“It’s the only way we’re going to be able to function,” Pelini said of the offense/defense setup. “It’s only way we’re going to be able to protect certain guys we want to protect that we don’t want to give a lot of reps to…trying to field two teams wouldn’t happen right now. We have guys out at certain positions, we’re thin at certain positions, and we don’t want to put kids in position to get hurt. It’s a student-welfare type thing.”
Pelini said running back Ameer Abdullah and defensive end Randy Gregory would be two starters who will see limited time, if any. Quarterbacks will be protected in the pocket, but eligible to be hit once they leave the pocket. A number of players will miss the spring game with injuries, including defensive tackle Aaron Curry, who’s wearing a small neck brace after spraining his neck. Linebacker Marcus Newby sprained his back in Wednesday’s practice but Pelini expected him to play Saturday.