JACKSONVILLE, Fla.—Coach Bo Pelini and defensive coordinator Carl Pelini rejoined the Nebraska football team for Sunday’s Gator Bowl practice after attending the funeral for their father.
Anthony Pelini, 85, died Tuesday in Ohio after an extended illness. His funeral was Saturday.
“It was good to be able to spend a couple days back home and be with family and pay our respects,” Bo Pelini said. “It was hard to leave the family, but now it is time to get back to work.”
The Cornhuskers practiced two hours in full pads at the University of North Florida in preparation for their New Year’s Day game against Clemson.
Pelini said he was pleased with the workout, held in sunny, 70-degree weather. He said he thought the team handled the warm weather well after it being a little bit of a “shock to their systems” on Saturday.
“We got a lot done today and progressed off of yesterday, and now we are getting ready to go,” Pelini said. “The bulk of the game plan is in and now we are trying to refine it a little bit.”
The players were to spend the afternoon at Adventure Landing in Jacksonville. Pelini said it is important for both players and staff to strike a balance of work and enjoyment on a bowl trip.
“You have to call on them to be mature and handle the situation,” Pelini said. “You have to give them enough slack to enjoy themselves, but also remind them of why they are here.”
Nebraska will practice in the middle of the day Monday. The Huskers will attend a Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet in the morning.
