Posted: Thursday, October 28, 2004 7:00 pm
Although many Nebraska football fans are grumbling in the wake of two lopsided losses in the last three games, Husker athletic director Steve Pederson is remaining upbeat.
"We have never been more excited about the future of this program," Pederson said Thursday in a prepared speech that preceded the announcement that former Husker Darin Erstad and his wife, Jessica, contributed $1 million toward the NU facilities project. "Never does a day go by where Coach (Bill) Callahan fails to tell me just how much he loves the kids on this team. They have been so wonderful in their attitude about the transition of the program.
"They never complain or make excuses, they just keep working harder."
Nebraska (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) is preparing to play Missouri (4-3, 2-2) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers are coming off of a 45-21 loss at Kansas State.
Pederson thanked Husker fans for their "terrific support" during a time of transition in the program. He said fan support is making "a real difference" as Callahan continues to bring top high school and junior college prospects to campus.
"However great the reputation of Nebraska fans is across the country, our recruits and their families love their experience at Nebraska and the Nebraska fans more than you will ever know," Pederson said.
Erstad didn't address the Nebraska football team Thursday. Callahan said he spoke privately with the Erstads.
"It was great to have him here," Callahan said.
INJURY REPORT: Callahan has said he has few superstitions when it comes to football. One superstition he does have, however, is going overboard with comments about having a team that's relatively healthy. As it stands, he said, NU has no key players in danger of missing the game. Two starters who missed practice time last week free safety Josh Bullocks (dislocated shoulder) and running back Cory Ross (toe) have practiced all week and looked good, Callahan said. "I'm really encouraged they bounced back pretty rapidly off of some serious injuries," he said.
PRACTICE REPORT: Callahan described Thursday's practice at Memorial Stadium as being "quick and brisk." Nebraska clipped at least 20 minutes off of its usual practice time. The Huskers practiced in half-pads. "It's that time of year when you begin to cut back later in the week," Callahan said. "That's what we did we cut way back." Perhaps the lighter practice load will help NU curb its tendency toward slow starts to games and halves. "We're trying to freshen them up for Saturday," Callahan said of his players. "We're looking forward to seeing them come out of the tunnel explosively."
Steven M. Sipple