Nebraska’s football team finished the morning portion of its first two-a-day workouts of fall camp with a small scrimmage. And, at least in round one, the offense has the upper hand.

“The defense wasn’t up to par,” defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh said. “We had some good plays here and there, but, as a defensive unit, at least the first team, I don’t think we were there, especially because I know how we have been in the past.”

In a goal line scrimmage situation – often a favorite of coaches for the dramatic nature of it - the offense scored a touchdown, Suh said. The defense’s goal is a field goal or no points at all.

“(The offensive line) came off the ball firing,” Suh said. “When we’re down there, we’ve got to bow our heads back up and make sure they don’t score.”

Said No. 1 running back Roy Helu: “Good first-level offensive blocking…we’re making a lot blocks downfield, especially two to three yards back, which is very helpful for the type of running game we want.”

And this, with one of the potential starters on the offensive line, junior right guard Ricky Henry, held out again from practice. In his absence senior walk-on Derek Meyer, and massive true freshman Brent Qvale have filled in.

“I thought (Qvale) came out and made some strides this morning,” head coach Bo Pelini said.

Suh said another true freshman, linebacker Eric Martin, had a couple quality hits on defense.

When asked if Martin stood out again, Pelini answered: “Stood out again today? I didn’t he stood out before.”

Then he added: “He made a couple plays. He’s got a lot to learn. He’s getting a lot thrown at him. He plays hard, he’s tough, he’s physical, but mentally he’s got a long ways to go.”

Pelini said the morning practice was conducted at “a good tempo.” The first week in the book, the second-year coach stayed on message: “We’re progressing, but we have a long, long ways to go. We’re at the beginning of this process.”

Pelini said NU may scrimmage some this afternoon – that practice is closed to the media – and again Saturday morning.

Notes:

* Suh and Helu showed off the throwback jerseys to be worn on the 300th consecutive sellout on Sept. 26 vs. Louisiana Lafayette. Four members of the 1962 team – Dennis Claridge, Willie Paschall, Lyle Sittler and Dwain Carlson – were on hand to take pictures with Suh and Helu, and talk to reporters. NU athletic director Tom Osborne took in practice as well, and spoke with reporters afterward.

*On Henry’s absence, Pelini said: “It’s detrimental to anybody who misses time, but what are you going to do? You can’t put them at risk and lose them for a long time. (But) you can’t miss practices, Obviously he wants to be out there as much as anybody. But if you’re injured, you gotta get right.”

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