Steven M. Sipple and Parker Gabriel react to comments from Nebraska HC Scott Frost and several players Monday.
Lincoln Journal Star
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills said he felt "a little pop" in his knee during NU's first drive of the Penn State game that led to him to missing the remainder of that contest as well as games against Illinois and Iowa.
Mills said he felt he could finish that drive, but also thought if he played beyond that, that he would be out for the rest of the season.
"I just told the coaches, I feel confident in the younger guys; you could put Marvin (Scott), Rahmir (Johnson), any one of them in, and the game would still be the same," Mills said Monday. "So that's what happened, and the young guys got in and did what they were supposed to do."
After missing Nebraska's loss to Illinois, Mills said he considered returning against Iowa before deciding to wait one more week.
"I wanted to go against Iowa, but I just said, 'No, let's wait one more week,' and I felt a whole lot more comfortable with my knee, and came out and showed it," he said.
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Mills returned against Purdue to rush for 60 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 16 carries. He started the game by bashing into the end zone from 1 yard out after Nebraska blocked a punt on Purdue's opening possession.
"That was just a warmup. Just for me to go out there and see how it felt to get hit in a game because I hadn't gotten hit in two weeks," Mills said.
NU fine with early kicks: Â Once again, Nebraska will kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday when it hosts Minnesota.
It will mark the sixth time in seven games the Huskers have kicked off at 11 a.m., with only the Iowa game, which started at noon, getting a different time.
Oddly enough the only game NU wasn't scheduled to kick off at 11 a.m., against Wisconsin, was canceled. That game was set for a 2:30 p.m. kick.
"I think we all enjoy the 11 a.m. games. We're a morning practice operation anyway, so our guys are used to getting up and getting started," NU coach Scott Frost said. "And certainly, especially on road games, it's better to get home early rather than to be flying late at night."
If Nebraska wants to be in a different time slot, Frost said, there's a simple solution.
"We win enough games down the road, maybe we get moved to some other slots," Frost said. "But right now we're just anxious to play whenever they post the time."
Farmer out for season: Redshirt freshman defensive back Myles Farmer will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery, Frost said.
Farmer had an air cast placed on his leg and was carted off the field after a noncontact injury as NU warmed up to play the Boilermakers. He was one of three players to go down in a similar area at Ross-Ade Stadium, as Nebraska's Nadab Joseph and Purdue's David Bell also had troubles.
The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Farmer enjoyed a breakout game against Northwestern, intercepting two first-half passes as defensive backs Cam Taylor-Britt and Deontai Williams sat out because of targeting penalties from the previous game.
Frost said Farmer's long-term outlook is good.
Manning's status still TBD: Â The will-he-or-won't-he playing status of receiver Omar Manning appears set to continue.
Asked if Manning would play again this season, Frost was noncommittal Monday.
"I couldn't say for sure, but we've just got to get him healthy," Frost said. "And he's going to make us a better team when he's out there."
Jurgens plays with more confidence:Â Nebraska right guard Matt Farniok, who has spent the season lining up next to center Cameron Jurgens, said the sophomore was in better control of his game against Purdue.
After struggling with the accuracy of his snaps much of the season, to the point where he was pulled from the game for a short time against Iowa, Jurgens seemed to have a clean game against the Boilermakers.
"He had a lot more confidence, and just trust in himself, and it reflected in his game play," Farniok said. "He slowed the game down for himself a little bit, and everything went a lot smoother with him."
Photos: Huskers end two-game losing skid with 37-27 win against Purdue
Purdue running back King Doerue (22) goes over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) for a touchdown during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp (33) celebrates a 49-yard field goal against Purdue during the second quarter on Saturday, Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (1) makes a catch in front of Purdue safety Marvin Grant (4) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) blocks the punt of Nebraska punter William Przystup (90) during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrate a stop on fourth down in the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Simon Otte chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter in the Huskers' game against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Simon Otte (34) chases down the ball after a blocked punt during the first quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer (85) celebrates his touchdown with running back Dedrick Mills during the second quarter against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer scores a touchdown against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) throws against Nebraska during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter last year in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez breaks away from Purdue defenders on his way to a touchdown run during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Jackson Anthrop (33) celebrates after blocking a punt against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer (13) is sacked by Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrates a sack against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer and Dedrick Mills celebrate Liewer's touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt runs into Purdue's TJ Sheffield during a punt return Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt was penalized on the play.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille and Garrett Nelson sack Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt defends Purdue receiver David Bell in the end zone on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Nadab Joseph is carted off the field after an injury against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Dedrick Mills rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez practices a snap before the Huskers play Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey practices a snap before Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Will Honas tackles Purdue's Rondale Moore after a reception Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska running back Dedrick Mills runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell makes a catch over Nebraska safety Marquel Dismuke (9) and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) on his way to an 89-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for an 89-yard touchdown after a catch against Nebraska during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press
Purdue's Zander Horvath runs the ball against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt gets a grip on Purdue receiver David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Deontai Williams defends a pass to Purdue's Payne Durham on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's Branson Deen grabs the jersey of Nebraska offensive lineman Matt Sichterman on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Ben Stille sacks Purdue's Jack Plummer on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Purdue's David Bell runs into the end zone to complete a touchdown reception against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David Bell on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A pass eludes Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Dicaprio Bootle knocks down a pass against Purdue's Milton Wright on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams tackles Purdue's TJ Sheffield on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Jack Plummer throws a pass against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska sophomore wideout Wan'Dale Robinson tries to escape a defender during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska junior quarterback throws a pass Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez looks downfield Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams (8) and linebacker Will Honas combine to stop Purdue running back Doerue King Saturday game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska coach Scott Frost talks to linebacker Caleb Tannor (2)Â during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska offensive tackle Brenden Jaimes blocks a Purdue defender on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
A pair of Husker defenders stop Purdue running back Zander Horvath during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Garrett Nelson (44) picks up Cam Taylor-Britt after a big defensive play Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska wide receiver Levi Falck is stopped by a Purdue defender during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez rushes for a touchdown against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wyatt Liewer scores against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH/THE WORLD-HERALD
The Nebraska defense mostly held Purdue star receiver David Bell in check. He had 10 catches for 132 yards, but 89 of those yards came on a touchdown in which two Huskers collided into each other.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Austin Allen catches a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska and Purdue players get testy during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's Geovonte' Howard and Marvin Grant react to penalty flags being thrown against Nebraska on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue's David Bell last season in West Lafayette, Ind.
Omaha World Herald file photo
Nebraska's Scott Frost and Purdue's Jeff Brohm shake hands after Nebraska defeated Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) in December in West Lafayette, Ind. Taylor-Britt recently said returning to Nebraska rather than jumping to the NFL was an easy decision.
ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) throws against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska junior quarterback Adrian Martinez looks for room to run during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior cornerback Dicaprio Bootle defends Purdue's Milton Wright on a pass play during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska receiver Zavier Betts tries to work his way around Purdue's Kieren Douglas on Dec. 5 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska defensive back Deontai Williams defends Purdue's Payne Durham during Saturday's game in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez fires a pass during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska guard Matt Farniok celebrates a big play during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska senior running back Dedrick Mills picks up yards during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Brenden Jaimes (left) and Adrian Martinez (center) celebrate Martinez's first-half touchdown during Saturday's game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt returns a punt Saturday against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Nebraska's Zavier Betts hauls in pass against Purdue on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
Purdue Athletics
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue's Marvin Grant (4) and Geovante' Howard (13) don't like a call as Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks on. Nebraska and Purdue combined to commit 233 yards of penalties, but the ones Boilermakers committed proved to more costly.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez throws a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Adrian Martinez passes toward the sideline against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Purdue's David Bell catches a pass as Nebraska's Cam Taylor-Britt (5) and Marquel Dismuke converge. Bell would take the reception 89 yards for a touchdown.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Luke McCaffrey looks to throw a pass against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Wan'Dale Robinson looks for running room against Purdue as Wyatt Liewer holds up on a block against a Boilermaker on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
A worker fixes the north end zone video board before the Nebraska at Purdue football game Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska's Levi Falck gestures for a first down against Purdue on Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
LILY SMITH, Omaha World Herald
Nebraska defensive lineman Ben Stille (95) pressures Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer during the second quarter Dec. 5, 2020 in West Lafayette, Ind.
Associated Press file photo
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) holds off Nebraska linebacker Will Honas (3) during the first quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt breaks up a pass intended for Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) during the fourth quarter last season in West Lafayette, Indiana.
MICHAEL CONROY, Associated Press file photo
Nebraska wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson runs against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez runs against Purdue during the third quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez throws against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska wide receiver Wyatt Liewer runs in for a touchdown against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska place-kicker Connor Culp kicks a field goal against Purdue during the fourth quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore (4) tries to elude Nebraska linebacker JoJo Domann (13) on Dec. 5, 2020, in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Purdue quarterback Jack Plummer throws against Nebraska during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates a stop against Purdue during the second quarter Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.
MICHAEL CONROY, The Associated Press
Contact the writer at cbasnett@journalstar.com or 402-473-7436. On Twitter @HuskerExtraCB.
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