• Video: Check out the Big Red Today Show as Husker writers Rich Kaipust, Mitch Sherman and Jon Nyatawa break down the Nebraska-Baylor game:

LINCOLN — Nebraska got a longer look at backup defensive end Cameron Meredith last Saturday as the redshirt freshman played the entire second half in place of Pierre Allen.

It was a change from Meredith only being inserted on a series-by-series basis, and he finished with three tackles and a tackle for a loss.

“It was the first true extended action we got to see out of him, and I thought he played pretty well,'' NU assistant coach John Papuchis said. “When he's in there like that he's able to make the adjustments he needs to make, and take the corrections we make on the sidelines and go back out and apply them.''

Meredith now has 12 tackles, two quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery in seven games while playing behind Allen and Barry Turner.

“I think Cameron's ready to be a big-time contributor for us,'' Papuchis said. “We're in a fortunate situation right now where I feel like we have three guys who can play.''

No need to worry about Dennard

Alfonzo Dennard started this week practicing in a green no-contact jersey and is still hampered some by a bruised shoulder he suffered against Texas Tech.

But Husker assistant coach Marvin Sanders realizes now that he made a mistake last week questioning his competitive sophomore cornerback about being ready for Iowa State.

“I asked him if he would be ready to play,'' Sanders said. “And he said, ‘Coach, don't ask that again.'”

Offense isn't part of Suh's résumé

Senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh confirmed this week that he has not been working with the offense at all, saying: “That's not my role.''

“My role on this team is to play defense, be a part of a great defensive unit and defensive line,'' Suh said. “If they choose to ask me as they did last year, I'm more than happy to. But that's not my main concern.''

Suh was inserted as a lead blocker several times in short-yardage or goal-line situations a year ago. He even caught a 2-yard touchdown pass.

NU, referees watch Baylor substitutions

Baylor's offensive substitution tactics, perceived by the NU coaches as somewhat deceptive last year, will likely be monitored more closely Saturday afternoon.

During the two teams' meeting in Lincoln last season, the Bears' pre-snap lineup changes apparently came too late for Nebraska's liking. The Huskers didn't think that they had enough time as they tried to react and swap their own players in and out.

So last summer, the NU staff asked the Big 12 office to examine a rule that requires officials to allow for defensive substitutions before signaling the ball ready for play.

“It's just very gray. They have to allow the defense time to match personnel,” defensive coordinator Carl Pelini said.”

Bears will try to stretch field

Nebraska's defensive backs will have to be on alert Saturday because Baylor doesn't hesitate to throw the football deep, according to Pelini.

The Bears have an offense that possesses the ability to take advantage of mismatches downfield, Pelini said.

Baylor has completed 14 passes for 25 yards or more so far this season. Seven players have been on the receiving end of those long strikes.

“They stretch the field and they force you in a lot of one-on-one situations,” Pelini said.

— Rich Kaipust and Jon Nyatawa