LINCOLN — One of the bigger challenges for Nebraska on Saturday might be getting to Louisiana-Lafayette quarterback Chris Masson.

Through three games, the Ragin' Cajuns have thrown 98 passes without allowing a sack.

“Great protection, No. 1,'' NU defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said in discussing that statistic Wednesday. “But even when the protection breaks down the quarterback does a great job. He gets rid of the ball in time. He knows when to get rid of it, when to throw it away, when his feet will get him out of trouble. So it's really a whole team thing.''

Masson is averaging 209.0 passing yards per game in his first season as a starter. Of his 12 rushing attempts, not one has resulted in lost yardage.

Turner shows speed is back

Carl Pelini believes that some pass rush could come from Barry Turner, not just Saturday night but for the rest of the season.

The senior defensive end looked his best since returning from a broken ankle when he made six tackles Saturday at Virginia Tech. Turner leads the Husker defense with four quarterback hurries and his four tackles for losses trails only Ndamukong Suh.

“Barry looks fast as heck out of his stance right now,'' Pelini said. “I'm pushing him to use that speed a little bit more because he has it.''

Turner was injured two games into last season and was granted a medical hardship. He returned for spring practice but was still recovering.

“I think he just keeps getting better every week,'' Pelini said. “Getting more sure of it. I don't see any aftereffects with Barry right now. I don't see him favoring it at all. I think he's moving fast and very confident in that ankle right now.''

Coach wants more P.T. for Rex

The Huskers' running backs coach would liked to have seen reserve I-back Rex Burkhead playing more against Virginia Tech on Saturday.

Only, that exact thought didn't cross Tim Beck's mind until after the 16-15 loss. Saturday's game instead mostly featured junior Roy Helu, who carried the ball 28 times for 169 yards.

“Sometimes I just get caught up in the game and maybe don't rotate some when I should,” Beck said Wednesday.

Burkhead didn't have a carry Saturday, but his lone reception came on third down and resulted in a gain of 16 yards. When Burkhead does get an opportunity, the true freshman usually takes advantage, Beck said.

“I know I probably should be getting Rex in the game a little bit more,” Beck said. “I know he's capable to go in there.”

Burkhead has 12 carries for 57 yards this season.

Hokies had McNeill covered

Junior Mike McNeill saw a lot of Virginia Tech linebackers react similarly when he ran receiving routes Saturday.

The defenders would simply turn and run. They weren't going to get beat downfield by McNeill.

“I only had a couple routes where I really was able to get separation,” McNeill said. “They had pretty good speed. Give them credit where credit is due. They did a good job of covering it up.”

Quarterback Zac Lee tried to find McNeill down the middle at one point in the third quarter, but the pass sailed over McNeill and a Tech linebacker, right into the hands of a safety.

McNeill had just one reception against the Hokies. Before Saturday, he'd caught three or more passes in six consecutive games.

Public invited to presentation

Nebraska's athletic department will unveil a 22-by-28 foot mural in the Osborne Athletic Complex today, an artistic addition that helps commemorate this weekend's 300th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium.

Artist Mike Sullivan designed the mural, which is themed around the Huskers' tradition-rich football program.

The presentation, which begins at 4 p.m., is open to the public.

— Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa

« Sports - Big Red Today

Share