Nebraska’s consistent inability to boot the football into the end zone on kickoffs is an ongoing concern, Husker defensive coordinator Kevin Cosgrove said Friday.

The more opportunities you give teams, he said, the greater the odds that someone will break a long one, as Texas did to begin last week’s game.

Speaking at the Big Red Breakfast in Omaha, Cosgrove said long kick-offs become particularly vital against a team such as Oklahoma State, which features a dangerous return man in Perrish Cox.

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Cox leads the Big 12 and ranks No. 6 nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 31.36 yards per attempt. What’s more, the Cowboys’ Grant Jones has averaged 39 yards on five returns (too few attempts to be counted among NCAA statistical leaders).

As a team, Oklahoma State ranks first nationally with a 30.37-yard kick-off return average.

Texas’ Quan Cosby sped 78 yards with last week’s opening kickoff, returning it to the Nebraska 9-yard line. Jordan Congdon booted the kickoff, and then was replaced by Jake Wesch for the next two kickoffs. Wesch’s first kick went for a touchback, his second to the Texas 6.

Congdon returned to handle Nebraska’s final kickoff, which he intentionally booted along the ground. It’s unclear who will handle kickoffs today against Oklahoma State.

Nebraska, it should be noted, has been stout defending kickoffs. The Huskers rank 13th nationally, allowing just 16.9 yards per return.

NOT A CHANCE: Nebraska never seriously considered trying a long field goal on the final play of last week’s 22-20 loss, Cosgrove said. The attempt would have been from about 58 yards. “(Congdon) has a maximum, and that’s not close to it,” Cosgrove said, adding, “Our chances were better throwing a Hail Mary because at least we can throw it that far. … Even in the NFL, that’s a big kick.”

OCTAVIEN INJURY: Nebraska weakside linebacker Steve Octavien, who exploded back onto the scene against Texas with a 10-tackle performance, injured his ankle late in that game but appears to be “good to go” for today’s game, Cosgrove said. Octavien had missed four straight games with a hamstring injury, “although we probably could’ve used him the week before (against Kansas State),” Cosgrove said. “With hamstrings, though, you have to be careful.”

ON THE RISE: Cosgrove tossed out a few names of players performing particularly well on scout teams. On defense, he mentioned redshirt freshman outside linebacker Nick Covey and three true freshmen: tackle Seth Jensen, rush end Pierre Allen and walk-on linebacker Kyle Moore of Elkhorn, brother of senior defensive end Jay Moore.

As for offense, Cosgrove said a pair of wide receivers — Chris Brooks and true freshman Will Henry — have been “outstanding” this season. The 6-2, 200-pound Brooks appeared in four games last season, but was slowed by injuries. He appears set for a redshirt season this year. Cosgrove recruited Brooks out of St. Louis.

In addition, Cosgrove said the group of true freshman offensive linemen — Cruz Barrett, D.J. Jones and Keith Williams — is “special.”

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Defensive tackle Brandon Johnson, a junior college transfer, has been unable to crack the regular d-line rotation, but has been contributing on special teams, said Cosgrove, noting that coaches would have preferred to have Johnson sit out as a redshirt. The Huskers simply lack sufficient overall depth for such moves. “We’re not in that position yet,” the coach said. “We’re getting closer.”

PRAISE FOR PATRICK: Asked which Husker offensive linemen give his defense the most problems in practice, Cosgrove said, “Our two tackles are pretty good. (Chris) Patrick brings a special attitude.” The crowd chuckled, apparently aware of Patrick’s no-holds-barred approach to the game. “He’s one of those guys you love to hate,” the coach said. “He has a defensive lineman’s mentality.”

TODD NOT AMONG FINALISTS: NU’s senior fullback Dane Todd was not among the finalists for the Draddy Trophy, given to the top scholar-athlete in college football. The finalists are: Florida quarterback Chris Leak, Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny, Rutgers fullback Brian Leonard, Colorado guard Brian Daniels, Connecticut defensive tackle Rhema Fuller, West Virginia linebacker Jay Henry, Oklahoma defensive tackle Carl Pendleton, Wisconsin tackle Joe Thomas, Wyoming safety John Wendling, Yale offensive lineman Ed McCarthy, St. Francis, Pa., receiver Luke Palko, Alabama A&M offensive lineman Kristian Smith, Ferris State linebacker Michael Klobucher, Pittsburg State defensive end Ryan Meredith, Carnegie Mellon defensive back Aaron Lewis, St. Thomas receiver P.J. Theisen, and Ambrose center Brad Cook.

Each finalist receives an $18,000 scholarship for postgraduate studies; the Draddy Trophy winner receives a $25,000 scholarship.

ETC.: Nebraska has a 36-3-1 advantage in the series and has won 25 of the past 26 games. … The Cowboys in 2002 ended a 36-game winless streak against the Huskers with a 24-21 triumph in Stillwater. … NU came back in 2003 with a 17-7 win against OSU in Lincoln. … The teams in 1998 played in Kansas City, Mo., (NU won 24-17).