Husker Offense Low on ‘Juice’ During Wednesday’s Practice

Mark Whipple says onus is on Nebraska’s QBs to step up as leaders when chips are down
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The defense got the better of the offense during Wednesday's Nebraska football practice, the 12th of preseason camp. Reporters got to watch about 45 minutes of the session.

Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple said afterward that the offense lacked energy.

"We had a bad day today," Whipple said. "I thought the guys were tired. They felt sorry for themselves. The defense did a nice job today - a couple turnovers - but I didn't like the way we responded."

He said the quarterbacks must do more as leaders in situations like that.

"I told them today that I can only get you on the sideline," he said. "The quarterback has to take control. Casey (Thompson) has to do better. Chubba (Purdy) has to do better. Those two guys I got on a little bit today. They are the ones in the huddle that speak and 10 other guys listen."

Whipple called it "just a down day" in what otherwise has been "a really good camp."

As for Thompson, the transfer from Texas said he underwent a procedure after spring ball to address a lingering thumb injury from last season, and now "I feel better than ever. My grip is 100 percent. I'm able to throw the ball like I want to with the velocity that I want to."

Coaches and players had much more to say about the offense's progress, and it's covered in the links below. Go here for a full helping of photos, videos and observations tweeted by reporters during the open practice session. Refresh page to see latest additions. Asterisk indicates subscription may be required.

Commentary & analysis


Practice observations


Post-practice presser

Non-paywall

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Post-practice video


Video recaps


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Joe Hudson
JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.