The Nebraska football team practiced for two hours and 15 minutes inside the confines of Memorial Stadium on Wednesday as it prepares for Saturday's game against New Mexico State. After practice head coach Bo Pelini said he liked the way his defense was practicing, but they must carry that over to the field on Saturday.

  "We're seeing progress," Pelini said. "I thought our kids had a very good practice today. There are still some things to clean up, but we are getting there. The key is taking it to the game, taking it to Saturday. When we execute we play very well."

 

The defense will look to stop the Aggies' pass-oriented offense led by quarterback Chase Holbrook. A point of emphasis at this week's practices has been tackling at the point of first contact.

"We have to tackle better," Pelini said. "We have tackled a lot this week. So we can start this football game and come out and don't give them a bunch of yards after the catch because we're missing tackles. They have some good skill guys so we're going to have to tackle well."

On the injury front, senior offensive lineman Lydon Murtha was back on the field Wednesday after missing almost two weeks with a knee and shoulder injuries. Pelini said it was good to see Murtha back on the field.

"Somebody said it makes him feel like it is Christmas. It feels like Christmas to me. It's good to see the big guy back out there and he feels good. He had a good day."

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