Nebraska coach Bo Pelini didn’t opt for the politically correct answer when asked about his comments during the taping of his TV show, which aired Sunday, that the crowd at Memorial Stadium lacked energy as the Huskers played Kansas. “I thought it was dead,” Pelini said Monday after NU returned to practice. “I thought it was disappointing. I felt like I was at a scrimmage.” NU beat the Jayhawks 20-3 Saturday night, limiting KU to 87 yards, the fewest gained by a Nebraska opponent since 2000. The game did lack drama, though, as Kansas never drove across midfield after the opening possession, which began with a kickoff return to the 45-yard line. Pelini asked the assembled reporters for their thoughts on the crowd of 85,587, the NCAA-record 310th straight sellout at Nebraska. “You guys would know better than I would,” the third-year coach said. “Maybe they expect … I don’t know what the deal was.” — Omaha World-Herald

Warren Buffett, the billionaire investor and Husker fan, provided some perspective. On Nebraska’s move from the Big 12 to the Big 10 next season: “I think its good. It’s just one notch up. I think it will be great. We will probably have a bigger rivalry with Iowa. I’m all for it.” — USA Today

Nebraska QB Taylor Martinez did postgame interviews after the Huskers’ five wins this season, but not after Saturday’s loss to Texas. After that game, he chatted with his parents for 15-plus minutes in the expansive weight room in North Stadium that also serves as the team’s postgame interview area. He was about 20 yards from reporters, who kept glancing over wondering if/when he would step to the podium. It was awkward. Is he going to answer questions only after victories? Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini said Tuesday he leaves it up to Martinez as to whether he meets with media. “You don’t want to make somebody do that,” Pelini said. “You can’t. He’s a young guy. He just doesn’t like that aspect. … I just don’t think he’s comfortable with all the attention yet.” If Martinez becomes the player most expect, he’ll obviously have to deal with increased fan and media attention. — Lincoln Journal Star

No question, South Dakota State played well defensively against Nebraska. But let’s face it, the Jackrabbits rank 99th nationally in total defense in the Football Championship Subdivision. In other words, Watson’s answer underscores the fact the Huskers (5-0, 1-0 Big 12) have yet to face a formidable defense. Which is a leading reason why I’m not ready to place Taylor Martinez among the Heisman Trophy front-runners at this point. On my ballot, he needs to make up ground on leaders Cameron Newton of Auburn, Terrelle Pryor of Ohio State, Denard Robinson of Michigan and Kellen Moore of Boise State — among others. At this point, however, it’s obviously a fluid leaderboard. If Martinez produces big numbers Saturday in a triumph against Texas — which has a good defense — expect the Martinez-for-Heisman discussion to gain more traction, and perhaps rightfully so. — Lincoln Journal Star

Bo Pelini likes the consistency he’s seeing from his Nebraska football team this fall. The Huskers practiced twice on Monday outside the Hawks Championship Center on a day when the weather was much more comfortable than it was all last week. “We had a good tempo,” Pelini said after the first practice. “I thought it was a really good practice. We got a lot done.” Pelini has been very positive about the practices of his team this year. That’s somewhat of a change from his first two fall camps when he didn’t seem nearly as happy with what he was seeing. “I think our consistency is better,” Pelini said. “Our kids understand how to approach the day. I don’t see as many ups and downs. I think our guys are a little bit more mentally tough than we have been in the past consistently. But trust me when I tell you there’s still a lot to fix. We’re not game-ready by any means.” — Omaha World-Herald

Nebraska will start preseason practice Saturday with perhaps its best outlooks at both I-back and offensive line in recent years. There is the talent, depth and versatility at each that could lead to the kind of numbers and effectiveness that give the Huskers the chance to take the next step as a team. “I really like what we’re doing scheme-wise, what we did in the spring, and we’ve made some adjustments,” Pelini said. “We’re moving forward.” NU returns its top three I-backs with Roy Helu, Rex Burkhead and Dontrayevous Robinson. Helu is one of three 1,000-yard rushers coming back in the Big 12, and Burkhead finished last season with 52 carries in the final three games. Pelini is more excited about what the Huskers return up front. Pelini said “not even close” when asked at Big 12 media days if this is his best-stocked offensive line. Nebraska lost two-year starter Jacob Hickman at center, but no other jobs are considered safe now that competition is brewing at all five spots. — Omaha World-Herald

The Huskers must operate without Associated Press national player of the year Ndamukong Suh, two other NFL draft picks and two more defenders heading to pro camps as free agents. And they’ll be compared to a 2009 unit that led the nation in scoring defense, pass efficiency and red-zone stinginess, and ranked No. 7 in total defense. “I like the guys we have coming back,” Bo Pelini said earlier this week at Big 12 media days. “I love the guys we have coming up in the program that I think are going to add to what we’re doing. And I like the fact that we’re in year three in the system.” Pelini was glad to talk about things other than the Huskers bolting for the Big Ten, the health of quarterback Zac Lee and the growing hype for Oct. 16 and NU-Texas. And given the chance, he didn’t back away from previous statements about the Huskers’ ability to improve on defense. — Omaha World-Herald