Nebraska quarterback Jordan Adams will return to practice soon, perhaps as early as this week, Husker head coach Bill Callahan told reporters during Tuesday's weekly media luncheon.

Callahan, following recent discussions with head football trainer Doak Ostergard and Adams, said he discovered that Adams has a strong desire to return to the field as soon as possible.

Adams, a heralded transfer from Grossmont (Calif.) College, underwent surgery to remove his spleen during the first week of this month. His spleen problem was the result of complications from mononucleosis.

"I just don't know how he'll hold up (in practice)," Callahan said. "We'll see what happens when he comes out. I'm sure he'll be very limited."

STAYING ON COURSE: The problems Joe Dailey and the offense have had with turnovers won't change Callahan's game plan or the plays he wants to call, Callahan said. "I'm not changing what we do offensively," he said. "But how we address certain situations, we could help the play caller, whether it's with a particular protection or a route, or something that he's very confident in." Callahan said on a weekly basis, he has the quarterbacks submit their favorite plays, and he reviews them the night before that week's game, so he knows which plays his quarterbacks have the most confidence in.

"I have always sought out the quarterback's advice, his feelings toward the play selection, toward the game plan, toward what we want," Callahan said. "We converse about it."

BALL HAWKS: Nebraska junior cornerback Fabian Washington said the Huskers are making creating turnovers — particularly interceptions — a priority for Saturday's game. The Blackshirts forced only one in the Southern Miss game. "We're definitely going to be some ball hawks on Saturday, trying to get some turnovers, trying to shut down their passing game," he said. "But first thing's first. You've got to shut down their running game and make a team one-dimensional."

WORK IN PROGRESS: Pittsburgh managed only 217 yards of total offense in a 24-3 victory over Ohio. Nebraska defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said the Panthers are a young group, and a work in progress. "They do have some ability," he said. "They have some speed at the receiver position. I'm sure they'll make tremendous improvement from the first week to the second week."

NOT SHAKEN: Callahan said that, judging by post-game comments and his visits with players Sunday, he's not worried about his team losing confidence following the loss to Southern Mississippi. "They're very focused," Callahan said. "This is a driven team. I tell you something, this team is unique. They've been through a lot of challenges in the last year or so, and this is just another one of those challenges we have to go out and work hard on to improve."

HOLD ON, OR ELSE: Nebraska I-back Cory Ross said ball security will be stressed this week in practice — not that it hasn't already this fall. "Coach (Randy) Jordan, he's one of those guys that really, really hates the turnovers," Ross said. "You see him screaming when you have the ball out the wrong way." Nebraska lost two fumbles as a part of five turnovers in Saturday's loss to Southern Miss. "Practice makes perfect," Ross said, "and that's what you have to go out and do."

BOLEY HONORED: Southern Mississippi linebacker Michael Boley was named this week's Bronko Nagurski national defensive player of the week. Boley set a career high with 20 tackles (12 unassisted) in the Golden Eagles' 21-17 victory over Nebraska. Boley also forced two fumbles and had one tackle for loss.

ETC.: Coaches' choices for players of the week are Cory Ross (offense), Daniel Bullocks (defense), Adam Ickes (special teams) and Brett Byford and Andy Kadavy (scout team). … Callahan began his collegiate coaching career in 1980 as a graduate assistant at Illinois under Walt Harris, now Pittsburgh's head coach. … Nebraska ranks No. 11 nationally in total offense and No. 7 in rushing offense. "We're still up there numerically," Callahan said. "I'm not a big stat guy, but it does show productivity." … Ross and Santino Panico will serve as punt returners against Pittsburgh, Cosgrove said. … Nebraska is a 4-point favorite over Pittsburgh according to Harrah's Odds.

— Steven M. Sipple and Brian Rosenthal