Addison Wiliams is in his first year as the defensive backs coach for Nebraska, but it's clear he understands quite well what the Huskers' rivalry with Iowa means. He also understands the frustration of NU vs the Hawkeyes the last few years, including a 0-2 record under head coach Matt Rhule.
Williams spoke on the Huskers Radio Network with Kyle Crooks on Wednesday night about the disaster that was the Penn State game and what he's trying to get the Cornhuskers to do on Friday against Iowa.
Williams talked about the Hate Week rivalry and what it clearly means to Nebraska players. They've lost the last two by a field goal in the final seconds and are very motivated to find a way to get over the hump against the Hawkeyes this year.
Nebraska DB coach wants physicality against Iowa
In fact, the Huskers' DB coach stated that the team's motivation for the Iowa rivalry stems directly from last year's loss. He added that they want to start a streak of their own with a win that will allow them to “take over the rivalry” this season.
So how does he think a defense that was exposed quite badly against Penn State can help do that in the Black Friday matchup? It's all about physicality. Something Williams said they didn't do nearly enough of last Saturday night.
"Whether it's covering guys, being aggressive in coverage or fitting the run," Williams said. "But it's going to be a big, big game where we got to make sure we're reading our keys. Because it's going to be run-run-play action. Run-run-RPO. Run-run-play action, which they know. So we've got to do a great job of reading our keys and playing with unbelievable physicality when we're at the point of contact. Whether it's getting off blocks on the perimeter or tackling ball carriers."
Nebraska is nearly a touchdown underdog despite hosting the Hawkeyes. It's clear that oddsmakers don't believe the Huskers have it in them to step up and knock off Iowa. Hopefully, Addison Williams and the rest of the coaching staff have figured something out.