LINCOLN — The untrained outside analysis of Nebraska's defensive performance Saturday night probably would range from remarks such as OK or decent to perhaps worrisome or “needs improvement.”

Bo Pelini wasn't nearly that kind Tuesday.

“We did not play tough, physical, hard-nosed, disciplined defense,'' Pelini said. “We didn't get it done.''

In a span of 20 minutes, Pelini did his best to make sure his not-yet-wearing-Blackshirts unit knows that it shouldn't be happy with its performance against Florida Atlantic. The coach even delivered the unkind blow of saying he thought that the Huskers “played soft at times'' in the 49-3 win.

Think that might have caught the attention of any NU players with inflated opinions of their performance Saturday night?

“I don't want to put words in his mouth, but I don't think we were as physical as he hoped,'' defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said.

Actually, those were almost Pelini's exact words during his weekly press conference. And he sprinkled in some knocks on the Huskers' technique, fundamentals, sharpness, consistency and communication.

“I have a certain vision of what I believe this defense is going to be and I want it to be, and it was not there,'' Pelini said. “And I told that to them. Believe me, our guys on defense know exactly where I'm coming from. And I'm not going to paint a picture that we went out there, we held them to three points and we played great. We did not. We did not play real good defense.''

Nebraska allowed 358 total yards to the Owls, the most by a Husker opponent in a season-opening game since Louisiana Tech produced 569 yards in 1998. Florida Atlantic had five series where it held the football for at least eight plays.

Asked if the yards allowed were a disappointment, Pelini immediately answered: “You better believe it.''

NU linebacker Blake Lawrence said the effort was there but agreed with Pelini on the rest.

“As far as toughness, being more physical, I think that's some areas we can make some improvements,'' Lawrence said. “Just attacking the ball carrier more, trying to get the ball out, trying to cause some turnovers.''

Pelini said the Huskers didn't come off the ball. Didn't attack blocks. Played too high and didn't get pads under pads.

There were some good hits and physical moments, Pelini said, “but overall, man-to-man, 11 guys playing it, I thought we played soft at times. We've got to get that fixed.''

Suh said such a comment stings, but he understood it. The longer you're around Pelini, he said, you realize how he likes to challenge his players.

And it also was a message that what Nebraska did against Florida Atlantic might not be good enough once Virginia Tech or some Big 12 team is on the other side.

“Basically, that's exactly what he's saying,'' Suh said. “And that's the way I'm seeing it.''

Pelini said his players, to their credit, took the harsh critique the right way and responded Monday.

“I can tell you this, there were a lot of guys on our football team who were not happy about how they played and didn't feel like they played up to what they're capable of,'' he said. “I loved the attitude that our players came out with to practice yesterday. They practiced hard, they practiced fast and with an attitude — and that needs to continue.''

Nebraska forced three turnovers against the Owls but dropped a potential interception, and the Huskers saw another interception negated by penalty and failed to get to two or three FAU fumbles.

Lawrence said NU would like to allow fewer yards but said holding a team to three points was pretty good. Pelini just didn't want anybody feeling satisfied with any of it.

“We expect a high, high level,'' Pelini said. “They didn't play awful. But like I said, I thought it was average. We don't expect average.''

Contact the writer:

444-1042, rich.kaipust@owh.com

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