Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its preparations for the third game of the season with a 90-minute practice Tuesday afternoon at the Hawks Championship Center and outside on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields. The Huskers will travel to Fresno State this Saturday for the first away game of the season at Bulldog Stadium.
Both offensive coordinator Tim Beck and defensive coordinator John Papuchis met with the media following practice.
Beck made note that he would like to see a lot more consistency in the ‘Red Storm’ NU offense.
“We have to be more consistent, we were not very good in the second half at all,” Beck said. “Too many three-and-outs, we have to convert and stay on the field. We did not do a good job doing that.”
Sophomore quarterback Tommy Armstrong will look to add to his already impressive 4-0 record away from the friendly confines of Memorial Stadium in Lincoln. Beck said that he just wants Armstrong to execute like he is supposed to, and it will not matter if NU is playing home or away.
“I just want him to play within the system, read what he is supposed to read, and deliver the ball to the guys he is supposed to deliver the ball to with proper technique,” Beck said. “When he does that, he is pretty good, when he doesn’t he is not very good. I don’t care if it is home or away.”
On the defensive side of the ball, junior standout defensive end Randy Gregory returned to practice following a minor knee injury. According to Papuchis, Gregory looked good in his first day back, but did not compete in all of the team drills during practice.
“Obviously whenever you can add a player with his ability back into the mix, it will obviously make you better; so it is good to have him back,” Papuchis said. “He didn’t do a whole lot of the team stuff, but he was out there moving around really well.”
As for what it means for the Blackshirt defense now that Gregory is back, Papuchis said that if Gregory plays his best, he is one of the best players out on the field.
“If he goes out and plays the way he is capable of, he is one of better defensive players in the country,” he said. “So having him back certainly helps.”
The Huskers will be back on the practice fields Wednesday as the Nebraska football continues its preparations for their first road trip of the 2014 season at Fresno State on Saturday Sept. 13, at 9:30 p.m. (Central). Fans can tune in to national broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.