Jones “feeling really good,” Knevel feeling “100 percent” after Tuesday’s practice

By Tommy Rezac

The Nebraska Football team finished its second practice of the week late Tuesday afternoon at the Hawks Championship Center. Defensive coordinator Bob Diaco, defensive assistants and players from both the offense and defense spoke to the media afterward.

Chris Jones

Diaco couldn’t confirm whether or not senior cornerback Chris Jones will play Saturday, but he was encouraged by what he’s seen this week.

“Trying not to get overly excited, just because we as an organization don’t want to put any undue pressure on him,” Diaco said. “But he looks really good. He looks really good. Quick, big, fast, smart.”

Junior linebacker Luke Gifford said Jones “has been looking like himself” this week.

David Knevel

Senior right tackle David Knevel says he’s “pretty much 100 percent” and taking all of the reps he can get. True freshman Brendan Jaimes was still listed ahead of him on this week’s depth chart.

Even though 12+ people probably beat me to it, weekly #Huskers depth chart. Chris Jones still on injured list. pic.twitter.com/Hy0T9rpfTe

— Tommy Rezac (@Tommy_KLIN) October 2, 2017

Ben Stille

Redshirt freshman linebacker Ben Stille was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week Monday after leading the Huskers with three tackles for loss against Illinois on Friday. Diaco had nothing but high praises for Stille after Tuesday’s practice.

“Ben is tough and smart and big and strong,” Diaco said. “He can be a hard guy to move around. If he’s got the right alignment and he’s in the right stance and he’s got the right fit and he doesn’t lose his eyes, because he’s football intelligent and disciplined, he can be a force.”

Wisconsin offense

While the Badgers’ bread and butter this season, and almost every other season is defense, they almost always provide physicality on the offensive line and in the run game.

This season is no exception. Wisconsin ranks second in the Big Ten and 23rd nationally in rushing yards, averaging 233.8 yards per game.

They also average 40.8 points per contest, which is good for third in the conference and 22nd in the country.

“As everybody knows, (Wisconsin) is a championship organization,” Diaco said. “They know who they are on offense, they know who they are in terms of recruiting.”

One of Wisconsin’s shining offensive stars has been true freshman running back Jonathan Taylor, who leads the Big Ten and ranks No. 10 nationally with 129.8 rushing yards per game.

“He’s got a nice combination of size and speed,” Diaco said. “He’s a tackle breaker. Big, thick lower body. When he sees a crease, he can really gas it through there. He’s a state or regionally recognized track runner from high school with documented, real speed, and he’s a big guy who breaks tackles. Typical Wisconsin back.”

Taylor ran a 4.42-second 40-yard dash in high school, per NJ.com.

Troy Fumagalli

Wisconsin senior tight end Troy Fumagalli remains questionable this week with a leg injury. He’s currently the Badgers’ lead receiver with 15 catches for 236 yards and three touchdowns.

Gifford feels ready to cover Fumagalli if he in fact plays.

“He’s really good,” Gifford said. “We’ve seen him the last couple of years. He’s always been a big matchup for us. He’s a really good player, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Fumagalli had four catches for 48 yards against the Huskers last year.

Devine Ozigbo

Junior running back Devine Ozigbo says he shows up to practice every day like he’s “still the fourth guy” on the depth chart, and is excited for another opportunity against Wisconsin.

Ozigbo had 10 carries for 33 yards and a score against the Badgers last season.

Other Notables

Linebackers coach Trent Bray said senior Marcus Newby and sophomore Tyrin Furgeson are both “feeling good” and “getting back to healthy.” There’s still no official word if either one of them will be game ready.

You can contact Tommy at 402-840-5226, or you can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_KLIN.