The Nebraska defense's "Blackshirt" tradition hasn't ended, but it's definitely on hold.

As of midweek, new coach Bo Pelini had not handed out the coveted black practice jerseys to Nebraska's defensive starters. He said it's possible there will be no Blackshirts for Saturday's opener against Western Michigan ... or for the next game, or the next.

The Huskers' defenders apparently haven't proved themselves worthy yet.

Pelini said the Blackshirt loses its mystique if it's just handed out to someone who hasn't truly earned it.

Former Nebraska All-America linebacker Broderick Thomas said he agrees with Pelini's decision to hold off on awarding black shirts to Cornhusker defenders.

Thomas said it's a good motivational ploy.

For five decades the Huskers' defense has been known collectively as the Blackshirts. The term has come to symbolize a spirit of relentless, hard-nosed play for which Nebraska has long prided itself.

Thomas said the coveted black practice jersey represents dependability, trust and a sense that one can be counted on to play, "the best defense known to mankind."

Nebraska's defensive players aren't protesting coach Bo Pelini's decision to hold off on awarding Blackshirts.

Ndamukong Suh said he thinks players should have to show Pelini that they deserve the coveted black practice jerseys that have long been identified with defensive excellence.

Suh said Pelini might want to wait until midseason to hand them out -- this from a junior nose tackle who played on a defense last year that statistically was the worst in Nebraska program history.