Huskers Finish Preparations for Cyclones

Lincoln- The Nebraska football team practiced for just less than two hours Thursday inside the Hawks Championship Center as the Huskers finished preparations for Iowa State on Saturday. After practice, Head Coach Bo Pelini addressed the media about this week's match-up with the Cyclones.

"It was a good day, good week of practice," Pelini said. "I think our kids are anxious to play."

Pelini briefly discussed the status of quarterback Taylor Martinez, stating that he practiced today and has been improving each day this week. Pelini said that it will be a game-time decision as to whether Martinez starts on Saturday. Pelini has been encouraged by the depth at the quarterback position throughout the season.

"We have three quarterbacks, we have good depth at the position," Pelini said. "You deal with things like that (injuries) as the year goes on. Fortunately they are all getting better. Taylor is getting better, he's progressed through the week, but we have a lot of good options there at the quarterback position."

Linebacker Will Compton has seen increased playing time after recovering from an injury earlier in the season. Pelini noted the work Compton put in while he was sidelined with the injury and how it is paying off now on the football field.

"Will is tough, he is anxious, he's a competitive guy," Pelini said. "It hurt him to get hurt and he wanted to get back out there, he's done that and he's played well when he's been in there. You never would have known he was hurt. He was out here every day and stayed engaged in what was going on. He knew he was going to come back quick. It's paid off for him."

The Huskers and Cyclones are scheduled to kick off on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. inside Jack Trice Stadium. The game is available regionally on ABC.