour workout in half pads on the grass practice fields northeast of Memorial Stadium on Tuesday. The practice concluded inside Cook Pavilion after darkness fell. The Huskers face OU at 6 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., in a game to be televised by Fox Sports Net.

Earlier in the day at his weekly press conference, Head Coach Bill Callahan spoke of the success he has seen exhibited by the Sooners not only this year, but the past few seasons.

"I’ll say this about Oklahoma-they are one of the most dominating teams in college football right now," Callahan said. "Over the last four years, they have been dominant in a lot of areas, and they’re the most complete team I’ve witnessed on film as we study them and prepare for the contest. They’re very, very sound in everything they do structurally. As you begin to watch them, their athleticism, and their depth, and their playmaking ability just shows up time and time again. This will take a great effort by our team, and I feel we’re very capable of doing that. If we play the game we’re capable of playing, anything can happen. That’s what excites us about going down to Oklahoma and playing in this game on Saturday night."

While this is his first opportunity to coach in the series, Callahan said he understands the history behind it.

"We’re extremely excited to be a part of this great rivalry," Callahan said. "I know I’m excited personally to be involved in such a great historic series. It’s one of those series you follow as a kid on Thanksgiving weekend as one of the great rivalries and match-ups in college football. It’s very respected by our staff and me personally. It’s great to be a part of this competition and this rivalry. It will be a lot of fun. I know our players are excited about this game. They’ve indicated that to me on several occasions. It is a big game for us."

Callahan also announced Nebraska’s players of the game for last week’s contest against Iowa State. I-back Cory Ross gained recognition as offensive player of the game for the second straight week after rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown on only 19 carries, while linebacker Adam Ickes collected special teams honors. Also, wide receiver Nate Swift and strong safety Ben Eisenhart shared offensive scout player of the week.

NU will continue its preparations for the Sooners with an afternoon practice on Wednesday.