Huskers Continue Sun-Splashed Gator Bowl Prep

The Nebraska football team again hit the field for a morning practice on Sunday, working for two hours in full pads at the University of North Florida in preparation for the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl. The workout occurred under sunny Jacksonville skies with temperatures above 70 degrees for the second straight day.<?xml:namespace prefix="o" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"?>

The Huskers welcomed Head Coach Bo Pelini and Defensive Coordinator Carl Pelini back to practice on Sunday morning. The two coaches had missed Saturday’s practice to attend the funeral of their father in Ohio.

Bo Pelini said it was good to re-join the team and get back to the routine of preparing for the upcoming Gator Bowl.

“It was good to be able to spend a couple days back home and be with family and pay our respects,” Pelini said. “It was hard to leave the family, but now it is time to get back to work.”

Pelini said he was pleased with Sunday morning’s workout and that the Huskers are nearly ready for Thursday’s matchup with Clemson. Pelini also said he thought the team handled the warm weather well on Sunday after it being a little bit of a “shock to their systems” on Saturday.

“We got a lot done today and progressed off of yesterday and now we are getting ready to go,” Pelini said. “The bulk of the game plan is in and now we are trying to refine it a little bit.”

After a morning of work, the Husker players were set for an afternoon of play at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville. Pelini said it is important for both players and staff to strike a balance of work and enjoyment on a bowl trip.

“You have to call on them to be mature and handle the situation,” Pelini said. “You have to give them enough slack to enjoy themselves, but also remind them of why they are here.”

Nebraska will continue its Gator Bowl preparations with a mid-day workout on Monday at North Florida. The Huskers will attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Banquet in the morning before returning to the field.