LINCOLN — Coach Bo Pelini is hoping that a few weeks off will provide enough time for Marcel Jones' injured back to heal.
The junior right tackle, an expected starter a month ago, hasn't played in the first three games and didn't practice this week. The plan is to keep him out Saturday against South Dakota State, too.
The rest should make Jones' return to the lineup more likely for the Kansas State game on Oct. 7.
“We kind of laid out a couple weeks ago this would be the best time to do it,” Pelini said.
Jones, a 6-foot-7, 315-pounder, started the first 11 games last year before an ankle injury kept him sidelined for the rest of the season. He played in all 13 games during 2008.
Punt returns only Saturday for Paul?
It sounds as if it could be punt returns only for Niles Paul this weekend.
When Pelini was asked if the Huskers will continue to use Paul on kickoffs, the third-year coach hinted that the opponent may determine whether Paul may contribute in that role.
“Remains to be seen,” Pelini said. “Sometimes we do, sometimes we don't.”
Paul, who returned punts and kickoffs last year, said Tuesday that he wasn't practicing with the kickoff team.
Against Washington, Paul returned two kickoffs for a total of 37 yards. He's averaging 12.9 yards per punt return, which ranks 24th nationally.
Sophomore Tim Marlowe and junior Brandon Kinnie were the two kick returners during the season's first two weeks.
“We have a group of guys back there we feel pretty good about,” Pelini said.
Receivers praised for blocking
The running game wouldn't be as explosive if it wasn't for the ability of Nebraska's receivers to make effective blocks downfield, Pelini said.
NU is averaging 8.1 yards per attempt, largely because of blocks by Kinnie, Paul and senior Mike McNeill.
On the 65-yard run by I-back Roy Helu against Washington on Saturday, Pelini said Kinnie took the cornerback out of the play.
“A lot of that, it's about effort,” Pelini said. “Obviously, technique plays a part in it — getting your hats on people, not being lazy and making sure you can find people downfield. They've done a good job with it.”
Tickets available for NU-KSU game
Nebraska's athletic ticket office announced Thursday that about 150 tickets are available for the Huskers' Big 12 season opener at Kansas State.
Fans should call 1-800-8-BIG RED or visit the ticket office. The tickets are $75.
The Huskers' game against K-State is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 7. It will be televised nationally on ESPN.
— Jon Nyatawa
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