Damon Benning & Matt Vrzal have been focusing on this a lot on 1620's Big Red Overreaction. Unless NU changes the way they practice, this program is not going to turn the corner. NU needs to get that edge back that used to separate them from other programs.
Iowa doesn't have the skill position talent and playmakers that Nebraska has, nor will they likely ever have them, but they will line up and play with an attitude and toughness and want-to most games. You can either work to match their physicality or continue to be dominated on both lines.
I hope Coach Riley understands that by now, or someone [cough... cough... Coach Parrella] has taken him aside to clue him in, that a major factor that made Nebraska football the program it was in its best days was to be the toughest and most physical team 99% of the time. They also had some bada$$es who would rub off on the rest of the team.
I understand the concern with injuries, concussions, etc., but NU needs much more physical practices good-on-good throughout the spring, fall camp and into the season. Finesse practicing isn't going to get it done in this conference or trying to [hopefully] eventually go against an Alabama.
NU can bring in a QB who can go through progressions and hit open receivers and have more and higher ranked athletes, but in those 30 degree games November it will more often than not come down to who is tougher, more fundamentally sound in the lines, and who wants it more.
Today, unfortunately, that team was clearly Iowa from the opening whistle.
Iowa doesn't have the skill position talent and playmakers that Nebraska has, nor will they likely ever have them, but they will line up and play with an attitude and toughness and want-to most games. You can either work to match their physicality or continue to be dominated on both lines.
I hope Coach Riley understands that by now, or someone [cough... cough... Coach Parrella] has taken him aside to clue him in, that a major factor that made Nebraska football the program it was in its best days was to be the toughest and most physical team 99% of the time. They also had some bada$$es who would rub off on the rest of the team.
I understand the concern with injuries, concussions, etc., but NU needs much more physical practices good-on-good throughout the spring, fall camp and into the season. Finesse practicing isn't going to get it done in this conference or trying to [hopefully] eventually go against an Alabama.
NU can bring in a QB who can go through progressions and hit open receivers and have more and higher ranked athletes, but in those 30 degree games November it will more often than not come down to who is tougher, more fundamentally sound in the lines, and who wants it more.
Today, unfortunately, that team was clearly Iowa from the opening whistle.
