NU Continues to Prep for Texas

Under the roof of the HawksChampionshipCenter, the 17th-ranked Nebraska football team continued preparations for fifth-ranked Texas with a two-and-a-half hour workout in shoulder pads and shorts Wednesday afternoon.  The Huskers’ second practice of the week in preparation for the Longhorns was a good one, according to head coach Bill Callahan.

“The focus, concentration, preparedness and effort was really good,” Callahan said.  “Guys are very focused for this game, and that’s really good to see as a coach.”

 

One of the highlights of the workout was the performance of NU senior linebacker Steve Octavien.  The senior from Naples, Fla., recently had his Blackshirt returned to him.

“He practiced well today,” Callahan said.  “It was good to have him back at full speed.  He’s anxious to get back into the mix again.  He looks to be 100 percent to me.  He’s working on all the special teams and doing everything on defense, so there’s no question in my mind that he could be 100 percent.”

 

While NU celebrated the continued improvement of Octavien’s status, it also kept a close eye on the status of another NU linebacker, Corey McKeon, who is nursing an injured ankle.

“He worked a little bit early, and then we backed him down,” Callahan said.  “He had class.  But he did come out and do some work early.  We have to take it day-by-day.  We’ll see where he’s at tomorrow.”

 

The defense continued to get ready to face the tough Texas offense, which is led by junior wide receiver Limas Sweed.  With 27 receptions for 476 yards and eight touchdowns, Sweed will be an important factor in the Longhorns’ offensive attack. Sweed will draw attention from both NU cornerbacks Cortney Grixby and Andre Jones during the game.

“They’re both going to be on him,” Callahan said.  “We’re going to need our best job (against him).  He’s an excellent receiver.  He’s a big-bodied wide receiver that can elevate and make plays.  I watched that Baylor game again last night, and he just took off.  He elevated and jumped over people’s heads.  He has great body control in space.  He can position his body in a manner where he can get between the ball and the defender.  He comes up with a lot of big plays.”

 

On offense, Nebraska’s line prepares to face all-conference defensive end Tim Crowder.  The 6-4, 270-pound senior has 7.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss in the 2006 season.

“I’ve noticed his explosiveness off the ball,” Callahan said.  “A defensive end has to have great explosiveness and quick-twitch, and that’s what he has.  He’s very quick.  When he makes his decision to plant his outside foot and come inside or his second move when he’s countering, he’s outstanding.  He’s a fine player.  We have our hands full.  That’s a real strength of their football team, their ends.  The way they pass rush and the maneuvers and moves that they have, at the point of attack and on the edge is pretty graphic.  It’s a real concern of ours, and we’re going to have to do a great job in that matchup.”

The Huskers will continue practice for Saturday’s 11:10 matchup with Texas with a practice Thursday afternoon.