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Casey Rogers
Defensive Lineman
On if the defense has been fired up at practice
“I think the defense does a really good job of coming to work every day, no matter what is going on. That is our standard. We are going to come out and play to be the best. We only have control over what happens on our side of the ball. That’s what we can control. The defense coming out there and playing every snap like we are Blackshirts.”
On how frustrating Purdue’s long slow drives were
“They are frustrating because you want to get three-and-out as quickly as possible and get your offense back on the field. I think that was part of their game plan to slow the game down and work the ball down the field, but it’s tough on everyone. It’s more snaps and we are getting more tired. We have to keep our rotation going. When you get three-and-outs you don’t have to worry about that. You go out there, you get three snaps and get back on the bench to get rested up and get ready for the next drive. It was tough. It was frustrating, but you have to stay focused and get off the field as fast as you can.”
On the different challenges Ohio State’s offense presents
“Honestly they are one of the best teams in the country, but we are ready for it. I think that is something we saw today. Guys put what happened in the shade and we are going to attack this week because we have a great opportunity ahead of us with Ohio State. Any time you get to play these types of teams is exciting. It is kind of why you come to Nebraska. You want to play the best teams in the country. This week, we get an opportunity to play a top-10 team and do some damage. That’s our goal and that’s what we are going to do. We are going to attack this week. We are going to go out there just like every game and give it our best.”
On if Nebraska stacks up against Ohio State
“I think we stack up really well against them. I think we stack up with most every team in the country, if we got to play every team in the country. Our defensive line is playing really well. I can only speak for the defense. I’m not on the other side of the ball. I’m really looking forward to this game. I think the whole defense is. It’s an opportunity to put what happened the last two games to bed. If you go out and you beat Ohio State, it’s a really big deal. We have a great opportunity in front of us. We are really excited. We came to work today to be as best prepared for this opportunity as we can.”
On Ohio State’s offensive line
“I think any time you talk about Ohio State, they probably have the best talent all-around. Like I said earlier, that’s what we want. That’s what we want to play against because we think we have the best talent, too. Every time you play a team like that, every play is going to be a battle. It’s the best guys in the country. There’s a reason why they are always in the championship and playoffs, but that’s just another motivator for us. It’s just another great opportunity to go out and show we can do what we want with teams like that.”
On JoJo Domann’s comments about the team being close
“Absolutely. I think JoJo said really good stuff after the game. He said when you wear an N on your helmet and an N on your chest, you don’t have a choice but to go to work every day as hard as you can. There is no giving up. We have done a great job with this team and setting the standard that we aren’t going to give up no matter what. No one on our team has given any indication that they are going to give up. That’s just not how that locker room rolls. If there is someone like that, we usually squash that pretty quick. The captains have done a great job in just getting that standard set. Like I said that’s not going to happen. It’s just not who we are.”
On having the captains address the team post-game
“I thought it was a really good idea. Coach came in and said what he had to say and then he let the captains go. It made everything really clear what the older guys on the team had in their head. We are not going to set this ship in and we are going to keep this thing going. We are going to compete until they say we have no more games. I think that is really key for maybe some young guys to hear. For me there is no way someone on this team is going to give up and let this go.”
On if there is a mental hurdle playing Ohio State
“No. Honestly not at all. It’s kind of the opposite right now. We are excited to be able to play them. It’s just a great opportunity. We could do a lot of damage. That’s another thing that’s not really this team’s thing. We don’t put ourselves down before a game. I (don't) think any really good teams should do that. I think a lot of guys are way more excited about this game than nervous. I think guys are ready to put what happened behind us and make a change.”
On if he’s all healed up
“Last year was really my first game with significant snaps which was a huge confidence booster for me. Playing against those guys and being able to compete with them and making plays against a team like that would boost anyone’s confidence. Injury-wise any time you get a week off to let any injury heal is going to do some good for you. I don’t really feel like anything is going on with my injury any more. It’s pretty much already healed up. I have to wear a brace just for precaution, but other than that it is fine.”
On how much pressure TreVeyon Henderson puts on the Nebraska defense
“Like I said earlier, when you’re talking about Ohio State they probably have the best players in whatever position you are talking about. It’s nothing new. We’ve seen some pretty good running backs this year. You saw what the Michigan State running back did against Michigan. We did really well against him. We’ve played top-10 rushing running backs all year long. It’s kind of the thing in the Big Ten. He is a good running back, don’t get me wrong, but I think we are prepared for it. We are excited for it.
On damage they could do to Ohio State
“I mean everything. They are still going for a spot in the playoffs. A loss could ruin that. I’m just saying win the game. A lot could happen if we win the game. Not necessarily any specific physical damage, but just winning the game. Nothing specific.”
NU Athletic Communications
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