• Video Below: NU coach Bo Pelini speaks at Thursday's practice
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Coach Bo Pelini defended Taylor Martinez after practice Thursday when asked about the outside criticism directed toward his sophomore quarterback.
Martinez accounted for 237 yards of total offense in Nebraska's 48-17 defeat at Wisconsin on Saturday, but he did throw three interceptions that the Badgers used to convert into 21 points.
Pelini appeared agitated when the topic was brought up Thursday.
Asked if Martinez has been bothered by the occasionally harsh assessments from fans and media members following Saturday's loss, Pelini said "he's human."
Pelini told reporters that he doesn't think "Taylor or anybody on our football team cares what you guys write or say."
Jake Cotton out for year after tears
LINCOLN — Redshirt freshman Jake Cotton will miss the rest of the season after suffering ACL and MCL tears during practice, coach Bo Pelini said Thursday.
Cotton, who has contributed at offensive guard and tackle since the spring, has already undergone successful surgery. The 6-foot-6, 295-pounder from Lincoln Southeast worked as a scout team defensive lineman last season.
Cotton played in three of the Huskers' first five games this season.
"We lost a good football player," Pelini said. "I feel bad for Jake."
But Pelini acknowledged that Nebraska has been able to develop some depth on the offensive line lately. The Huskers have rotated as many as nine players during meaningful game action during the past few weeks.
Pelini said senior Mike Caputo is receiving the "bulk of the reps" at center, but the staff has been able to consistently shuffle players in and out at every other spot.
"Hopefully, that keeps guys fresh, enables them to play better," Pelini said. "We've had a lot of guys that are fairly close that deserve playing time and deserve a shot. I feel like the continuity's pretty good."
Heard questionable
Freshman I-back Braylon Heard didn't make the travel roster last week because of a leg infection and he remains questionable for Saturday, Pelini said.
Heard, who has 79 rushing yards on 17 carries, walked off the practice field Thursday with his right leg wrapped.
Pelini told reporters that Heard is doing "a lot better."
'Physical' practices
Pelini characterized this week's set of practices as "tough" and "physical," though he didn't share specific details of the sessions' altered structures.
Players said earlier this week that practices after Saturday's 48-17 loss to Wisconsin were comparable to fall camp. Lots of scrimmage-like battles between the first-team offenses and defenses.
"We did some things a little bit differently just to make sure we got a great look," he said.
Souvenir tickets
Nebraska fans will be presenting a different sized and different looking ticket than usual Saturday night.
The ticket for Nebraska-Ohio State will commemorate the first Big Ten game at Memorial Stadium and include a logo. It also will measure 5 inches tall and 4 inches wide.
"We wanted it to be special and people want something special," said Holly Adam, NU's assistant athletic director for ticketing. "Just a souvenir-type thing. On a normal-size ticket. that logo would still be there, but just wouldn't be the same 'Wow.' "
The normal ticket is 5 inches tall and 2 inches wide.
— Jon Nyatawa and Rich Kaipust
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• Video: NU coach Bo Pelini speaks at Thursday's practice:
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