As Nebraska’s attempted to slow down spread offenses for four weeks, the snaps have been limited for senior linebackers Alonzo Whaley and Sean Fisher. But both are expected to get more looks against Wisconsin this weekend.

And the two veterans have responded well to their increased roles, according to Pelini.

“They’ll be ready to go,” Pelini said.

But Pelini said it’s not just about Whaley and Fisher, who’ll start at the two outside linebacker spots in Nebraska’s base 4-3 defense. “Everybody’s got to execute at a high level,” Pelini said.

More notes from Pelini Thursday…

>> Safety P.J. Smith and defensive tackle Thad Randle, who have both missed some practice time this week, are healthy enough to play Saturday, Pelini said. … Defensive tackle Chase Rome rejoined the team before last weekend’s game against Idaho State, but did not participate. He is available to play Saturday, according to Pelini.

>> Linebacker Will Compton said Monday that he figured the coaching staff would go “deep in our playbook” this week. Especially since the base formation has to be utilized a bit more frequently (NU spent extensive time in the preseason working with that personnel group). So, any new concepts or strategies? Said Pelini: “There’s always new things. It just depends on what we choose to throw out there.”

>> Athletic director Tom Osborne informed Pelini of his decision to retire on Tuesday, Pelini said. “He’s meant a lot to me and I appreciate everything he’s done,” Pelini said.

>> Former Ohio State lineman Jason Winrow, a college teammate of Pelini’s in the ’90s, died Sunday. He was 41. Pelini hadn’t talked to Winrow in “years” but heard the news Wednesday. Said Pelini: “Tragedy. … A good man.”

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Listen: Bo Pelini spoke to the media after Thursday’s practice about the Husker linebackers, NU’s need to execute against the Badgers, Wisconsin QB Joel Stave and more: