LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska coach Bo Pelini doesn’t mind if his Huskers have some extra incentive going into Saturday’s game against No. 16 UCLA.

Last year, the Huskers lost 36-30 in Los Angeles and gave up 653 yards — the second-most ever against aNebraska defense.

Pelini said Monday he’s sure his team is always motivated.

The No. 23 Huskers said they were caught off-guard by the 2012 Bruins, who had a new coach in Jim Mora and new quarterback in Brett Hundley.

Senior defensive back Ciante Evans said besides Ohio State’s Braxton Miller, Hundley is the best quarterback he’s faced.

Lincoln, Neb.-  The Nebraska football team started its game three preparations for its showdown against UCLA Saturdayafternoon during a 90-minute practice held inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields. The Huskers practiced in shorts and helmets Monday afternoon.

Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck addressed the media after practice, noting that Monday marked a good start to the week for the NU football team.

“We had a really good practice today. I was pleased with how the guys came out today and we got some of the base stuff we wanted to look at today done,” Beck said.

Much has been said about the Saturday showdown versus the Bruins, in a rematch of last year’s 36-30 loss in Pasadena. Beck mentioned that he wants the Huskers to do the little things right, and he believes if they do that they should be victorious.

“The biggest thing that I want to try and avoid is making it bigger than it is,” Beck said. “We just have to do what we do and fall back on our training. Just do the little things right, like hang onto the football, finish our blocks, finish our runs, see our throws and make good decisions. As long as we do those things, I think we will be OK.”

As for what has stuck with Beck since the loss, he mentioned that there were some crucial errors that could have been avoided, especially in the second half, which could have helped seal the victory against the Bruins last year.

“We just didn’t finish the game last year. We made some crucial errors that put our defense in some tough situations in the second half.”

Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez has impressed Beck so far in this young season. Beck noted that he has really liked how Martinez has taken care of the ball.

“I think he has been pretty consistent, I like his decision making.” Beck said, “I don’t think he has really forced any bad throws, he has been able to tuck the ball and scramble and make some big plays at times, and I like that.”

Beck also noted that as a whole, the Nebraska football family’s thoughts and prayers were with the family of Nick Pasquale and the UCLA football program, following the tragic death of the Bruins’ redshirt freshman receiver.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the whole football program at UCLA. It is hard to put yourself in their shoes with what they are going through.” Beck said, “Obviously little sentimental for them, you hate to see that happen.”

Nebraska will continue preparations Tuesday as the team moves closer to its third game of the year. NU will face the UCLA Bruins on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcasted nationally on ABC.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska freshmen Josh Banderas and Nathan Gerry took ownership of starting linebacker jobs against Southern Mississippi and plan to keep them when 16th ranked UCLA visits the Number 23 Cornhuskers this week.

Banderas (Ban-DARE’-us) is playing middle linebacker, a spot that requires him to be a vocal leader who can relay calls and communicate adjustments. Defensive coordinator John Papuchis says Banderas’ toughness and outgoing personality make him an ideal candidate.

Gerry (Gary) is listed as the weakside linebacker, but he acts as a linebacker-safety hybrid in the dime defense, which the Huskers often use against the spread offenses they regularly see.

Banderas and Gerry will be tested against UCLA, which rolled up 653 yards in a 36-30 win in Los Angeles last year.