LINCOLN — Nebraska's coach isn't worried about the leadership abilities of the mild-mannered redshirt freshman who he's appointed to be the Huskers' starting quarterback.

Taylor Martinez doesn't have to say much to lead the offense, Bo Pelini said.

That's a good thing for Martinez, who teammates and coaches said is naturally a quiet guy away from the football field. But in the huddle, Martinez does everything necessary of a quarterback, which is all the coaching staff asks.

“Everybody has a different way of leading, a different way of playing the position,” Pelini said. “As long as you're able to manage, execute and the players around you respect you and trust you, that's the key.”

Pelini said Thursday that Martinez will start again against Idaho Saturday.

Preparation is more traditional this week

Pelini can tell his players are a little bit more comfortable now that they're back in a traditional game-preparation routine.

The Huskers have film on Idaho to craft a real game plan, meaning they'll have a better idea of what to expect their second time out.

That was far from the case last week, when they prepared for a team with a new coaching staff without game footage from this season.

But Pelini's not complaining about the way NU had to get ready for Western Kentucky. He actually enjoyed last week, using the rare circumstances to evaluate his players as they prepared.

“I thought it was a good experience for our guys to have to do that,” Pelini said. “I think it gives you a pretty true assessment of where you are, where you've got to work out and how much you've got to learn.”

This week's preparation has been more detail-oriented. Pelini expects to see the results on the field.

“I hope our whole football team has made a jump,” he said. “We'll find out Saturday.''

Jones, Meredith set for Saturday

Marcel Jones and Cameron Meredith, two injured starters who returned to practice this week, will be available to play Saturday, Pelini said.

Jones, the expected first-team right tackle, has been dealing with a back injury and didn't make an appearance in last week's season-opening win against Western Kentucky. He'll be in the lineup against Idaho, though Pelini said the junior's playing time could be limited as a precaution.

Meredith, on the other hand, is apparently fully ready. Pelini said the sophomore defensive end will start Saturday. Meredith injured a shoulder during the second quarter last week.

“Cameron's doing well,” Pelini said Thursday. “He's feeling good.”

Huskers receive new stars, stripes apparel

Look for a little blue with the red and white on the Husker sideline.

Some Nebraska staff members will be wearing shirts and hats Saturday from the Stars and Stripes Collection supplied by adidas. Several players were wearing the polos at Tuesday's press conference that included the “N” featuring red and white stripes below white stars in a blue background.

According to an NU release, the themed apparel on Sept. 11 will “celebrate, honor and thank those who have served the country.”

Adidas also will outfit coaches at several other schools Saturday — Cincinnati, Kansas, Louisville, Michigan, Notre Dame, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Texas A&M and Wisconsin.

— Jon Nyatawa and Rich Kaipust

* * *

• Video: NU coach Bo Pelini after Thursday's practice:

« Sports - Big Red Today

Share