Nebraska held a two-and-a-half hour practice Wednesday afternoon inside the Hawks Championship Center in preparation for Saturdays game against Texas A&M.

Rain forced the Huskers inside for the second straight day. “We had a very spirited practice,” said coach Bill Callahan. “The guys worked hard and were upbeat. It’s a credit to their resiliency and focus.”

Focus has been a concern with the events of the week. Steve Pederson was fired as athletic director on Monday, followed by another big announcement Tuesday that former coach Tom Osborne would serve as interim athletic director.

It’s been 10 years since Osborne walked off the field for the final time and when he did, most of the current players were still in grade school.

"Tom Osborne is a great guy,” says Nebraska safety Ben Eisenhart. “I have a lot of respect for him obviously being a Nebraska kid and growing up here."

But most of players on the roster did not grow up here and even many of those who did say who the athletic director is isn’t a huge concern.

"We can't really worry about that,” says defensive lineman Zach Potter. “We just have to go out and keep playing. We got to play because we love the game."

If bringing Osborne in does have an impact on the team, it will likely be on future players. Twenty-four of the nation's most talented high school players have committed to playing for Nebraska next year.

"The biggest question recruits are going to have now is will Callahan be their coach at Nebraska,” says Husker Illustrated’s Sean Callahan.

“It's a legitimate question, so don't be surprised if you see a number Nebraska commits take visits to other schools over the next few weeks. It's only natural.”

Osborne says he won't make a decision on the coaching staff until after the season.

"It doesn't bother me all that much,” says NU recruit Sean Fisher of Millard North. “I'm excited to get down there and be a part of the solution."

Fisher says who's the coach is important, but like for most players, his top concern is simply playing football. "I'm just worried about myself and about playing football down there next year."

As for Texas A&M, the Huskers will be facing one of the best running games in the nation. “I’m really impressed by A&M, with (Mike) Goodson, (Jorvorskie) Lane and of course (Stephen) McGee,” says Callahan.

“It’s a triple threat. Everything they do is centered and oriented around the option attack. It’s very interesting to watch all the different frames, schemes and actions that come with the option. They give you a lot to defend.”

The Aggie running game is ranked 10th in the country and second in the Big 12 with 234.5 rushing yards per game.

Goodson, Lane and McGee were a huge factor in last year’s NU-A&M game. Each rushed for a touchdown in Nebraska's 28-27 win.

“They’re talented, but the thing I’m most impressed with is their offensive line," says Callahan. "You can’t run the ball and have the success they’re having without that front five. They’re doing a real nice job.”