LINCOLN — Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini did not directly answer a question Tuesday regarding any possible interest in the head coaching job at Youngstown State.

Pelini is from Youngstown, Ohio, and graduated from Youngstown State after starting out at Columbia University. The Football Championship Subdivision school is looking to replace Jon Heacock, who resigned as head coach of the Penguins.

“I'm not even thinking about that right now,'' Pelini said. “I'm just kind of worried about Colorado.''

According to the Youngstown Vindicator, Heacock was paid $125,000 annually. Pelini is making $208,360 after being bumped up from $190,000 last March.

Green says he has no complaints

It's back to life as a backup for Nebraska quarterback Cody Green, though the true freshman isn't complaining.

He said his mind-set remains unchanged, even though it appears that junior Zac Lee has won the starting job back for this season.

Green's still competing and preparing as if he could play at any moment. He said he's been approaching the past two weeks the same way he did as a starter.

And by no means is this year a waste, Green said. Sure, it's been tough to handle at times, Green said, but as long as the team's picking up wins, he has no complaints.

“I won't look back with any regrets about this season,” said Green, who has started two games. “It hasn't bothered me. It did a little bit at the beginning, but now, I've really grown to understand why things are happening. ... You've got to be a team player. You can't be a selfish person.”

Dennard ‘feels pretty good'

Pelini said Alfonzo Dennard is progressing after the sophomore cornerback did not play Saturday against Kansas State.

“He had a good practice today,'' Pelini said. “I think he feels pretty good.''

Dennard had started six straight games before being sidelined with the toe injury, allowing junior Anthony West to return to the lineup. Dennard also has battled shoulder problems.

Happy returns for Burkhead?

Assistant coach John Papuchis said Monday that he wasn't ready to let true freshman Rex Burkhead take over his former role as the No. 2 return man just yet.

Burkhead was on the field during Saturday's 17-3 win against Kansas State, his first game since he broke his foot Oct. 12.

Papuchis doesn't want to overwork the talented I-back too quickly.

“I know he's been a good spark to our offense,” Papuchis said. “I don't want to rush him back into doing anything. I know he's a huge weapon for us offensively. When the time is right, we'll probably wean him back in.”

Maybe the time is right. On Tuesday, Burkhead and junior Niles Paul both stayed after practice to field punts.

Before the injury, Burkead was a regular contributor on special teams. He returned a kickoff 15 yards against Virginia Tech. He also averaged 18.3 yards on four punt returns.

CU quarterback a pass-run threat

Nebraska is preparing for another quarterback who can run the football after having to worry about containing Todd Reesing of Kansas and Grant Gregory of Kansas State the past two weeks.

Colorado sophomore Tyler Hansen has gained 318 yards rushing in seven games, although his net is just 57 after taking away lost yardage.

Carl Pelini called Hansen “slippery'' and capable of finding his way out of pressure.

“You have to do a good job in coverage, but you also still have to deal with him,'' Pelini said. “That's been kind of the theme the last few weeks. We've been facing quarterback after quarterback that can run and hurt you with their feet.''

Suh pleads guilty, pays $60 fine

Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has pleaded guilty to negligent driving and paid a $60 fine.

Lancaster County Court records showed Tuesday that the 22-year-old senior from Portland, Ore., also paid $48 in court costs Monday.

Suh told Lincoln police he swerved to avoid hitting a dog or cat crossing a street when the 2003 Land Rover he was driving hit the first of three parked cars early on Nov. 1.

Police said Suh had alcohol in his system, but he tested well below the legal limit. His mother owns the SUV Suh was driving.

Coach Bo Pelini has said he disciplined Suh.

Suh is a finalist for postseason honors, including the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi, Chuck Bednarik and Bronko Nagurski Awards.

— Jon Nyatawa and Rich Kaipust

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