The Nebraska defense got good news yesterday as middle linebacker Will Compton returned to practice. Compton injured his ankle in Saturday’s season-opening win over Chattanooga. Defensive coordinator Carl Pelini is optimistic that Compton will be able to play this Saturday against Fresno State, saying it will come down to how much Compton is able to tolerate the pain and work this week in practice. Pelini also spoke after practice about his expectations about the growth of his defense. “I’m very pleased with them, and how the young guys played last week,” Pelini said. “We expect them to be better. From your first game experience to your second game experience, we always feel as a team and an individual, that’s where you make your biggest stride. So you really expect week two to see huge improvements for all the young guys.” Nebraska allowed 230 total yards in their week one win.