Blackshirts

A dozen Nebraska defenders were wearing their Blackshirts for the first time Thursday, the earliest any unit has received the coveted practice jerseys under coach Bo Pelini. (2008 - Mid November, 2009 - October)

But the Huskers' third-year coach didn't have much commentary about his decision to reward his first-team defenders.

“We thought it was the right time,” Pelini said. “It is a tradition, and it's one that I believe in. You pick the time you think is right.”

Nebraska's first-team defenders have been wearing black in practice since the 1960s, when coach Bob Devaney wanted to distinguish the defense from the offense.

Wearing black Thursday were all 11 starters
Pierre Allen, SR
Jared Crick, JR
Baker Steinkuhler, SO
Cameron Meredith, SO
Eric Martin, SO
Lavonte David, JR
Alfonzo Dennard, JR
Eric Hagg, SR
Prince Amukamara, SR
DeJon Gomes, SR
Rickey Thenarse, SR

And Dime Sub..
Sophomore safety P.J. Smith

Through three games, the Huskers have accumulated more sacks and more interceptions than they had during the first quarter of the 2009 season. On average, they're allowing 28.6 fewer yards per game, too.