Oct. 16, 2002
Brian (Virginia): Coach, in preparation for Penn State, are you more worried about what Penn State brings offensively or about which NU defense show up on Saturday? Or does your hair just get grayer thinking about both?
: (8:01 PM ET ) Brian, we certainly don't want to get on a roller coaster ride in terms of our performance. The one thing I have come to know during my coaching career is that some things are difficult to predict. We do face a formidable offense, but I believe our defense will respond to the challenge.
Brian (Virginia): Coach, I'm looking forward to seeing Tony Stauss run the offense again. Does your offensive game plan change much with Tony rather than Brett Basanez? Also, with Derell Jenkins as the backup, would the game plan change if he came into the game considering how he has been touted as a very good runner?
: (8:04 PM ET ) Brian, we will run the same attack we have settled on during the last few weeks. Certainly Penn State provides some defensive schemes that require our offense to adjust. If Derell goes in the game we will stay with the same offensive plan. He is on top of our offense and I believe he is ready to execute almost everything that Tony and Brett have been involved with.
FlakCat (Aurora): Coach Walker, You sounded pretty upset after the Minnesota loss, although frankly, I expected you to be upset at the team's performance earlier in the season. Why now and what particularly disappointed you in last Thursday's performance?
: (8:07 PM ET ) Dear FlakCat, I knew early in the season that we would go through some growing pains as this young football team progressed. I was especially concerned that we did not bring our best game--mentally and emotionally-- to Minnesota.
betty (miami, fl): With the emergence of Noah Herron, do you anticipate giving him more carries and having him share "equal" time with Wright?
: (8:10 PM ET ) Betty, how's the weather down there in Florida? As we had a very chilly practice this afternoon. Noah is doing a very good job sharing the load with Jason Wright. He especially valuable in our special team play and we will continue to give him a lot of opportunity with the offense. As I have said before, I am very comfortable with our running backs and their capabilities.
Burin, Evanston: Hi Coach Walker, I have a question on the plays on fourth down. It seemed that you always chose to kick field goals for the past 2 weeks even though we were deep in the opponents territory. Especially last week, with 4th and inches on Min 28 we chose to kick the field goal instead. Dont you think it s a good idea to go for a touchdown instead of a field goal and keep the momentum going.Even though we may miss getting the first down, we would leave them in a bad field position to start the game. I just feel that this year playcalling is less gutsy than the 2000 season. Good luck on Saturday Coach
: (8:12 PM ET ) Usually early in the game we will try to take the points. I was disappointed that we didn't convert a couple of field goal opportunities, but I still think they were the right decisions. I think your thoughts regarding play calling are probably accurate in regards to the early part of the season, but as we've matured as an offense, I think we've had a very good mix and done a lot of creative things.
Jack, Kahuku, Hawaii: Aloha Coach Walker,
You talk a lot about getting better week to week. I know you were very disappointed at MN. Are the kids making the kind of progress this week in practice that you and your staff would like them to make?
: (8:13 PM ET ) Jack, we've had a great week of practice as our kids have responded to the challenge we've issued. I expect our football team to play very hard this week against Penn State.
Paul (Washington D.C.): How much recruiting would you say that you do in the Wasington D.C. metropolitan area.
: (8:15 PM ET ) Paul, we virtually recruit the entire United States and we currently have several prospects in the D.C. area. My daughter is a school teacher in the area so I hope I have a reason to recruit an area that's produced a number of quality players.
Josh (Glencoe): Gee Coach, you've been here for a few years now and you know how important the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk trophy is to us fans. Is there any chance that the defense will learn how to shed blocks and make tackles in time for the Illinois game? It sure would be nice to bring the Sweet Sioux back home.
: (8:17 PM ET ) Josh, it is very important to this program and disappointing that we had to give it up last November. The Sweet Sioux is never very far from our thoughts.
Dave (Georgia): Coach Walker, Brett Basanez normally holds for FG's and extra points. With his injury this week, who will be doing the holding for the kicking game?
: (8:19 PM ET ) Dave, Kunle Patrick has worked at this for a number of years and is ready to step up and do the job.
: (8:23 PM ET ) Wildcats, we've had an excellent week of practice and I know we're ready to get back up in the saddle. It's not unusual to get thrown off the horse; the key is to get back up on it. Let's ride the pony.