Bob Diaco said after Tuesday’s practice that “the people of Nebraska will recognize this Iowa team,” saying they look similar to any other Iowa team from years past.
Nebraska fans certainly remember the 2016 version of Iowa well, especially its offense. The Hawkeyes had three explosive plays for 208 yards in the first half that helped them take a 20-3 lead into the locker room and eventually win 40-10.
Iowa outran Nebraska in that game 264-90 in terms of yardage.
“Big, offensive line, physical offensive line,” Diaco said of 2017 Iowa. “A large group of tight ends and fullbacks. A couple of (running) backs they can bring at you. Little different running style with each guy, but 200-210-215 pounders.”
Leading the charge in Iowa’s backfield is Sr. RB Akrum Wadley, who rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown against the Huskers last year. He has 862 yards and six touchdowns this season.
Their main threat tight end is So. Noah Fant, a graduate of Omaha South. Head coach Mike Riley said Monday that Iowa “utilizes Fant in a good way.”
Fant has 25 catches this season for 370 yards and eight touchdowns, which is tied for most receiving TDs in the Big Ten.
Iowa’s QB, So. Nate Stanley, has done a nice job of getting the ball to his best play makers this year. He’s thrown for 2,146 yards, 23 touchdowns and just six interceptions.
“A pro style who guy who fits nicely in their system,” Diaco said. “It’s kind of a carbon-copy stamp over the course of at least the last 19 years that (head coach Kirk Ferentz) has been there.”
Kirk Ferentz
Ferentz is currently in his 18th season at Iowa, where he holds a record of 141-97.
Diaco played LB at Iowa from 1992-95. Ferentz was the offensive line coach of the Cleveland Browns during that time from 93-95.
“You’re constantly thinking about your opportunity or guy meet or guy to say hello to as a player,” Diaco said. “Obviously as a coach, for him to go back and do what he’s been able to do has just been awesome. He’s a great coach. They have a great program.”
Ferentz was also the O-line coach at Iowa from 1981-89, right before taking his first head coaching position at Maine from 1990-92. He took over as the head man in Iowa City in ’99, and has been there ever since.
This will be the first time Diaco will coach against Ferentz.
“’98 may have been the last time I’ve been around the (Iowa) team,” Diaco said.
Penn State recap
Diaco mentioned after the loss to Penn State he was “optimistic” that the defense could be turned around “with a little bit more here and there.”
He said Tuesday that his unit showed a “small, slightly less level” of focus and energy to start the game, which caused the defense to “bottom out” against the Nittany Lions.
He remains confident that the defense can be great with time.
“There’s been a massive amount of reps poured on,” Diaco said. “A lot. A ton of young players, and they’re learning how to play and they’re talented enough and they’re smart enough and eventually, they’re going to be strong enough. Eventually, they’re going to be fundamentally sound enough. Eventually, they’ll be deeply entrenched in a system and understand it in great detail.”
“It won’t take much more to get this organization (better defensively), because of its greatness, because of the place that this is. This is a very special football place. Its very special fans, very special supporters, very special infrastructure, very special interest nationally.”
Diaco said there’s “a few small things” that need to happen (and will happen) to get the defense back up to snuff.
“As soon as that clicks up even a little bit, you’re going to see the kind of defense you want to see.”
Worth Noting
>> Diaco said the seniors on defense will be “sorely missed” when they finish their final career game at Nebraska. He was asked in particular about LB Chris Weber.
“He’s going to serve as a leader in whatever organization he joins,” Diaco said. “Very smart, very tough, very caring, big heart, can see the big picture, artful communicator. Just a special, special guy. I’m going to miss him for sure.”
Linebackers coach Trent Bray set an example “for a bunch of young guys we have in the program.”
Weber plans to attend medical school at UNMC upon graduation. He said he hasn’t decided yet if he’ll consider playing football at the next level.
>> Diaco was asked if he thinks the Black Friday game with Iowa is a true rivalry.
“Based on how the games have gone the last few years, I think it’s a very important game for Nebraska,” Diaco said. “Our players, our team, the people of Nebraska.”
>> Sr. RG David Knevel hopes playing his first game at right guard against Penn State will give him a little more versatility if he chooses to pursue football at the next level. He says playing in the NFL has always been a dream of his.
Knevel said he’ll go to grad school if football doesn’t work out. He’s a history major.
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You can contact Tommy at 402-840-5226, or you can follow him on Twitter @Tommy_KLIN.
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