Any concerns about Nebraska not being motivated to take on UCLA in the bowl game have apparently been unfounded through the first week of bowl practice.

Senior defensive end Jack Gangwish said after Tuesday’s practice that some of Nebraska’s players have even needed to tone things down a bit.

“Mentality has been good,” Gangwish said. “Mood has been good. I think we had to pull the reins back some. Guys came back ready to roll, chomping at the bit, and recently we’ve had to slow guys down a bit and say, ‘hey, we want everybody to get to the game healthy.’ That’s a good problem to have this time of year. If you have to tell guys to slow it down, that means morale here is good.”

Nebraska visitor Tony Butler noted in a post-visit interview that there were a couple brawls during the practice he saw over the weekend. Asked specifically if Alex Lewis was involved in a dust-up over the weekend, Gangwish said he had no comment, but added, “that’s just guys being dudes,” Gangwish said. “Things get a little wild once in a while.”

Tuesday’s workout was the fourth for Nebraska, and falls in the middle of finals week at UNL. Coaches have been taking the opportunity at the end of practices to work with redshirting and scout team players who will be counted on in the future.

As for the energy, defensive coordinator Mark Banker said that he has been impressed with the effort his players have shown thus far in practice. Banker said the Huskers started work on UCLA on Monday, and Tuesday, and will continue with the extra skill work going forward.

“It’s been good, especially in light of the fact that they’re in the middle of finals,” Banker said. “I know how I was in college, I don’t know if I would be spirited, but I think they think it’s a form of recess. It’s been good focused work.”