Coach's Q&a: Bo Pelini

SI: When you came to Nebraska two years ago, did you know where you wanted to be at this point in your tenure?

BP: We knew it would take time to instill our culture. The players needed to understand that just because you're at Nebraska doesn't mean you're automatically going to win. But the culture we want here is well on its way to being installed.

SI: DID YOU LEARN ANYTHING ABOUT THE TEAM FROM THE LOSS TO TEXAS IN THE BIG 12 TITLE GAME?

BP: THAT ONE HURT. BUT FROM THAT GAME IT'S CLEAR THIS PROGRAM HAS MOMENTUM. NOW OUR KIDS REALIZE THEY CAN BE PRETTY DAMN GOOD.

SI: How did all the injuries on offense affect you last year?

BP: We had to scale some things back, but we got a lot better this spring. I was very pleased with the progress we made.

SI: How special can wide receiver Niles Paul be in 2010?

BP: At times he lacks consistency, but he's getting there. If he picks up where he was at the end of last season, Niles is going to be big for us this year.

SI: What keeps you up at night?

BP: I worry about our kids representing the program with class, about them doing the right things academically and socially. And [at practice] I worry about getting the kids to concentrate [and] whether or not we have the dedication to be special.