Nebraska's defense is expecting a strong test from Purdue quarterback David Blough.
That was made clear Tuesday after practice, when both defensive coordinator Erik Chinander and defensive backs coach Travis Fisher addressed the challenge of facing one of the nation's hottest signal callers.
Fisher called Blough the best quarterback Nebraska will have faced to this point in the season. That includes, of course, Colorado QB Steven Montez and Michigan's Shea Patterson.
Chinander said Blough stands out on film.
"First and foremost, he's a guy — when you turn the film on, the first ball that I look to see if a guy can make, like a real guy, is he can throw that 20-yard out to the field from the opposite hash, and he can throw that thing on the money," Chinander said of Blough. "I think he's an exceptional passer, and he's an adequate runner. He can maybe not run it as well as some other guys that are quote-unquote "dual threat" but he can throw it as well as anybody in the league. So you're really going to have to be great in melting your zones, and you're going to have to be great in man coverage."
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Dewitt also said backup long snapper Chase Urbach was pushed into duty at Michigan because starter Jordan Ober had a minor injury that affected his ability to cover on the punt team. Ober still did the snapping on Nebraska's field goal and extra point attempt.
* Defensive line coach Mike Dawson said Carlos Davis is getting more work at nose tackle. Part of that, Dawson said, is because of the leg injury senior Mick Stoltenberg suffered against Michigan. Stoltenberg did not practice Tuesday, and walked past reporters while using crutches and wearing a wrap on his left leg.
* Fisher said freshman defensive back Cam Taylor played "balls out." Fisher added that Taylor wasn't worried about the score. He was worried about making the most of his reps."
* Freshman running back Maurice Washington was present at Tuesday's practice, but did not participate in the workout.