Practice notes, Oct. 28

Don't forget about the defense

All the attention has been on the struggles of the Nebraska offense in recent weeks, but Cornhusker defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said his group will have its hands full when it takes on Baylor this Saturday.

"Speed, speed. They have speed all over the place," Pelini said. "They have receivers who can fly, a running back who can fly, and they're going to take their shots downfield."

Pelini added that the Bears go for more big plays downfield than probably any other team the Huskers will face this year, and they will force Nebraska defenders into a lot of one-on-one coverage situations.

Allen ready to go

After going down with an injury during last week's 9-7 loss to Iowa State, Pelini said junior defensive end Pierre Allen will be ready to go in time for this Saturday's game. Sophomore Cameron Meredith filled in for Allen last week, and Pelini said he's been pleased with Meredith's play so far. Meredith has 12 tackles, three tackles for loss and a sack through seven games this season playing behind Allen.

"Cameron has played good football all year," Pelini said. "There's not much drop-off when he's in there. (We) just have to find a way to get him on the field more."

Keeping up with the Bears

Last year against Nebraska, Baylor used a hurry-up offense to exploit weaknesses in the Husker defense. Pelini said there is an NCAA rule that is supposed to protect defenses against hurry-up offenses like Baylor's, but added that the rule is "very gray."

"Before they signal the ball ready to be snapped, we have an opportunity to match personnel," Pelini said. "We need to have an opportunity to match that personnel."