Byford to start again
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BY STEVEN M. SIPPLE / Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska junior Brett Byford will make his seventh straight start at center, assistant coach Shawn Watson said, as senior Kurt Mann works his way back to 100 percent after a rugged battle with mononucleosis.
Mann, as he did against K-State last week, will play in a reserve role.
“Kurt’s not 100 percent, but he’s on his way back,” Watson said Friday at the Big Red Breakfast at the Holiday Inn Convention Centre.
Meanwhile, the playing status of starting middle linebacker Corey McKeon may not be decided until shortly before game time. McKeon, a junior, suffered an apparent foot or ankle injury early in the second half last week and has practiced intermittently this week.
“We’re hopeful and optimistic he’ll be able to play,” said Watson, adding that it will be tough to keep McKeon off the field.
“He’ll probably be out there one way or another,” the coach said.
WHERE’S HERIAN? After having eight receptions in the first three games this season, senior tight end Matt Herian has just two catches in the past four contests. Watson said Husker coaches have continued to target Herian as an option. Trouble is, defenses also have targeted Herian. Herian, who missed all of last season recovering from a broken leg suffered late in 2004, continues working to regain full body balance and muscle memory. “Every week, you see him getting better,” said Watson, adding, “His hands are the among the best I’ve ever been around.”
SERIES NOTES: Texas leads the all-time series against Nebraska 6-4, capturing five of the last six games dating to 1996. The Huskers’ only victory during that period occurred in the 1999 Big 12 championship game in San Antonio. Texas defeated NU in the 1996 Big 12 title game in St. Louis.
LEARNING TOOL: Nebraska coach Bill Callahan addressed his team about the ugly Miami-Florida International brawl last weekend in the Orange Bowl in Miami. “When you look at it from a distance, you can learn from it,” Watson said.
ETC.: Throughout college and pro football, Watson said, Nebraska might be the only team using four tight ends in several sets. ... Kansas State possessed “one of the best defenses, if not the best defense, we’ve faced this season,” Watson said. ... Contrary to Internet reports, true freshman Pierre Allen remains at defensive end, not tight end. ... Husker starting left guard Greg Austin is back at full speed after missing last week’s game with knee soreness. ... Ten or 11 recruits will be on hand today. ... The last time Nebraska fans tore down goal posts at Memorial Stadium occurred in October of 1994, when the third-ranked Huskers defeated No. 2 Colorado.
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