With just 11 days left until the Huskers kickoff the season, the preparation for the first game has begun. Nebraska began focusing on Fresno State during today's practice. While the team has sprinkled in some of Fresno's schemes into practices during the early part of fall camp, the Bulldogs were the main focus during today's practice.
"We're going to start introducing some Fresno stuff," Offensive Coordinator Danny Langsdorf said. "We've got a lot of time spent on studying them so we're going to incorporate some of that, but we've got to finish the details in camp right now."
Offensive line
The offensive line has taken hit after hit in fall camp. Starting guard Jerald Foster is out for the season with a knee injury after paying his dues for two years.
"Just being there for Jerald is kind of our main focus for him," starting center Dylan Utter said. "It's kind of a bad situation. He waited two years to start this year and he was going to be special on the left side with (Nick) Gates. It kind of hurt us that way, but like Jerald was telling me, 'just keep playing', because that's what you have to do in the game of football."
Senior offensive lineman Corey Whitaker is also sidelined with an injury. Langsdorf said Sam Hahn, Cole Conrad, Boe Wilson or Jalin Barnett are the front-runners to replace Foster at the left guard position.
Redshirt decision
One of the biggest talking points of this camp has been which true freshmen are not receiving redshirts this season. Head coach Mike Riley and Langsdorf have both expressed on different occasions that there will be five or six guys that could be activated for this season, but the decision still has not been made.
Langsdorf said that while no decision has been made, he said he thinks Riley will announce that decision later on this week and that it is a daily conversation.
Player reactions to the new alternate uniforms
The talk of the day is the unveiling of Nebraska's new alternate all-white uniforms they will show off during the Sept. 24 game at Northwestern. While some fans might not like them, the players have their own opinions.
"We're pretty excited," wide receiver Brandon Reilley said. "A lot of guys like when we go all-white, so it's kind of the extra flair on the all white. It's a good look...It's personal preference. I'm sure people out there don't like them, but you can never please anybody."
While many of the skill position players were thrilled with the new look, the big guys up front have a different outlook.
"It's kind of unfortunate. You kind of like to wear those for the home crowd, but I'd say they are probably one of the best ones we've had so far," Utter said. "Not really (very excited). Just because all of those skinny guys can throw on all the accessories and look pretty fly, but linemen kind of just keep it simple.
First practice with school in session
Class started on Monday at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which means the Huskers received two consecutive days off of practice. According to running back Devine Ozigbo, the rest was much needed.
"It's definitely easier than last year, my freshman year, but it's definitely a new routine. We're just going to have to get used to it," Ozigbo said. "My legs felt a lot better today than they have felt the last couple days of camp. Having those two days off, just being able to stretch and recover from the beat down...Everything is all good now."
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