STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Friday, September 15, 2006 7:00 pm
No. 59 Brett Byford, 6-3, 300, center
It’s not always easy to tell exactly how well a center is playing without the benefit of a second look on videotape.
Nevertheless, this position will be watched closely tonight.
Byford, a fourth-year junior from Hartselle, Ala., will start for the second straight week in place of senior Kurt Mann. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Mann had started 24 straight games before missing last week’s win against Nicholls State with what Nebraska coaches have described as “a virus.”
Although Byford has plenty of experience in practice, he has appeared in a grand total of two games during his college career. He played as a reserve in 2004 against Western Illinois.
“It definitely helps to get that first start out of the way,” Byford said. “We played pretty good, and I got a little confidence.”
Byford will battle USC nose tackle Fili Moala, a 6-4, 295-pound sophomore who is starting in place of injured senior Sedrick Ellis. Moala started two games last year and played in all 13 contests, finishing with eight tackles. Junior Chris Barrett (6-5, 265) plays the other tackle spot for USC.
“I think the competition will be more challenging to (Byford) this week,” NU coach Bill Callahan said. “They have a heck of a defensive line.”