Nebraska head football coach Mike Riley addressed the media Monday following the Huskers' season opening 43-36 win against Arkansas State.
Riley's injury update included De'Mornay Pierson-El and Marcus Newby. Pierson-El injured his shoulder and will not participate in practice Monday but Riley said he is hopeful that he will be back to practice Tuesday. Newby's hamstring is bothering him causing him to miss Monday's practice but he will be good to go for practice Tuesday.
Wide receiver Stanley Morgan Jr. recorded a career high of five passes for 102 yards Saturday night. Morgan also made a 44-yard touchdown catch against Arkansas State.
"Stanley Morgan Jr. showed everybody where he's going, I'm real hopeful that just continues with Stan," Riley said.
Riley also complimented Tyler Hoppes saying he has made one of the biggest jumps on the team from last year to this year.
Sophomore I-Back Tre Bryant set a career best rushing 31 times for 192 yards. Bryant had a 24-yard run in the second quarter followed by a 35-yard run in the third quarter.
"He's quick footed, hard nosed, he's smart and he's versatile," Riley said. "The running back getting to play and be in the game, they, like everyone else learn in the game and what you hope to do. That learning and what it looks like against that opponent with what we're doing they get a better feel for as they go," Riley said.
Nebraska's defense forced two interceptions against Arkansas State including a crucial interception by senior safety Joshua Kalu in the fourth quarter.
Riley said he was never worried how redshirt freshman JD Spielman was going to respond in a game. Riley mentioned that Spielman has the ability to be confident without being cocky. Spielman's confidence showed in his performance Saturday including a kickoff return for a 99-yard touchdown giving the Huskers a 10-7 lead.
The Huskers' head to Oregon this week which happens to be familiar stomping grounds for Mike Riley. The Huskers' are prepared for the spread offense, an experienced quarterback and the 3-4 defense.
Riley said it's exciting for him to go back to Oregon, he also mentioned the atmosphere in Autzen Stadium.
"It's one of the great tough environments that I've coached in," Riley said. "The stadium for whatever reason the way it's built is one of the top five noisiest places I've ever coached," Riley said.
Riley said that this is not about him going back to Oregon it's about the Nebraska team playing the Ducks.
Hear Riley's full press conference below:
