LINCOLN — Bo Pelini said he's worked this year to stay calm on the sideline, especially in dealing with officials. And the second-year Nebraska coach is pleased with his progress.

When asked Tuesday if his arguments with officials have sent an improper message to the Huskers, Pelini said: “You know what the interesting thing is, I think this year I've been pretty tame with the officials. I've been making a pretty conscious effort of doing that.”

Pelini unloaded on side judge Tim Murray on Saturday late in the Huskers' 31-10 loss to Texas Tech. The coach grew visibly upset after a pass-interference call in the end zone on NU cornerback Anthony West.

“Sometimes you find yourself in a situation where there's only so much you can stand,” Pelini said.

Pelini said he understands the importance of presenting an even-keel demeanor.

“I've been probably the calmest I've ever been in my career this year,” he said. “I continually work at that. You've always got to keep working at things and looking in the mirror and getting better at things.”

Nebraska was penalized 12 times for 95 yards in the loss to Tech. The Huskers rank 108th nationally out of 119 teams, averaging 8.5 penalties per game.

First drive a killer

Looking back at the loss Saturday, Pelini stressed the importance of Texas Tech's opening drive. The Red Raiders covered 80 yards in nine plays as quarterback Steven Sheffield completed 6 of 6 passes, including conversions on third-and-13 and third-and-17.

“Yeah, they made plays,” Pelini said. “But we didn't make plays.”

Sheffield hit Lyle Leong for 34 yards on the first third-and-long play. Leong battled Alfonzo Dennard and Matt O'Hanlon to make the catch.

“It's a shame,” Pelini said. “He threw the ball into coverage. It's what you want him to do. You've got to win in that situation.”

Detron Lewis caught a 22-yard pass on the next third down before Sheffield hit Baron Batch for a 16-yard TD.

“It's a drive that shouldn't have happened,” Pelini said. “You have to make plays. It kind of took the momentum away from us to start the football game.”

Hats off to Rhoads, ISU

Pelini struggled Tuesday to recall much about the Huskers' 35-7 win over Iowa State last year in Ames. NU led 21-0 at halftime and outgained the Cyclones 548 yards to 218.

The defeat for the Cyclones was the fifth out of 10 consecutive in a 2-10 season. ISU is 4-3 this fall under first-year coach Paul Rhoads as it visits Lincoln this week.

“Right now, they're a lot better football team than they were a year ago,” Pelini said. “Obviously, that has to be attributed to Paul and his staff. They're doing a good job.”

Suh: No division on QB

Senior Ndamukong Suh has a message for any outsider hoping that Nebraska's starting quarterback debate will divide the team and create some entirely new controversy: You're wasting your time.

Suh, speaking to reporters during a press conference Tuesday, said the NU players will back whoever the coaches pick as the starter.

Whether it's junior Zac Lee or true freshman Cody Green, it won't have an impact on team chemistry, Suh said.

“With the maturity and the character that we have on this team, we won't have a split locker room at all,” he said. “I know that's what you guys are looking for, and that's your little thing. You want to see who's going to go for Cody, who's going to go for Zac. That's not going to happen.”

No word from Helu

The normally gregarious Roy Helu was rather tight-lipped when asked about his injury Tuesday, an obvious sign that he's not too fond of discussing his aching shoulder.

The starting I-back wore a green no-contact jersey during Tuesday's practice. And he didn't practice Monday.

Helu said the shoulder's been hurt for a while, but it won't hinder his ability during Saturday's game.

— Mitch Sherman and Jon Nyatawa

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