NU Pushes Toward Season Opener

Lincoln ? The Nebraska football team continued fall practice Friday with a two and one-half hour workout on the FieldTurf inside Memorial Stadium. The Huskers continued to undergo situational drills in half pads as they prepare for the Sept. 3 season opener against Maine.

"(Practice) went well," Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said. "We had a great day, and we held a lot of different situations in preparations for tomorrow’s practice."

The biggest improvement that Cosgrove has seen of his defense from the beginning of fall camp to this point is its understanding of the system. With better understanding, he said, comes a faster style of play.

"Everything we do is a lot faster than it has been," Cosgrove said. "Understanding of the zone concepts, man concepts and our pressure game, everything just goes a lot faster when the kids have confidence in what they are doing. When you gain confidence you are going to be able to play faster and be able to execute."

Cosgrove said that he is pleased with true freshman Philip Dillard’s progress at the MIKE linebacker position. He said Dillard is in line to see playing time.

"He is playing very well," Cosgrove said. "He’s improving every day. He makes obvious improvements. He’s a very good football player. I expect him to play (next) weekend."

Nebraska’s Saturday practice will be closed to all media, parents, coaches, former players and guests. Sunday’s practice, which is slated to run from 7:15-8:40 p.m., will be open to all NU students who show a valid student ID beginning at 6:45 p.m. Students are asked to enter the stadium through Gate 24 on the Southeast corner of Memorial Stadium.