It's game week, and that means it's time for our first Mike Riley news conference...and the first question comes from that Oregon Tribune article that mentioned that five Huskers would be suspended for the BYU game. Riley declined once again to say who will be sitting this Saturday.
Nebraska coach Mike Riley says he's not ready to reveal the identity of the suspended defensive starter. "I'll tell you later in the week."
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) August 31, 2015
He has a reason why he's still keeping mum...
Riley said he wanted to allow suspended players to practice unfettered by extra media attention. #Huskers
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) August 31, 2015
Sounds like we'll probably know before Saturday, though. Many people have made guesses as to who the suspended starter will be; it remains to be seen as to whether they are right or not. I won't say who I think it is, because it would be unfair to that player if I'm wrong, and it would be just passing on rumors.
In that same article, the coaches mentioned that a freshman linebacker was struggling with his role. Well, now Nebraska is down one freshman linebacker.
Head coach Mike Riley just confirmed to me that freshman linebacker Adrian Talan is no longer with the team, but remains in school. #Huskers
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 31, 2015
Should we connect the dots with Adrienne Talan, perhaps?
I am also 99 percent sure "the freshman linebacker" referred to in the Portland article was Talan, so this isn't a big shocker.
— Sean Callahan (@Sean_Callahan) August 31, 2015
Turning to injuries, Nebraska may see a couple of receivers back. And the news looks better on starting tight end Trey Foster.
Riley said Sam Burtch and Chris Jones will practice today. Brandon Reilly will be back, but limited. Trey Foster upgraded to "questionable."
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 31, 2015
It's expected that multiple BYU players will be suspended as well for this Saturday's game as a result of the Miami Beach Bowl Brawl. We just don't know who at this point, and Riley isn't focusing on it.
Riley does not know which BYU players will be suspended. "We're not spending a whole lot of time trying to figure it out." #Huskers
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) August 31, 2015
Ryker Fyfe continues to be Nebraska's backup quarterback, with AJ Bush pushing Fyfe for the backup spot.
Good competition, Riley says, for No. 2 QB spot behind Armstrong. Ryker Fyfe is next in line, followed by A.J. Bush.
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) August 31, 2015
Tommy Armstrong is the clear starter, though.
Armstrong's "accuracy down the field has been good."
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
Armstrong's leadership reminds Riley of Dolphin QB Matt Moore. Good vocally. Good as an example.
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
With Reilly still limited, could that mean true freshman Stanley Morgan sees some serious playing time? Sounds like a safe bet to me.
"Stanley will roll in there" on Stanley Morgan's role at WR. "Stanley has proven he can make plays"
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
Riley on Stanley Morgan's role: "We do not activate true freshmen thinking they're going to watch a game." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 31, 2015
Morgan is one guy I'm excited to see this Saturday.
Riley had a few thoughts about being under the microscope in Lincoln.
Riley on attention on NU football: "It might not be comparable to anywhere. It is exceedingly good." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 31, 2015
Yes, Nebraska receives a ton of media/fan attention. Riley says it's "fun and exciting to be around." Plus, he wouldn't want it "other way."
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) August 31, 2015
Of course, Riley is also undefeated at this point at Nebraska. All of the attention thus far has been positive (and for good reason), but it all changes once the games begin.
Mike Riley says this #Huskers team would be able to beat his best Oregon State teams. Interesting question, no hesitation in the answer.
— Kevin Thomas (@KevinThomasKLIN) August 31, 2015
Well, we certainly hope so... Even if the Portland Tribune's Kerry Eggers doesn't agree...
Mike Riley said he thinks a "key factor for #Huskers on offense will be balance." Again mentions potential versatility in run game.
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) August 31, 2015
That includes the run game, part of the blending of offensive pieces that Riley said has "been kind of fun to do." #Huskers
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) August 31, 2015
More thoughts on BYU:
Riley expects power running from BYU and compares QB play (Hill) to Jake Locker. Defense has to be versatile.
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
Riley expects BYU to isolate their big WRs w/ NUs DBs. Looking at several one on one matchups.
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
Daniel Davie notes "winning the jump ball and one on one matchups" will be key against BYU.
— Nick Handley (@NickESPN590) August 31, 2015
Nebraska DT Kevin Williams says BYU qb Taysom Hill reminds him some of Taylor Martinez. Containment going to be an obvious focus #Huskers
— Rich Kaipust (@RKaipustOWH) August 31, 2015
Prior to his injury, BYU's Taysom Hill was a darkhorse Heisman candidate. Is he 100%? If so, that's going to be a really tough test for Mark Banker's new defense.
Jack Gangwish dropped a couple of gems. He thankfully cleaned them up...but you know what he wanted to say.
Quote of the day, courtesy @jackgangwish: "We've got some head-butting mother-fathers out there." #Huskers
— Thor Tripp (@ThorTripp) August 31, 2015
Jack Gangwish asks Maliek a question in the media room: "Maliek, I see you got a new haircut. How do you think it will affect your play?"
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) August 31, 2015