Nebraska OL Rodriguez ruled out of bowl

Offensive lineman Andrew Rodriguez of No. 21 Nebraska has been ruled out of the Capital One Bowl against No. 10 South Carolina because of a sprained foot.

Coach Bo Pelini said Tuesday that the left guard didn't make the trip with the team but could be at the bowl site late in the week. Rodriguez has missed the last three games. Seung Hoon Choi started in his place against Penn State and Michigan, and Jeremiah Sirles started against Iowa.

Tight end Ben Cotton, who has missed two games with a left shoulder injury, returned to practice and is expected to play in the game on Jan. 2.

Pelini also announced that linebackers coach Ross Els will take over new defensive coordinator John Papuchis' role as special teams coordinator next season.