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Nebraska head coach Mike Riley held his weekly press conference today. Nobody’s been fired that we know of. The bad news is that there are more injuries. They seem to be piling up. If you think, “Why are there so many injuries? Our strength and conditioning must suck!”, I’d suggest you look around the nation at other teams and you will discover that guys get injured when 300 pound grow men mash into each other repeatedly for our entertainment.
A struggling offense line gets bad news:
Brenden Jaimes and Christian Gaylord may play this weekend with Matt Farniok and David Knevel nursing injuries. #Huskers
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
Matt Farniok and David Knevel are probably out for this weekend, because Nebraska needs more linemen injured. If you’re thinking, “those guys suck anyway”, then I’d ask, what happens if Jaimes and Gaylord get injured?
Riley said "technique of play or assignment" are most major issues along offensive line. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
The most obvious line from the entire press conference came early regarding the play of the offensive line. “Technique of play” might as well read, “questionable coaching”, shouldn’t it?
Riley also said Marcus Newby has a hamstring injury and won't play Saturday. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
Tre Bryant is "still questionable," and David Knevel is "less questionable." #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
It’d be good to have Tre Bryant back in the lineup, but we have three decent backs with him, Mikale Wilbon and Devine Ozigbo. The backs aren’t the problem - the ability to block and the will to run the ball are.
Joshua Kalu (Hamstring) also still questionable for Saturday. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
Then the talk turned to “big picture” talk.
Riley said administration has given #Huskers everything needed to win. Said he embraces expectations. "Have to get back to good, solid FB."
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
You know what they say about “best intentions”...
Riley: "Our adults have to be teachers and they have to be at our best right now." Said it's a great group of kids with the best intentions.
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) September 18, 2017
The gauntlet is laid out.
Riley: "We have all we need here to win. ... We understand the expectations and we embrace that."
— Brian Christopherson (@Husker247BC) September 18, 2017
On Eichorst’s comments from Saturday which Riley apparently hasn’t seen:
Riley on Eichorst's comments: "None of us like this."
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
He wasn't sure exactly what Eichorst said.
"Whatever was said we probably earned."
If you’re wondering why Riley wouldn’t have seen Eichorst’s comments... it’s because Riley has bigger problems to worry about than reading media reports and articles on what his athletic director is saying. In fact, it would be dumb for Riley to be spending any time reading any media.
The only thing that should matter to Mike Riley now is fixing his offense. Do that, and the problems with the athletic director and media simply go away.
Riley:"I've seen good times, I've seen hard times and I feel good about that. we can do better."
— Eric Olson (@ericolson64) September 18, 2017
...
Riley on who he leans on: "It used to be my dog Rudy. He's not around anymore. Dee (his wife) is pretty consistent."
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
... again
Riley says he has a good support system at home. "I think she still likes me," he said, referring to wife.
— Eric Olson (@ericolson64) September 18, 2017
Riley:"Everybody's hungry to get back, and that's why we came." Also, re: fans: "You know what will happen if it's not good."
— Eric Olson (@ericolson64) September 18, 2017
Yes, the end of everything.
Mike Riley has thought about retaking play calling on offense, but at this time he will not be doing that. #Huskers
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
Riley: "It wouldn't be human if doubt wasnt creeping in" after loss to NIU. Says coaches need to help build confidence this week
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
"We do need to reexamine what we are doing in the process of getting our team ready," Riley said, noting that's beginning today.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
Back to Saturday’s game:
Riley said Mikale Wilbon had some good, hard runs, made some yards.
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
On to Rutgers:
Riley on blank slate beginning Big Ten play: "I'm going to treat this week like a new season."
— Christopher Heady (@heady_chris) September 18, 2017
Riley said Rutgers D is physical up front, beats blocks, creates disruption. "I expect a good, tough defense," he said. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
Mikale Wilbon pretty much summed up the offense’s perspective on what happened.
"We looked out of sync, out of rhythm. That's really not like us," running back Mikale Wilbon said of offense against NIU. #Huskers
— Brian Rosenthal (@GBRosenthal) September 18, 2017
I suspect the message that it can’t be “out of sync” anymore should be readily apparent.
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