Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska football team concluded its preparations for Penn State by practicing for 90 minutes at the Hawks Championship Center on Thursday.
Head Coach Bo Pelini spoke to the media after practice and said he was pleased with the week overall.
“I thought we finished up well today,” Pelini said. “I liked the tempo today. I liked the energy. It will be a game-time decision with some of the guys up front. It’s kind of like last week as far as who’s injured and who’s going to play on the offensive line. We’ll go from there. I think our guys are looking forward to going out there and playing.”
With the Huskers banged up along the offensive line, the head coach discussed the development of sophomore guards Givens Price and Ryne Reeves. Pelini said both players have made excellent strides in recent weeks and are headed for bright futures in the Nebraska program.
“(Givens) has practiced well,” Pelini said. “He’s getting better. I think he’s had a good couple weeks. I think his confidence is growing. He’s excited. He has great energy. They’re just young but I’ve liked the way they’ve practiced the past couple weeks. I think it’s a work in progress with Givens but he’s a prideful kid. It’s important to him. He plays hard. He does the right things on and off the field.”
Pelini did say that receiver Jamal Turner will be part of the 70-man travel roster for the trip to Penn State. Turner has missed the past three games with a leg injury, but hopes to return to action on Saturday in State College. Pelini added that fellow receiver Taariq Allen could also be a factor in Saturday’s matchup.
“We have confidence in Taariq,” Pelini said. “I think his legs are getting more underneath him again. He came back so early that he was way ahead of schedule when he came back from his rehab. We thought it would be about right this time that he would be 100 percent. It’s almost on cue what our trainers said. It’s played out that way. I think he’s starting to feel better and he’s confident.”
The Huskers and Nittany Lions kick off at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday and can be watched on the Big Ten Network.