Nebraska held its earliest practice of the 2009 season, working out for an hour-and-a half Saturday morning inside the Hawks Championship Center.

"We had a good week of practice," said coach Bo Pelini. "They've earned some time off and we'll have a little bit of rest. We had a real physical week. I've had some success in bowl games and the big key is you have to get enough practice, but you don't want to over-practice them. You don't want to get to the point where guys are worn out physically and mentally. You have to find the balance."

Approximately 85-90 players will be in Lincoln throughout the holiday break for informal workouts before the entire team rejoins Thursday to begin game week preparations for the Holiday Bowl.

The Huskers will depart for San Diego on Christmas Day as NU meets Arizona on Wednesday, December 30th for Pelini's third bowl appearance as Nebraska head coach, including the 2003 Alamo Bowl as interim head coach.

"It's the next challenge. It gives us a chance to get better as a football team and hopefully gain some momentum going into the offseason. Obviously everyone wants to finish on a high note and get that 10th win, but it's also about continuing the progress we're having right now."

Several Huskers had an event-filled day as eight football players were part of December commencement ceremonies in Larry Asante, Tyrone Fahie, David Harvey, Colton Koehler, Blake Lawrence, Derek Meyer, Matt O'Hanlon and Ndamukong Suh, in addition to former Husker Octavius McFarlin.

"That's the No. 1 goal when you come to school, more so than football wins and losses or anything else," Pelini said. "We're proud of them. They worked hard at is so it's great to see."