Here's what Mike Riley had to say during his appearance on the Big Ten Teleconference:
***On Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine: "Those guys from the beginning when we got here were impressive physically." Said Collins has quickness and Valentine is more of a power guy. "When they're together and playing and we can rotate guys in there with them and keep them fresh, they are big factors in our run defense."
***Riley said the Huskers are approaching this game as a play-in game in terms of gaining bowl eligibility. "You have to realize that every game in college football is a play-in game... There is a lot on the line and we're excited about the opportunity."
***Riley said he's loved how this team has responded to a rough start to the season. "I've got a real good feeling about this team and how they've stayed with it throughout a ton of adversity early. That's not a real easy thing to accomplish because there are so many things that go into fighting through some hard times."
***On how his approach to senior day has changed over the years: "You get more reflective about the guys. This is our first year here but we've really appreciated the seniors... It's a pretty special time."
***Riley said he hasn't changed how he approaches senior day over the years. He said you can't control guys' emotions because all players react differently to their final home game.
And here's what Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had to say:
***On parity in college football and closing the gap on the SEC: "I think we've seen that in college football, but that being said it's pretty easy at the beginning of every year to pick four or five schools every year that will finish in the top 20." Ferentz said there is always room for stories to emerge. He said there are good teams in every conference and that's what makes college football so exciting.
***Ferentz said Iowa has beaten a number of SEC teams over the years and sometimes "perception outgrows reality." He said there are good teams all over the country, not just in the SEC.
***Iowa had several close losses last season and they have helped the Hawkeyes break through this season. Ferentz said good teams find a way to win close games. "We don't lead the country in 4 or 5 star recruits and we don't blow teams out... We're going to be in a lot of close games."
***Ferentz said the Hawkeyes were very appreciative to the fans who braved the snow and the elements last week to attend the Purdue game.
***On Maliek Collins and Vincent Valentine: "Those guys from the beginning when we got here were impressive physically." Said Collins has quickness and Valentine is more of a power guy. "When they're together and playing and we can rotate guys in there with them and keep them fresh, they are big factors in our run defense."
***Riley said the Huskers are approaching this game as a play-in game in terms of gaining bowl eligibility. "You have to realize that every game in college football is a play-in game... There is a lot on the line and we're excited about the opportunity."
***Riley said he's loved how this team has responded to a rough start to the season. "I've got a real good feeling about this team and how they've stayed with it throughout a ton of adversity early. That's not a real easy thing to accomplish because there are so many things that go into fighting through some hard times."
***On how his approach to senior day has changed over the years: "You get more reflective about the guys. This is our first year here but we've really appreciated the seniors... It's a pretty special time."
***Riley said he hasn't changed how he approaches senior day over the years. He said you can't control guys' emotions because all players react differently to their final home game.
And here's what Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz had to say:
***On parity in college football and closing the gap on the SEC: "I think we've seen that in college football, but that being said it's pretty easy at the beginning of every year to pick four or five schools every year that will finish in the top 20." Ferentz said there is always room for stories to emerge. He said there are good teams in every conference and that's what makes college football so exciting.
***Ferentz said Iowa has beaten a number of SEC teams over the years and sometimes "perception outgrows reality." He said there are good teams all over the country, not just in the SEC.
***Iowa had several close losses last season and they have helped the Hawkeyes break through this season. Ferentz said good teams find a way to win close games. "We don't lead the country in 4 or 5 star recruits and we don't blow teams out... We're going to be in a lot of close games."
***Ferentz said the Hawkeyes were very appreciative to the fans who braved the snow and the elements last week to attend the Purdue game.
Last edited by a moderator:
