Shreveport, La. ? Rain and lightning failed to dampen the Nebraska football team’s spirits as the Cornhuskers arrived for the Mainstay Independence Bowl.

Following a day marked by bad weather and the hiring of Bo Pelini from the Green Bay Packers as Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, Nebraska coach Frank Solich left no doubt that the Huskers are ready to play.

“We have prepared very well for this bowl game,” Solich said.

The team practiced for about two hours in full pads Monday after their arrival following a morning flight from Lincoln, with the stormy weather ending as the team was ready to practice, Solich said.

Solich praised the team’s work ethic following a 7-6 season that was Nebraska’s worst in 41 years.

“The attitude with our team has been outstanding,” Solich said. “They want to end this thing right.”

Solich said preparations for Nebraska’s first meeting with 6-6 Mississippi did not suffer despite his need to replace three fired defensive assistants, the search to replace himself as offensive coordinator, an intense recruiting effort and an earlier bowl game than the Huskers are used to.

“I tried to make sure this was a priority for us,” Solich said.

Coaches Jeff Jamrog, Jimmy Burrow and late edition Scott Frost did an excellent job in preparing the defense for the Rebels, Solich said.

“I did not have to jump in and be a factor on the defensive end of it,” Solich said.

The experienced offensive staff was able to make those preparations while Solich was busy working on the other concerns, he said.

Playing against great quarterbacks in the Big 12 has helped prepare the Cornhuskers for Mississippi’s offense and standout passer Eli Manning, Solich said.