Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team continued its preparations for the second game of the season versus the McNeese State Cowboys, as the Huskers conducted a 45-minute walk-thru Thursday afternoon at the Hawks Championship Center and outside on the Ed and Joyanne Gass practice fields.

Head Coach Bo Pelini addressed the media following practice, noting that NU has had a good week of preparation for the Cowboys of Lake Charles, La.

“We have had a couple good days of preparation, this is really the first week of having a normal game week,” Pelini said. “I like the way it is coming off, it gives us coaches a heckuva coaching opportunity of tying things up on Thursday before our Friday practice.”

A few Huskers that sat out against Florida Atlantic last Saturday will make their season debuts this week. Juniors Zach Sterup and Sam Burtch will play in their first game of the 2014 season against the Cowboys.

Sterup, a 6’ 8” offensive tackle out of Hastings played in 11 games as an offensive tackle last season, but did not make a start.

Burtch, a wide receiver out of Murdock, Neb., will also make his debut Saturday, after a breakout sophomore campaign. He finished with 12 receptions for 147 yards and three touchdowns. He was at his best late in the season, making 10 of his 12 catches in the final six games.

Pelini did mention that junior preseason All-American selection Randy Gregory will not be available for the game this Saturday. Gregory has been battling a minor knee injury the past few weeks, but will likely make his return next week when the Huskers travel to Fresno, Calif., to face off against the Fresno State Bulldogs.

Sophomore receiver Brandon Reilly will be held out of competition for the second straight week. Pelini did note that Reilly is now listed as day-to-day.

 The Huskers will be back on the practice fields Friday as the Nebraska football team completes its preparations for their second home game of the season against McNeese State on Saturday Sept. 6, at 11:00 a.m. (Central). Fans can tune in to National broadcast on ESPNU.