* Sorry for the delay, guys. I've had some internet issues here at home and just now getting to post these. These interviews were from earlier this afternoon as the Cats continue bowl prep for Iowa.
OC LIAM COEN Q&A:
* Coen says practices have kinda been a mix of spring football and camp. Got some good-on-good work done. The last week has been more normal prep with an opponent and a gameplan. Coen equated it to preparing for a Super Bowl, where you want to get your work done before you leave for the game. Once you get down to Florida, you're not doing as much heavy work. It's a fine line, Coen says. The bottom line is "this is a big game for us, and we want to be prepared."
* Cats have been getting back to some of the stricter protocols with masks and social distancing in meetings, Coen said. They know it's hitting a lot of other places hard right now, and they don't want it ruining the end of their season.
* Iowa is so fundamentally and technique sound that it's hard to catch them off-guard, Coen said. They don't play many coverages, so they're really good with the ones they have. Don't give up a lot of shots. "Their strain and effort is through the roof... and that's not to take away from their ability. They've got some good players over there." Pointed to No. 31 (Jack Campbell) at linebacker as a guy who has his attention.
* Cats will be without WRs Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps, who were involved in a car accident. They're going to be OK, but it appears that they won't be ready for the Citrus Bowl. It sounds like Chauncey Magwood and DeMarcus Harris are the next guys up. They've been coming on of late and developing nicely, Coen said. Big chance for them to step up.
* WR Christian Lewis is a guy who has put on 20 pounds since he arrived here and is starting to look the part, Coen said. Needs that lower body strength. Has been coming on. May have his number called in the Citrus Bowl. "If his number is called, I believe he can step up and make a play."
* Iowa takes advantage of offenses when you get impatient, Coen said. It can be frustrating for a QB to play against. Their system is designed to wait it out and let the QB make a mistake. Balance is a huge key for the offense in this type of matchup, he added. Can't put the QB in a position where he's got to make a lot of long-yardage plays.
* Iowa LBs are really long guys. Get their hands on the ball a lot. A lot of tipped passes that turn into picks.
* Coen is excited about Dane Key's signing and the fact that he'll be able to enroll in January and get working with the team early. Thinks there's a big chance for him to play early. Same for Barion Brown, who may also be an explosive guy in the return game. His big skill is to take a quick hitch or slant and turn it into something huge. Likes the veteran savvy that Tayvion Robinson brings to the table. Another guy who might be important in the return game. Speed, speed, speed with Jordan Anthony, which they really needed.
* POTENTIAL BIG NEWS IN THIS TWEET BELOW...
OC LIAM COEN Q&A:
* Coen says practices have kinda been a mix of spring football and camp. Got some good-on-good work done. The last week has been more normal prep with an opponent and a gameplan. Coen equated it to preparing for a Super Bowl, where you want to get your work done before you leave for the game. Once you get down to Florida, you're not doing as much heavy work. It's a fine line, Coen says. The bottom line is "this is a big game for us, and we want to be prepared."
* Cats have been getting back to some of the stricter protocols with masks and social distancing in meetings, Coen said. They know it's hitting a lot of other places hard right now, and they don't want it ruining the end of their season.
* Iowa is so fundamentally and technique sound that it's hard to catch them off-guard, Coen said. They don't play many coverages, so they're really good with the ones they have. Don't give up a lot of shots. "Their strain and effort is through the roof... and that's not to take away from their ability. They've got some good players over there." Pointed to No. 31 (Jack Campbell) at linebacker as a guy who has his attention.
* Cats will be without WRs Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps, who were involved in a car accident. They're going to be OK, but it appears that they won't be ready for the Citrus Bowl. It sounds like Chauncey Magwood and DeMarcus Harris are the next guys up. They've been coming on of late and developing nicely, Coen said. Big chance for them to step up.
* WR Christian Lewis is a guy who has put on 20 pounds since he arrived here and is starting to look the part, Coen said. Needs that lower body strength. Has been coming on. May have his number called in the Citrus Bowl. "If his number is called, I believe he can step up and make a play."
* Iowa takes advantage of offenses when you get impatient, Coen said. It can be frustrating for a QB to play against. Their system is designed to wait it out and let the QB make a mistake. Balance is a huge key for the offense in this type of matchup, he added. Can't put the QB in a position where he's got to make a lot of long-yardage plays.
* Iowa LBs are really long guys. Get their hands on the ball a lot. A lot of tipped passes that turn into picks.
* Coen is excited about Dane Key's signing and the fact that he'll be able to enroll in January and get working with the team early. Thinks there's a big chance for him to play early. Same for Barion Brown, who may also be an explosive guy in the return game. His big skill is to take a quick hitch or slant and turn it into something huge. Likes the veteran savvy that Tayvion Robinson brings to the table. Another guy who might be important in the return game. Speed, speed, speed with Jordan Anthony, which they really needed.
* POTENTIAL BIG NEWS IN THIS TWEET BELOW...
