NU Prepares to Take on Southern Miss

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team practiced for less than 90 minutes without pads at the Hawks Championship Center on Thursday in preparation for Saturday's game against Southern Miss.

Head Coach Mike Riley spoke with the media after practice and discussed having another good week of practice despite several team members fighting some illness. He also said that defensive tackle Vincent Valentine will likely not be playing this weekend.

"We would like to be at full strength but at least we have three guys that will rotate the game," Riley said of the defensive line. 

Riley also discussed the effect of an 11 a.m. kickoff on the team. 

"In light of what I told our team a long time ago, we have to be adaptable," Riley said. "So whatever time they tell us, that's a good time."  

Riley talked about how he wants the team to come out prepared and ready to play. 

"Everybody in the world says they want to start fast, but it's really taking the edge in the game," Riley said, "It's just a matter of being ready, because it is a physical game so whoever takes that initial edge physically has the advantage early."

Saturday's game against Southern Miss kicks off at 11 a.m. (CT) at Memorial Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPNEWS/WatchESPN.