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Casey Thompson
Quarterback
Pre-Iowa
Press Conference
On how Iowa's defense is effective
"They are really sound and disciplined. They really don't make a lot of mistakes. They are in the right position. They are good tacklers, and they're physical. It's a very sound, typical Big Ten defense. Total defense they are number three in the country right now. They are averaging 13.9 points per game they are giving up. They do a good job on the defensive side of the ball. That is obviously credit to the coaches and players. Just from watching, they are very physical. They do a good job. They are really involved in the run game and do a good job tackling."
On what keeps the team from getting over the top
"We talk a lot as a team. I try to remind the guys that we have to do the things necessary to win the game throughout the week and the whole offseason. I would just say it's a cumulation of winning football. You have to have a winning mindset and a winning culture. You have to have winning coaches and players in the building. Everyone has to be pulling on the same rope, and we have to be doing things right. At the end of the day, it comes down to elite preparation, elite coaches and elite players. Then we have to execute on the field. There is a lot of factors that go into all of it, but from the grand scheme of things, we've been a little off. Whatever the reason may be, I'm excited to see who is going to take over as the head coach. They get payed a lot of money to figure those things out. After my first year with the program, I would say we need be more disciplined and improve performing under pressure. We need to improve as players across the board and have everyone pulling on the same rope inside the locker room. It's a lot of different little things that all add up to be big things. It just overall comes down to having a winning culture, winning talent and a winning mindset. For whatever reason, we've lacked a little bit of that this year. I do know that since I stepped foot in here since January, I have seen improvement in a lot of areas. I always try and stay positive and focus on the things we can control. We are doing a good job of that. Last game of the season, we are still having great attitude and great effort. We are still having good practices and a lot of buy in. I am really excited about this program and our future."
On if he wants to be a coach one day
"I love the game of football. Obviously now as a player, I love it. I love to sit down and watch the game and study it. From that side, yeah I would love to be around the game as long as possible, but I don't know if I could deal with what the coaches have to deal with. There's a lot that goes into it. We will see someday."
On the relationship he has with Coach Joseph
"I had a lot of respect for him before, and I have more respect for him now because I've seen him handle a lot of adversity. Our relationship has grown because he was in the wide receivers coach position and was working with the receivers every day. I would go by his office and check in with him. He showed me his national championship ring, and we talked about recruits and what I needed to do with the receivers. He's always pushing me to be a better person and player. As he took over as the head coach, I had more sit down talks with him, and he texts me a lot more than he used to just because of the role and position that he is in. He always talks about the state of Nebraska and how its the head coach, the quarterback, the athletic director and the governor. He said those are the most important positions and roles. He's just always making sure I have my head on straight, and I'm doing things right. I really appreciate him. I would say since he has taken over as the head coach we have had more sit down talks and wants to know how the team is thinking and what I'm thinking. He asks me how my body is. Sometimes we have disagreements about how many reps I should take, but in the end, I know it's all for the love of the game. He loves me and he loves the rest of this team. I really appreciate him.
NU Athletic Communications
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