Mike Riley was obviously pleased with the Huskers performance against South Alabama.
Mike Riley presser: “We wanted to run the ball better and we certainly did that.” #huskers
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) September 14, 2015
Riley pleased Nebraska played "assignment" football and also liked balance offensively. Also liked run defense. #Huskers
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
If you are among those who thought that Nebraska didn't run the ball enough against South Alabama, you might want to start getting used to it, because Riley liked the approach.
Riley really liked Saturday's balance: 38 throws, 37 runs. "That's the kind of thing that we would like to shoot for." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
As for defense, Riley liked the fundamentals. (I personally thought I saw more than that, from my recollection though...)
Riley liked the tackling on defense, too. Only counted four misses. "And I think three of them came on one play." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
I don't disagree at all with the performance of two of the new starters, though.
Michael Rose-Ivey played with a lot of enthusiasm, Riley said.
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Riley said Freedom Akinmoladun "graded out as one of our best players." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Since left tackle Alex Lewis didn't have any penalties on Saturday, you definitely can say this...
Riley On OL: Alex Lewis and Nick Gates played very well.
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) September 14, 2015
I think we're going to be really pleased with Nick Gates, when all is said and done in his career.
Chris Jones was top special teams player. Wonder if he'll play more at corner.
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Pass defense is undeniably the biggest issue that the Huskers seem to have right now, manifesting itself in many ways.
Riley also says, "We gave up too many big plays ... Obviously that will be a focus as we go forward."
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Nebraska coach Mike Riley says the Huskers are "not making any drastic changes" against Miami at cornerback... http://t.co/37oxIE8voU
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) September 14, 2015
Riley indicates Davie remains starter. "I think Daniel is a good player. He did struggle the other night. But we're going to help him out."
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Mike Riley gives long, in-depth answer to the CB struggles on deep pass. Clear that Nebraska is very locked in on addressing that issue.
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) September 14, 2015
As for player availability, it looks like people will be returning this week.
Riley expects Foltz to be back. Dedrick Young expected to practice today. Hopeful Banderas will practice mid-week. #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Mike Riley announces that TE Cethan Carter will play this weekend at Miami. Missed first 2 games due to suspension.
— Gary Sharp (@GarySharp1620) September 14, 2015
Cethan Carter returns from suspension "at a really good time for us," Mike Riley said. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@HuskerExtraBR) September 14, 2015
We'll see whether Cethan Carter's availability will change the distribution of passes to tight ends. In the first two games, tight ends have only caught two passes.
Riley dipped into coach-speak a bit discussing this week's game...
"They look like a good football team, with the speed they have," Riley said of Miami.
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
"If you want to be a great team, you have to win on the road," Riley says, referring to upcoming Miami game. Mentions heat and grass field.
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Penalties have been a problem in the first two games for the Huskers.
"We've had two unsportsmanlike penalties ... We're going to get rid of that," Riley said. #Huskers
— Steven M. Sipple (@HuskerExtraSip) September 14, 2015
Riley: "Self control is really, really important." #Huskers
— Kevin Sjuts (@kevinsjuts) September 14, 2015
The coaches will take advantage of the trip to Florida to do a little recruiting.
Riley said at least two #Husker coaches will head out Friday night in Miami area to watch games/recruit.
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Two? Ummm, OK.
Riley makes compelling case for keeping satellite camps. More to come on that.
— Samuel McKewon (@swmckewonOWH) September 14, 2015
I understand why ACC and SEC types don't like Big Ten and Big XII coaches setting up shop in their territory. I struggle with understanding what's so wrong with it...though I do question how effective a two hour camp can be with recruiting.
At the end, things got away from football a bit.
Mike Riley on hip hip hooray chant: "I didn't know that would get out right away." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
And the conspiracy theorists can finally put the idea that Riley isn't planning to stick around Lincoln very long. He's finally moving out of the Embassy Suites!
Mike Riley plans to move out of the Embassy Suites next week. He and wife Dee found a house. They've been at the hotel since December.
— Mitch Sherman (@mitchsherman) September 14, 2015
I can't imagine living out of a hotel for nine months myself. (Though Embassy Suites are nice...)
Jonathan Rose spoke quite a bit after playing a pretty good game Saturday night...
Haven't heard much from Jonathan Rose in a setting like this over the years. He's quite good. #Huskers
— Brandon Vogel (@brandonlvogel) September 14, 2015
J Rose on corners: "We've kind of struggled for 2 weeks. We've put it out there." Says you have to step up to show foes it's not a weakness
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
J Rose on self control: "In the heat of the battle, that's one of the key battles that can probably win or lose the game." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Rose said Miami "kind of made it a personal game" last year.
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Remember Riley's quote about "self control"? That could be a key factor this weekend. Taking stupid penalties, even if merely trying to "defend your honor" doesn't help your team.
J Rose: "It's just going to be one of those physical, verbal games where you're going to have to keep your head." #Huskers
— Brian Christopherson (@HuskerExtraBC) September 14, 2015
Do that, and let the referees handle it.