MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The teams Nebraska has taken to the Big Ten since joining the conference two years ago have been far from the best of this proud, powerful program.

Four-loss seasons are substandard for the Cornhuskers and their fans.

They’re in favorable position, though, for a second straight Legends Division title if they can stay on track during the second half of their schedule. Starting Saturday at Minnesota, the 25th-ranked Huskers begin a busy 35-day stretch with six games that will tell a lot about coach Bo Pelini and his team’s standing in the Big Ten.

Nebraska has beaten Minnesota by a combined 79-28 margin in two matchups since they became conference rivals in 2011. The Gophers, though, will bring some added confidence after winning at Northwestern last week.

Lincoln, Neb.-The Nebraska football team wrapped up its week of preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten Conference showdown with Minnesota on Thursday afternoon. The team practiced in shorts and helmets for just over two hours inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.

Nebraska Head Coach Bo Pelini met with the media after practice, noting that senior quarterback Taylor Martinez will likely see some playing time this week versus Minnesota after sitting out the previous three games due to injury.

“Taylor has practiced, and has had his fair share of reps this week, we will see how it (turf toe) responds—after today, and a week of practicing.” Pelini said, “It will be a game time decision of what we are going to do, but I would anticipate he is going to play. How much, we will see, we are playing it by ear for how he feels and how he wakes up tomorrow.”

The main concern with Martinez’s injury, is whether or not he will be able to fully plant his foot when he runs outside of the pocket. Pelini feels like Martinez has gotten better at that throughout his week of practice.

“I think he got better as the week went on.” Pelini said, “Obviously whenever you don’t practice for four or five weeks there will be some rust there. That’s why I said we need to evaluate where he is.”

Outside of the world of injury news, Pelini believes that the Husker football team had a good week of practice, noting that he believes NU knows what needs to be done in order to get a victory in Minneapolis Saturday afternoon.

“I thought we had a good week of practice, good attention to detail.” Pelini said, “I think we have a good understanding of what is going to be required to go win a football game on the road.”

A defensive player that has caught the eye of Pelini in the last few weeks is sophomore defensive tackle Aaron Curry. Curry, who has recorded two sacks in the past three games for the Blackshirts is starting to catch on to the Husker defense.

“He (Curry) is playing well, he is playing good football and is getting better.” Pelini said, “His attention to detail is getting better, and he is playing good physical football.”

*Pelini mentioned Jake Long is “likely out” versus Minnesota.

Nebraska will have a team walkthrough Friday morning before traveling to Minneapolis, as the Huskers hit the road for their third conference game of the season. NU will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN/WatchESPN.

Lincoln, Neb.-  The Nebraska football team continued its week of preparation for Saturday’s Big Ten conference matchup with Minnesota on Tuesday afternoon. The team practiced in full pads for just over two hours inside the Hawks Center and outside at the Ed and Joyanne Gass Practice Fields.

Offensive Coordinator Tim Beck addressed the media after practice, beginning with the status of senior quarterback Taylor Martinez.

“He’s doing what he can do right now, and we’re just easing him back into things,” Beck said. “If he needs a break, we give him a break. It’s a day-to-day, period-to-period deal.”

Martinez has made a school-record 42 starts at quarterback for Nebraska, but he has missed the last three games due to a turf toe injury. Beck commented on the effect that missed time has had on Martinez.

“There’s a little bit of rust with (Taylor Martinez), but he still sees things well,” Beck said. “He’s a veteran player and he sees defenses well. He knows where he needs to go with the ball. He’s just getting the cobwebs out a little bit.”

Martinez is just four touchdowns away from tying Eric Crouch’s school-record 90 career touchdowns. However, the effect of his absence has been reduced by the stellar play of freshman Tommy Armstrong, who has thrown for 347 yards and three touchdowns in three starts. On Tuesday Beck also addressed the possibility of having multiple quarterbacks see action for the fourth straight game.

“I think both (Tommy Armstrong) and (Taylor Martinez) have earned the right to play, but you can only play one guy at a time” Beck said. “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there, but we’re going to play the best guy, the healthiest guy and the guy that’s going to help us win.”

Martinez isn’t the only Husker who has missed time with injury. Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award Watch List offensive lineman Spencer Long lost his season to injury against Purdue, leaving Nebraska with a hole to fill up front. Beck mentioned how the team has gone about replacing one of its standout performers in the trenches.

“Mike Moudy filled in and played pretty well for us,” Beck said. “Right now Mike’s in that position. We’re using Ryne Reeves and Givens Price behind those guys right now, and they’ve been doing a good job.”

Nebraska will hit the practice field again on Wednesday as the team moves closer to its third conference game of the season. NU will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN/WatchESPN.

The Big Ten Conference announced on Sunday morning that Nebraska’s Oct. 26 game at Minnesota will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and will be televised nationally on ESPN.

The 11 a.m. CT kick will be Nebraska’s fourth in its first seven games and third straight to open Big Ten play. Game times for Nebraska’s November contests with Northwestern, Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State will be made six to 12 days in advance. NU’s Nov. 29 regular-season finale against Iowa will kick off at 11 a.m. CT and be televised nationally by ABC.

It is Nebraska’s first game on ESPN since the 2011 season. Nebraska is 5-1 overall and 2-0 in Big Ten play, while Minnesota is 5-2 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten action.