Huskers Take Advantage of Warm Fall Afternoon

Lincoln ? The Nebraska football team took to the Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields for its two-hour half-pad workout on a warm fall afternoon as the squad prepared for Saturday’s seventh straight Big 12 matchup against Texas A&M. The game marks the end of a tough six-game stretch that included four road games, as well as the first time the Huskers have visited Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, since the 2002 season.

Head Coach Bill Callahan was pleased that the team could take advantage of the great weather with an outdoor practice on the grass fields, as they will face a grass surface at Kyle Field Saturday.

“We’ve been really fortunate to not only get weather like this but be on (the) grass (practice fields),” Callahan said. “It’s like training camp out there.”

Callahan additionally commented on the return of junior linebackers Steve Octavien and Corey McKeon, who each missed Saturday’s game but are back in action this week.

“We’re really healthy. Everybody practiced. Steve (Octavien) practiced, Corey (McKeon) practiced, and it was really good to get them back today. I know they went through a series of drills yesterday prior to practice, and again today they were in practice. It’s good to see them work, and see the drills that (defensive coordinator Kevin) Cosgrove had them go through today.”

When asked about the progress of sophomore offensive guard Mike Huff, Callahan touched on the benefits on having quality depth at the offensive line position, which has helped the Huskers rank 10th nationally in total offense far this season.

“He’s right in there,” Callahan said. “He’s battling along and competing, and I’m certain that he’ll see plenty of playing time this Saturday. I’m confident in (sophomore offensive lineman) Mike (Huff) and his ability to come back and give a strong performance. Guys are playing well, and it’s a good group of guys. (The competition on the offensive line) is a good problem to have. We have a lot of good players who love to compete, are physical, and it’s going to be a bright future for this offensive line, which I’m pleased to see.”

Sophomore offensive tackle Lydon Murtha has also seen success in recent games, earning him praise from Callahan on his ability to adapt to play either side of the offensive line.

“He’s got great versatility, and I think that’s what you’re looking for with offensive lineman, guys that who play both ways,” Callahan said.

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