The Nebraska football team wrapped up preparations for South Dakota State on Thursday by holding a 90-minute practice on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields outside of the Hawks Championship Center.
Head Coach Bo Pelini met with media after practice, noting that he believes the team has responded well to the adversity the Huskers faced during the week.
“I thought we had a good week of practice, I thought the kids had great focus, great energy.” Pelini said, “I like the week of preparation we had, time to let it all go on Saturday and I think our kids are ready to get back out there and play.”
Senior quarterback Taylor Martinez has been battling a turf toe injury this week, and Pelini believes it is serious enough that he may miss Saturday’s game due to it.
“Taylor right now is doubtful, we will look at this film today and make a decision in how we are going to go. If Taylor doesn’t play you will see both guys (Tommy Armstrong and Ron Kellogg III).” Pelini said, “If we were going to start today, we would probably start Tommy Armstrong, but you will see Ron Kellogg. We want to make sure we look at this practice film and I haven’t visited with them yet after practice, but that was kind of what we were leaning towards going into today.”
Pelini added later that if either backup quarterback struggles during the game, you will not see Martinez come in as a backup. In Pelini’s words, “He (Martinez) is either going to play or he is not.” Pelini also mentioned that Martinez did sit out practice today.
Husker fans should not worry if the redshirt freshman makes his first career start on Saturday, as Pelini said, he has full confidence in Armstrong’s ability.
“Tommy has made a big jump in the last two weeks, he was struggling a little bit, and a little frustrated because of the time he missed.” Pelini said, “He had a tremendous week of practice.”
Pelini also mentioned that he believes Kellogg and Martinez both have helped Armstrong grow as a football player in the last two years.
“Those guys do a great job, they really all help each other.” Pelini said, “That happens across the board on this team, the guys work together and push each other, that is what it is all about, the competition is important.”
Check back here at Huskers.com for updates throughout the week as the Nebraska football team prepares for battle against South Dakota State on Saturday. The Huskers and Jackrabbits kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT and will be televised to a national audience on the Big Ten Network.
