Huskers Focus on Third Down in Wednesday Workout

Lincoln? With 72 hours remaining before Saturday night’s highly-anticipated contest with No. 1 Southern California, the Nebraska football team focused on third-down efficiency during a 2 1/2-hour workout inside Memorial Stadium Wednesday afternoon.

 

The Husker coaching staff expects third down will be vital against the Trojans.

 

“We’re challenged by third downs,” Head Coach Bill Callahan said. “In last year’s game we didn’t do well with third downs. That’s a key area. It’s going to be one of the deciding factors in this game.”

 

In Southern California’s 28-10 win over Nebraska on Sept. 16, 2006, the Trojans were successful on 9-of-15 third-down situations, while the Huskers were 5-of-14. In 2007, Nebraska has converted 33 percent (10-for-30) of its third downs, while USC was 8-for-17 (47 percent) in its opener against Idaho.

 

“They’ve got a great third-down pass defense and a great third down pass and rush offense,” Callahan added. “It’s going to be necessary and crucial (for us). It’s one of those situations where it will come down to that area in a lot of ways.”

 

Off the field, Callahan reiterated the impact a sellout Memorial Stadium could have on the game when college football’s No. 1 ranked team comes to Lincoln for the first time since 1978. The last two match-ups between Nebraska and USC have taken place in Los Angeles, including last year’s game.

 

“I think any time you’re in your home venue, there is a little more comfort,” he said. “We have great fans and this is a great place to play. I know our team’s excited.

 

“(But) USC has been in big games too. They’ve been on the road and played a lot of great teams and done well. It’s going to be interesting. We’ll just have to see how it all turns out.”

 

Prior to Wednesday’s practice, the production trucks for ESPN’s College GameDay arrived in Lincoln. The show will air on Saturday from 9-11 a.m. on the west side of Memorial Stadium. Husker fans are encouraged to wear red and enter through gates 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10. Gates will open at 7:30 a.m., with a live SportsCenter airing shortly after 8 a.m.

 

The Huskers will go through their final full practice of the week Thursday afternoon before Friday’s walk-thru.