Coach Speak: Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley Talks Oregon Ducks
Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley knows the Oregon Football program well from his days at Oregon State.
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During Big Ten Media Availability on Monday, Nebraska Head Coach Mike Riley said very little to give any bulletin board material for the opposition, but then again why would he. Before 2015, Oregon beat Riley eight straight times when he coached for Oregon State.
For the Ducks, not much has changed since then. For Mike Riley, everything has. He is now with Nebraska in the Big Ten. Recruiting is better, the Stadium Boasts one of the longest sellout streaks in the Nation, but his view on Oregon remains the same, “We’ve got I think a pretty typical picture of what we’ve seen historically – lots of speed, athleticism on their team.” The praise came immediately for Running Back Royce Freeman, “He’s been there forever. He’s a real good player. “
On the Oregon Side, Coaches have an blueprint for what they will see on Saturday. Many of the coaches Riley had with the Beavers he brought with him to Nebraska. The Cornhuskers Defense has been solid through two games, including picking up six turnovers in the second half this past weekend against Wyoming in a big win.
Riley was asked if the Oregon State problem in beating the Ducks was personnel, his response was honest, “Or didn’t make the plays that we needed to at the right time.”
The one question that may be worthy of a bulletin board was if he believes that both are on a level playing field, ““Yeah, I believe that there is.” While at Oregon State, Oregon used Offense and Tempo. Both are still in play with the Ducks and Riley is well aware. He said practice this week will have emphasis on one thing, position, ““I think that it’s definitely an issue. You’re not going to simulate everything perfectly because of speed, but what you can simulate is just being in good position.”
Memorial Stadium brings a big home field advantage and Riley wants to feel that energy on Saturday, “It can be a factor for sure.”
Next: Oregon Ducks Building Momentum At The Right Time
The Oregon Ducks and Nebraska Cornhuskers kickoff on Saturday at 12:30pm Pacific Time on ABC.