LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ Nebraska opened spring practice Saturday
with a goal to improve its defense after a disappointing
third-place finish in the Big Ten Legends Division.

     Defensive coordinator John Papuchis says the Cornhuskers went
into their first year in the Big Ten with personnel better equipped
to go against the spread offenses of the Big 12. He says Big Ten
offenses were more physical.

     Nebraska slipped to 37th in total defense and 42nd in scoring
defense, and five opponents generated 415 or more yards of offense.

     The Huskers will be looking for replacements for three stars
entering April's NFL Draft _ linebacker Lavonte David, cornerback
Alfonzo Dennard and defensive lineman Jared Crick.