Huskers Address Alamo Bowl Media

San Antonio --- Nebraska continued its preparations for the Alamo Bowl matchup with Michigan on Monday, conducting a one and one-half hour long practice at TrinityUniversity. Temperatures reached the mid-70s Monday and allowed the Huskers perfect workout conditions for the third consecutive day.

An afternoon press conference followed practice featuring NU Offensive Coordinator Jay Norvell and Defensive Coordinator Kevin Cosgrove, as well as Husker players Daniel Bullocks, Adam Carriker, Cory Ross and Zac Taylor.

Norvell discussed how the Nebraska offense has progressed through the 2005 season, describing the offense as a completely different unit than from when the season began.

“We’re very happy with the progress that we’ve made at a lot of different positions,” Norvell said. “We’ve had another month of practice, so we’re a completely different team than we were a month ago. We felt that we played our best at the end of the season, and we’re very excited to get back on the field and play one more time.”

While the Husker offense has elevated its play toward the latter portion of the season, Cosgrove said he was pleased with the way the NU defense has consistently showed a fiery demeanor, even when playing from behind.

“Our kids really played hard, even when we were behind in certain games,” Cosgrove said. “They competed every snap, they stayed together and stayed close. That shows great character. They were always in the game and we able to make adjustments quickly.”

Cosgrove also said he had tremendous respect for what he called a very good Michigan team.

“Almost every game they played in was close, and they’ve been consistent the later the season has been. That just shows the competitive conference that they are in. They have a lot of weapons on that football team. They have an outstanding quarterback and very good receivers, a good offensive line, so we have tremendous respect for their program.”

With the Alamo Bowl matchup slated for a national audience on ESPN, Carriker addressed how big Wednesday’s contest is for the Huskers.

”That’s why you come to Nebraska?to play in bowl games, championship games and national television games,” Carriker said. “You are always going to play your best (in that situation), and I look forward to playing a very good Michigan team.”

Nebraska makes its first official public appearance Monday evening at a pep rally held at the Arneson River Theater. Tuesday’s activities feature a head coach’s press conference, followed by a kickoff luncheon and the Huskers’ final walkthrough practice at the Alamodome.