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LINCOLN — Nebraska's talented defense has seen plenty of tendency contradictions from its opponents lately, and coach Bo Pelini doesn't expect that to change Friday.

Two weeks ago, the Huskers met a desperate Kansas team, trying to avoid a five-game losing streak. Last week, it was Kansas State that needed a win to keep its season alive.

Now, the Buffaloes are playing in their final game of the season. And it's likely that they won't hold anything back as they try to move the ball against the stingy Blackshirts.

So Pelini and the NU coaches have spent the week trying to prepare their players, though they'll undoubtedly see something new during the game, according to the second-year coach.

The defenders just have to keep communicating to avoid big plays.

“We've been dealing with that for a couple weeks now — a lot of teams, trying to throw things at us,” Pelini said. “The key is not to get flustered. That's why you have rules, that's why you have concepts.”

Starting duo to return for Colorado game

Two Nebraska starters who missed most or all of last weekend's game against Kansas State should be back Friday, Pelini said.

Sophomore right tackle Marcel Jones injured his right ankle on the third offensive play of the game and never returned. But Pelini said Jones did “look pretty good” during Wednesday's practice.

Sophomore cornerback Alfonzo Dennard also missed Saturday's game after suffering a toe injury during practice last week. Dennard also has been battling a sore shoulder, but he should play against Colorado, Pelini said.

Pelini wants to see QB tuck the ball away

Pelini would like to see junior quarterback Zac Lee keep the football and run it himself if Colorado defends Nebraska's option play the same way opposing defenses have been recently.

Defenders have been forcing the play to the sidelines, Pelini said. So, often making the pitch is not the right move.

“They've been stringing it out a bit lately and that's when he's got to learn to tuck the football,” Pelini said.

But the more in-game opportunities Lee has, the more comfortable he'll be at making the correct instinctive decision, Pelini said.

“It's just a matter of getting him reps,” Pelini said. “He's starting to understand what to do, when to and not to. I think he's done a good job with it.”

Hawkins' status could motivate foe

The uncertain future of Dan Hawkins has been a distraction in Boulder, Colo., all year, so it's a likely possibility that the turmoil — not the on-field performances by the Buffaloes and Huskers — could be the postgame topic Friday.

But Pelini's keeping himself separated from the controversy.

Asked if the situation could be a motivator for Colorado's team, Pelini said he was expecting a tough matchup anyway.

“They have pride and they're going to play hard,” he said. “I know the kids are going to want to play hard for (Hawkins) regardless of what the situation is.”

— Jon Nyatawa

• NU coach Bo Pelini after Wednesday's practice: