Ahead of Illinois Trip, an Attitude Recharge for Huskers

Tone set by physical practice on day after embarrassing loss to Michigan

Author:
Joe Hudson
Updated:
Oct 4, 2023 3:38 PM EDT
Original:
Oct 3, 2023

In this story:

Players and coaches alike hope a rugged Sunday night practice in lieu of the usual walk-through helped with the Huskers' mindset after Saturday's poor showing against Michigan.

"I've never seen that before where Coach just sprung that on them on a Sunday," Nebraska football defensive coordinator Tony White said Tuesday. "And they had probably one of their better practices ever in pads."

"We needed that," said center Ben Scott. "We just needed the physicality. We needed to play for each other and just go out there and do our thing."

White said the defense's performance in the 45-7 loss Saturday to the Wolverines could be chalked up at least in part to "guys playing not to lose vs. going to win the game."

There were execution problems, but a greater issue was probably that "we didn't play with our hair on fire," he said.

"We can't be hesitant." White said. "That's me included as a play-caller. I can't be perfect all the time and try to think I'm going to win the game. It's trusting those young men to go play and lay it all on the line. So it all starts with me in terms of letting guys go play and being aggressive as hell, and turning them loose so they can go do those things."

Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said quarterback Jeff Sims is improving steadily at practices and will be playing "at some point sooner rather than later." Sims has played just one snap since suffering a high ankle sprain Sept. 9 at Colorado. "I wouldn’t say he’s 100 percent," Satterfield said. "He's getting close, though."

The Huskers have a short week to prepare for their Friday night game at Illinois. Scroll down for video and more coverage from Tuesday's press conference. Asterisk indicates item may require a subscription. Refresh this page to see the latest additions. | HuskerMax discussion