Tight End Ben Cotton

Nebraska Football
Weekly Press Conference
Tuesday, Nov. 2, 2010
Memorial Stadium (Lincoln, Neb.)
Pre-Iowa State

On if there's a different feel this week, considering Iowa State is not in the Top 15
"Definitely not. At this point in the season, we are still trying to win the Big 12 North and reach the Big 12 Championship. That's our goal each week, and we need to focus on what we need to do. I wouldn't say there is any more or any less expectation this week."

On how big the victory was last week to vault them to the top of the North
"It's just as big as any game any week. We wouldn't have been in that position if we didn't win the week before, and we won't be in that position if we don't win this week."

On the fact that two straight big wins and a tie for first in the North must feel good
"We feel great about it, but it's not changing anyone's attitude. I haven't seen anyone's demeanor change about how hard we are going to work in practice or how we are going to go about our business this week and the following weeks."

On if they are watching last year's Iowa State game
"No. They were really good at defensively getting the ball out and that's one of the things we'll be working on in practice all week, about their ability to strip the ball and get it on the ground. That's going to be one of our main focuses."

On how bizarre last year's game was
"I've never been a part of a game like that, where the defense plays so well but the offense didn't hold onto the ball. There were just a couple of freak accidents that will happen but we are doing everything we can on ball security this season."

On how that game affected the team for the remainder of the season
"I think it helped. It made us a much better team in terms of how hard we worked. I think ever since then it's been about keeping the ball and winning the turnover battle."

On if it's encouraging that they came off a game without any turnovers
"Yeah, it's definitely encouraging. But it's not changing our focus at all."

On how nice it was to start against Missouri the way they did
"I think it was because of the week we had at practice, honestly. I think we had one of the best weeks of practice we've had all season."

On what the biggest difference is when Taylor Martinez is at quarterback
"I honestly would say there is no difference. I'm just as confident in Zac (Lee) and Cody (Green) and any of the guys the coaches would put in at quarterback. Nothing in the team changes at all."

On what Iowa State thinks of Nebraska
"I think Iowa State people want to do what all the other teams in the North want to do. They've seen what we've done in the past and they may not like it."

On if Taylor Martinez had shown his throwing ability in practice
"Oh yeah, definitely. Along with Zac and Cody, they are all labeled to make plays with their feet as well as with their arm. We are happy to see it."

On if he looks at the film and is in awe of what Taylor does
"Early on it you are like 'wow, he can make plays', but I think by this point you know what everyone is capable of, you know all the weapons on offense."

On how the team is approaching this week because Taylor didn't practice yesterday
"We're confident in everything that the trainers and coaches do and the decisions they make. We trust that he will be healthy and make the plays if he can, but if he's not, and it's Cody or Zac, we'll be just as confident."

On his confidence in Nebraska's running game
"I think it's all based on the week we have in practice. On Friday night, we are going to know how well we will run the ball. We all know what we are capable of and if this team plays as hard as any team we've played all year, it's going to be a challenge. But we're confident each week that we can run the ball on anybody."