Huskers Prepare to Take On the Fighting Illini

*Photo Courtesy Scott Bruhn/Nebraska Communications*

Lincoln, Neb.- The Nebraska football team practiced for less than 90 minutes without pads at Memorial Stadium on Thursday in preparation for Saturday’s game against Illinois.

After practice Coach Riley addressed the media about current injuries. On the subject of De’Mornay Pierson-El, Riley said “De’Mornay has been practicing and will travel and we will work him back into this thing.” Riley also mentioned, “Jack (Gangwish) has been practicing and I anticipate him playing in the game.”

Riley also indicated that defensive tackle Kevin Williams is out of Saturday’s game and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine is “very doubtful”. Riley also said linebacker Josh Banderas is doubtful for the matchup with the Illini.

Riley also talked about what he wants the team to improve on this game.

“It changes from week to week, but if I was to say in general defensively it’s absolutely necessary that we improve in big-play defense and tackling.” Riley said, “Offensively our biggest enemy has been procedure formations. We have hurt ourselves in that and of course we want to cut down in holding calls. We want to cut down all the calls.”

The Huskers will practice Friday morning in Lincoln before heading to Illinois.

Saturday’s game against Illinois kicks off at 3 p.m. (CT) at Memorial Stadium, Champaign, Ill. The game will be televised on BTN/BTN2Go.