Samori Toure Quotes 9-13-21

Nebraska Football
Pre-Oklahoma
Monday, Sept. 13, 2021

Press Conference Video

On upcoming game against Oklahoma
"This is a huge opportunity for us and something that has been in the back of our heads all year. This is a big game for us and we are looking forward to having a good week of practice to get ready for it."
 
On how the team adjusted without having certain players and injuries that occurred
"I think that we responded pretty well since we have a good, reliable receiving core. We try to come prepared like we are all going to be starters since a player can go down at any time. It’s important to be ready when your number is called."
 
On interest in Nebraska football when growing up
"I wasn’t too familiar with Nebraska football when growing up in Oregon but I was aware of the tension between the Nebraska and Oklahoma teams, as well as when Nebraska played Miami."
 
On mental toughness required as a receiver 
"You have to be patient as a receiver, but especially as a football player in general. Obviously everyone wants to go out there and have a lot of catches and touchdowns and make big plays but it really comes down to doing your job. If you’re doing your job every play then those plays will naturally find you."
 
On passing game and how it can benefit the running backs
"The running game and passing game is something that goes hand in hand. If we can make plays over the top and keep the defense honest it will open up the running game. If we can run the ball it will open up a lot of play action."
 
On plays during the game
"We established the runs throughout the games slowly and then they slowly started to load the box and give us the match ups we wanted on the outside."
 
On working on his game
"It suddenly happened within the last couple of weeks. The coach wanted a bunch of players to get reps and catch the balls just in case which is where I got that opportunity."
 
On seeing the team improving and ironing out problems
"It has been really good because it keeps the defense honest. The more looks we can give them then the more they have to prepare for come game time. Having the pinch options allows things to open up in the middle. If we can plug up the middle then we are able to take the option to the outside which has been good for our offense. I’m excited to keep it going."
 
On background as a returner
"My background isn’t too extensive. I had some experience punt-returning in high school and at Montana I would catch punts at practice every day and had 1 or 2 punt returns per game. What matters for us is catching the ball."
 
On belief that Nebraska can prevail this weekend
"I believe that it lies in the preparation. What type of team would we be if we didn't believe in ourselves. I have belief in our teammates and our coaches and in our game plan and all the work that we put in throughout the offseason. Because of how we bounced back from the first game and had two really strong games I see no reason why we can't go in there and talk to the world. I wouldn't say we have to play a perfect game but we definitely have to be dialed in on everything. We can't beat ourselves and shoot ourselves in the foot. We have to play with discipline."
 
On Oklahoma’s strengths
"Their speed on defense is something that is really impressive. They have speed all over the field and have a lot of good athletes and they play a lot of men from what I’ve seen."
 
On tight end coverage
"The little things that we work on as receivers all the time like footwork and getting the hands off. Working one on one simplifies the game and focusing on what we have to do to win."

NU Athletic Communications