Husker Offense Low on ‘Juice’ During Wednesday’s Practice
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The defense got the better of the offense during Wednesday's Nebraska football practice, the 12th of preseason camp. Reporters got to watch about 45 minutes of the session.
Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple said afterward that the offense lacked energy.
"We had a bad day today," Whipple said. "I thought the guys were tired. They felt sorry for themselves. The defense did a nice job today - a couple turnovers - but I didn't like the way we responded."
He said the quarterbacks must do more as leaders in situations like that.
"I told them today that I can only get you on the sideline," he said. "The quarterback has to take control. Casey (Thompson) has to do better. Chubba (Purdy) has to do better. Those two guys I got on a little bit today. They are the ones in the huddle that speak and 10 other guys listen."
Whipple called it "just a down day" in what otherwise has been "a really good camp."
As for Thompson, the transfer from Texas said he underwent a procedure after spring ball to address a lingering thumb injury from last season, and now "I feel better than ever. My grip is 100 percent. I'm able to throw the ball like I want to with the velocity that I want to."
Coaches and players had much more to say about the offense's progress, and it's covered in the links below. Go here for a full helping of photos, videos and observations tweeted by reporters during the open practice session. Refresh page to see latest additions. Asterisk indicates subscription may be required.
Commentary & analysis
- Omaha World-Herald* | Tom Shatel: Casey Thompson saw an opportunity at Nebraska — and you better believe he's ready
- On3* | Robin Washut: Questions and concerns remain for Nebraska's offense
- The Athletic* | Mitch Sherman: What I saw and heard at Nebraska practice from Casey Thompson, Chubba Purdy and more
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Amie Just: The severity of Husker QB's Thompson's thumb injury, and why surgery was 'definitely needed'
Practice observations
- Photos | H247, On3,* LJS,* OWH,* HV*
- Lincoln Journal Star* | A key absence (and arrival), Thompson's zip ... and jumping jacks
- Omaha World-Herald* | Devin Drew arrives, and more sights and sounds from Nebraska's practice
- Hail Varsity* | Observations From Nebraska Football's Wednesday Open Practice
Post-practice presser
Non-paywall
- Husker247 | Whipple after Wednesday's work: Bad day for offense, but he remains encouraged overall
- Husker247 | Thompson feels big difference after procedure, wants to help offensive peers build more vocal presence
- Husker247 | New Husker Marcus Washington keeps focus on 'proving myself right' in reaching his potential
- Husker247 | Chubba Purdy prepping the only way he knows as Husker opener approaches – like he's the guy
- Husker247 | Prochazka working back to form in fall camp
- Husker247 | Mickey pushing Manning, RB competition stays hot
- Husker247 | 'They understand where we're going,' Joseph says of Husker receivers
- Nebraska Athletics | Whipple Discusses Importance of Quarterback Leadership
More sources
- Hail Varsity* | Defense Wins the Day During Nebraska Football's 12th Practice of Fall Camp
- Omaha World-Herald* | Offense struggles as Huskers left looking for leadership
- Omaha World-Herald* | As Nebraska's opener nears, health and leadership are coming together for Casey Thompson
- Omaha World-Herald* | Marcus Washington adjusting to Nebraska and leadership role
- Omaha World-Herald* | Teddy Prochazka talks Donovan Raiola and Casey Thompson
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Husker OC Whipple identifies need for more leaders; Johnson moving around; two WRs absent
- Lincoln Journal Star* | Whether as a starter or backup, Nebraska is counting on Chubba Purdy to be ready
- On3* | Whipple talks QBs, offense, and much more
- On3* | Practice cliffs: Whipple elaborates on QB picture; offensive players get earful from coaches; and Joseph's interesting comments on Manning
Post-practice video
Video recaps
- Hail Varsity | Sorensen & Keeler
- Omaha World-Herald | Watkins & Bland
- Lincoln Journal Star | Just & Mullin
- Husker247 | Christopherson & Bruntz
- On3 | Sipple & Peterson
