Chula Vista, Calif. – Following an early-morning flight from Lincoln to San Diego, the Nebraska football team practiced at DeVore Stadium for the first time on Tuesdayafternoon. The Huskers will hold three more practices in at Southwestern College in Chula Vista, Calif., in preparation of Saturday’s Holiday Bowl against USC at 7 p.m. (CT)on ESPN.

The Huskers practiced in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts for roughly two hours under clear skies and temperatures in the mid 70’s. Interim Head Coach Barney Cotton met with the media and was happy with the Huskers first practice on the West Coast.

“It was a long day for these guys,” Cotton said. “I think it was good though, we worked out some kinks.”

Cotton said he hopes the team enjoys the trip to San Diego, but stays focused on Saturday’s game.

“We just talked about it just now,” Cotton said. “This trip is a reward, but it’s also a business trip.

Saturday’s game will be the final game for 13 seniors, including I-back Ameer Abdullah, who was bothered earlier this season by an injury.

“I think Ameer is pretty close,” Cotton said. “He’s moving around like his old self, much better than he was towards the end of the (regular) season.”

The Huskers will return to DeVore Stadium tomorrow morning for practice before heading to the San Diego Zoo.