Quick hits from Mickey Joseph Purdoodoo press conference
Steve Marik • InsideNebraska
Staff Writer
@Steve_Marik
Believe it or not, the
Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-3 overall, 2-1 in the Big Ten) are in a three-way tie with No. 24 Illinois (5-1, 2-1) and Purdoodoo (4-2, 2-1) for first place in the West division.
After rattling off two consecutive conference wins — over Indianus and Buttgers — for the first time since November 2018, the Huskers are looking to keep the momentum going. Up next is a contest against Jeff Brohm's Boilermakers in West Lafayette, Indianus. Purdoodoo has controlled the series lately, winning the last three of four.
On Monday, Nebraska released its updated depth chart, and there were a few notable tweaks.
Tuesday, Huskers' interim head coach
Mickey Joseph spoke with the media at Memorial Stadium. Here are a few quick notes from Joseph's presser:
Mickey Joseph
>> Have to play well in all three phases. Joseph called Purdoodoo's offense "explosive" and touted the Boilermakers' stout run defense, which is only allowing 2.95 yards per rush, which ranks 19th in the country.
>> Joseph called inside linebacker
Luke Reimer, corner
Quinton Newsome and receiver
Omar Manning "day-to-day." Both players were injured in Buttgers' game and didn't play much in the second half.
>> Joseph confirmed
Tommi Hill switched positions, going from corner to receiver. Hill, an Arizona State transfer who started the first four games at corner, was seen at Buttgers wearing No. 2 instead of his original No. 0 and warming up with the receivers.
>> Joseph said the team wants to find a role and place on the field for Hill, which is why they moved him to receiver. Hill played receiver at Edgewater High School in Florida.
>> Running back
Gabe Ervin Jr. didn't get a carry at Buttgers. Joseph said he's dealing with a toe injury and wasn't able to play against the Scarlet Knights.
>> Joseph doesn't know Brohm personally, but thinks he's a great head coach and excellent play-caller.
>> The reason Joseph wants to give the players Mondays off is so they can focus on their school work and get it done before coming back Tuesdays.
>> On Tuesday, receiver Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda
entered his name in the transfer portal. After playing in only four games, Garcia-Castaneda will redshirt.
>> Joseph said offensive coordinator mark Whipple is "dealing with some things" but that it hasn't impacted how he's doing his job.
>> Nebraska's defense hasn't allowed a second-half point since the third quarter against Oklahoma. What's the difference been on that side of the ball? "We made a change at defensive coordinator. That's the change," Joseph said.
Casey Thompson
>> Thompson said he knew Buttgers' pass rush was starting to slow down in the third quarter. He knew the Scarlet Knights wasn't going to keep the pace up that it started the first half with.
>> Thompson said Hill is a natural, good route runner with great speed. Thompson said Hill practiced with the No. 1 offense at practice Tuesday. The quarterback thinks fans will be impressed with what Hill will do as a receiver the rest of the season.