Joseph Speaks on Opportunity Ahead of Saturday

Football
11/10/2022 11:18:00 AM

NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska Interim Head Coach Mickey Joseph met with members of the media following Thursday’s practice. Joseph spoke on the attitude of the team going into the Michigan game.
 
“The guys came out this morning with a great attitude,” Joseph said. “I thought they detailed the entire practice. I loved their focus in all three phases of the game. I think they understand that we have to go in there and play at a high level. We are playing a very good football team. It is one the greatest venues in college football that you can play in, so we have to be ready for the challenge. I think they are going to be ready for it.”
 
Joseph discussed the status of quarterbacks Chubba Purdy and Logan Smothers.
 
“They had good practices,” he said. “They practiced well but you do not get graded on practice. You get graded on game day, so it is about who can manage the team on game day. It is just like what I say about coaching. This would be a great profession if you did not have to play the games but we have to play the games. So they have to be able to manage this team during the game. You can do it at practice but now I have to see you manage this team during the game.”
 
He also talked about the opportunity that Saturday presents.
 
“I do not think they have backed down from anybody since I have been here or since before I got here, you can watch them,” Joseph said. “They do not back down. They do not throw in the white flag, so you have to respect that out of those kids. They are busting their butts not getting the results that they want but they understand that this is a great opportunity, and I explained to them that Michigan is playing for something. They are playing to be the number one seed in the championship so they understand that. They are okay and they understand the opportunity.”
 
The Huskers will kick off against Michigan at 2:30 p.m. (CT) in Ann Arbor, Mich. The game is set to be televised on ABC, with radio coverage provided by Huskers Radio Network.