Shreveport, La.?Nebraska practiced for one hour and 45 minutes on Wednesday at Independence Stadium as the Huskers began to put the finishing touches on their preparations for Friday?s MainStay Independence Bowl against Ole Miss.

After two days of cold and rainy conditions, sunny skies and temperatures in the low 50s greeted Nebraska for its Christmas Day practice. Husker head coach Frank Solich said Nebraska worked on all areas of the game on Wednesday and the team continued to have good preparations.

?We finished up with a good workout today in sweats,? Solich said. ?We had a run-through on everything, including offense, defense and the kicking game. The players? attitude is great. They have practiced very well and we expect that that will carry-over to how we play in the ballgame.?

Solich said the good attitude and hard work of the team are not unexpected. He said the players are focused on finishing the 2002 season on a strong note.

?I?m not surprised at all about the excellent attitude going into the game,? Solich said. ?They have been a team that has stuck together throughout the year. They have worked at trying to play good football throughout the year and this game is no exception. The players are determined to end this season the right way and play a great football game. They want to represent the University of Nebraska the right way.?

Solich also said that sophomore rover Philip Bland and senior offensive guard Wes Cody have not been ruled out of Friday?s game, but he did list both as doubtful.

Nebraska began its day with Christmas morning chapel and mass services at the team hotel. Short meetings followed before the afternoon practice. The Huskers had a team Christmas dinner on Wednesday night at Harrah?s Casino and Hotel in downtown Shreveport.

The Huskers will conclude preparations for the matchup with Mississippi on Thursday with a short walk-through practice at the stadium. Thursday?s activities also include the Independence Bowl?s Minuteman Luncheon at the Shreveport Expo Hall.

Kickoff for Friday?s 27^th annual Independence Bowl is set for 3:30 p.m. with a national telecast on ESPN. The Huskers will be looking to break a four-game losing streak for the Big 12 Conference in the game. SEC teams have defeated a Big 12 opponent in each of the last four Independence Bowls, including a pair of wins by Ole Miss in 1998 and 1999.

--Huskers--