LINCOLN — Lavonte David's 19 tackles and two pass breakups Saturday — not to mention a second-quarter blasting of South Dakota State's Tyrel Kool — didn't much impress coach Bo Pelini.
According to Pelini, David did not play well despite recording the highest tackle total at Nebraska since Barrett Ruud had 19 against Kansas State in 2004.
“He'd be the first one to tell you he didn't play nearly the football he's capable of playing,” Pelini said. “He didn't play a very good football game.”
After the game, David said the Huskers failed to execute. He was talking about everyone, apparently, including himself.
“He's not looking to make any excuses of why that happened,” Pelini said. “I know he's capable and he knows he's capable of playing at a higher level.”
Injured players ready to practice
Receiver Mike McNeill, safeties P.J. Smith and Rickey Thenarse and linebacker Eric Martin, all hurt Saturday against SDSU, were ready to return to practice at the start of this week, Pelini said.
Additionally, quarterback Taylor Martinez's erratic play apparently was not related to an injury problem. Asked Monday if Martinez was hurt against the Jackrabbits, Pelini said no.
There was no media availability after practice Monday.
Bo: Expect QB to improve
Expect Martinez to improve as a result of his shaky play against South Dakota State, Pelini said.
Did the redshirt freshman begin to press as the game remained close into the second half?
“There's no question,” Pelini said. “But really, it goes beyond Taylor. Across the board, there was no attention to detail, a lack of execution. Everyone's going to focus on the quarterback. We didn't play the way we were taught to play.”
Prince: We'll be ready for adversity
Cornerback Prince Amukamara isn't about to pat his NU teammates on the back for contributing to a 4-0 start, the Huskers' first since 2005.
“It's a pretty good accomplishment,” he said. “But we have high expectations, and I don't think we're happy with our performance.”
Still, he said, the adversity from Saturday may serve the Huskers well.
“Since we've experienced it now,” Amukamara said, “we should be ready for it when we face adversity in a Big 12 game.”
— Mitch Sherman
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