Huskers Look to Stall Tough Tech Defense

Lincoln--- The Nebraska football team practiced for two hours Tuesday inside the Hawks Championship Center.  The Huskers are preparing for their second conference test against Texas Tech. Offensive Coordinator Shawn Watson noted that Tech boasts a strong and tough defense, one that will keep the Huskers on their toes this Saturday.

"They are a good defense," Watson said. "They play a bend-don't break style of defense. I think they are noted throughout our league. They are not very complex; they are just good at what they do. They have excellent personnel. They do a great job of pursuing to the football. They play a tough, physical brand of football."

Watson addressed NU's situation at running back as Head Coach Bo Pelini said today that Rex Burkhead will be out after suffering a foot injury in practice on Monday.  

"The next guy gets ready," Watson said. "It's called life, you just move forward. We don't panic about stuff like that around here, we have the next guy. We have more than two guys on scholarship; that is why we don't worry about it."

Watson, along with running backs coach Tim Beck have been mixing in several different combinations of players to see who will fit the Huskers' offensive scheme the best in going up against the Red Raiders.

 "We're going to see which one can grasp what we're doing the best and gives us what we're looking for in the running game first, and can grasp what we're doing with the passing part of it," Watson said.

He also noted that he is encouraged with the way Burkhead is dealing with the situation and is already looking at coming back when he is healthy.

"(It's a) tough break, but it's life," Watson said. "It's one of those things that you don't wish to happen on anybody, but Rex will bounce back from it fine. The kids will rally around him, he'll be ok."

The Huskers will return to the practice field on Wednesday afternoon. Kick off for the Texas Tech game is set for 2:30 p.m. and can be seen regionally on ABC. Check back to Huskers.com for more updates on the Nebraska football team throughout the week.