Huskers Start Wrapping Up Holiday Bowl Preparations

The Nebraska football team held its third and final practice at San Diego State University on Monday morning as it began wrapping up preparations for its appearance in the Holiday Bowl. The Cornhuskers went through a 90-minute workout in half pads as they get ready to face Arizona on Dec. 30.

Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said the Huskers finished the bulk of their work in good fashion on Monday morning.

"It was a good practice and our players are looking forward to the game," Pelini said. "They know they have a tremendous challenge in front of them."

Pelini said the Huskers are in good health heading into Wednesday night's contest and that several players, including offensive tackle Marcel Jones and defensive end Pierre Allen "are as healthy as they have been in weeks."

After visiting Sea World and the San Diego Zoo over the past two days, the Huskers enjoyed a luncheon at the USS Makin Island, given by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps on Monday. The luncheon included both the Nebraska and Arizona teams and had presentations from Brigadier General Ronald Bailey, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/Western Recruiting Region;  Vice Admiral Hunt, Commander, U.S. Third Fleet; and Captain Robert Kopas, Commanding Officer, USS Makin Island.

At the luncheon, senior wide receiver Wes Cammack was named Nebraska's recipient of the Admiral U.S. Grant Sharp Trophy. Also a member of the Makin Island's crew was selected as an honorary captain for the Holiday Bowl. ABH1 (AW/SW) Robert Fish of Ralston, Neb., was selected for the honor and will be on the Husker sideline this week and part of the ceremonial coin toss before the game.

Pelini said he has been pleased with the balance between fun and work and the approach the players have taken to the week.

"It has been a good week," Pelini said. "We have been practicing in the morning, then getting out and enjoying the bowl experience in the afternoon. Each guy is different in how much time they spend with activities, but I think they all do what they have to do to get themselves ready to play."

Nebraska will conduct a final walk-thru and a visit to Qualcomm Stadium on Tuesday to conclude preparations for Wednesday's 5:06 p.m. PT (7:06 p.m. CT) kickoff.

For more information and photos from Nebraska's Holiday Bowl trip, please continue to visit Huskers.com throughout the week.