Husker Offense, Defense Competing Hard in Fall Camp

The Nebraska football team hit the Ed and Joyanne Gass grass practice fields again Tuesday afternoon as the Huskers continue drills in 2009 Fall Camp. Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini noted the defense is a more challenging unit in year two when he addressed the media after practice.

"It's great competition out there," Pelini said. "There are days when we get the better of them and vice-versa. It actually goes by periods or plays sometimes. There's a lot of good competition out there and it's making both sides of the ball better."

The Huskers were in their final day practicing in helmets and shoulder pads, as the squad will don full gear Wednesday afternoon. Pelini was asked about possible complacency as the Huskers are still in the beginning stages of Fall Camp.

"There isn't a starter out there who doesn't have someone breathing down their neck for their position," he said. "Nine wins isn't what we expect at the University of Nebraska, so there better not be any complacency in that locker room."

Pelini added there is open competition across the board, including first-year players who just arrived in Lincoln.

"I hate to talk specific guys in that regard, but we're not telling anybody right now that they're redshirted," Pelini said. "There are guys who are pushing for playing time. They're a little bit behind the 8-ball in terms of learning and we have to force-feed them a little bit, but there's some guys in that class who are physically talented enough to be on the field this year."

Nebraska returns to the practice field Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 p.m., when it will work out in full pads for the first time this fall.