Chula Vista, Calif. – After a late afternoon practice on Tuesday, the Nebraska football team was on the field turf at DeVore Stadium at 10 a.m. on Wednesday for its second of four practices at Southwestern College prior to Saturday’s Holiday Bowl against USC on ESPN.
The Huskers practiced in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts under clear skies and temperatures in the low 70’s.
Defensive coordinator John Papuchis met with the media following Wednesday’s practice and discussed the challenge on Saturday of stopping USC’s prolific offense. USC Head Coach Steve Sarkisian’s offense is led by quarterback Cody Kessler, who ranks fourth nationally this season with 36 passing touchdowns and ranks 11th nationally in passing yards with 292.1 yards per game.
“It helps on some level, we have a bit or familiarity with Coach Sarkisian’s offense,” Papuchis said. “I’m sure they’re going to have a unique plan this time though.”
The Huskers will be working with a linebacker unit that is banged up and will need contributions from players who may see an expanded role on Saturday.
“We’re a bit thin at linebacker right now,” Papuchis said. “We can’t go get any free agents. We’re preparing all hands on deck to be ready. (Josh) Banderas will play, Austin Williams may play, and we’re one snap away from Chris Weber and Marcus Newby being on the field.
Following this morning’s practice, the Huskers are headed to the San Diego Zoo.