Huskers Concentrate on Fundamentals in Preparation for Missouri

Lincoln ? The Huskers escaped cool temperatures outside with a two-hour, half-pad practice inside the HawksChampionshipCenter in preparation for its sixth straight Big 12 matchup against Missouri on Saturday. The game marks just the second home contest in five games and the first time the Huskers have hosted the Tigers since the 2004 season.

 

Head Coach Bill Callahan cut practice about 20 minutes short for the second day in a row as the team prepares to taper down in their physical preparation to accommodate for the long season.

 

“We’re at that point in the season where we’re off the field a little bit earlier,” Callahan explained. “We’ve extended the meeting time, so we’re getting a little bit more mental preparation, and we’ve backed off from the on-the-field work. We always do this right at this time of the year. We’ll cut about 20 minutes off of field time and tack it on to meeting time.”

 

Callahan additionally explained why starting junior linebackers Corey McKeon and Steve Octavien did not physically participate in practice.

 

“They’re both backed down, but they were a part of practice, being here to get the mental reps,” Callahan said. “It was our decision to back them down, to keep them healthy, so that they can practice tomorrow and be ready for Saturday’s game.”

 

Missouri’s athletic defense has been a focus during this week’s practice, as Callahan and the staff have worked to prepare the team for the Tiger’s talented pass defense.

 

“(Senior defensive end Xzavie Jackson), he’s really a good player,” Callahan said. “(Senior defensive end Brian) Smith, who got hurt, was an impressive guy. That injury hurts them. (Sophomore defensive lineman) Styker Sulak. I like their defensive ends. They’re fast, they’re quick, and they’re well-versed in pass rushing. They do a heck of a job, and they’ll really be a challenge for us.”

 

The Huskers continue practice for Saturday’s match-up with the Tigers with a workout Thursday afternoon.