Joseph Likes Huskers’ Attitude Ahead of Big Test at Purdue

Coach provides injury updates and more after Thursday’s practice

Joe Hudson | Oct 13, 2022

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Mickey Joseph says the Huskers have had a good week of practice ahead of Saturday night's game at Purdue, where Nebraska will be double-digit underdogs.

"We don't keep secrets from our kids," Nebraska's interim head football coach said after Thursday morning's practice. "If they didn't practice up to our standard, we let them know. But we felt they bounced back this week. ... The way you practice is the way you play on Saturday. So they've got to practice well."

Joseph was upbeat about the team's attitude.

"Right now they are believing that they can do it, but what they have done is they have bought in to what I am asking them to do and what the coaches are asking them to do." he said. "You see smiles on their face. You do not see doubt in their eyes. You do not see doubt in their body language. They feel like in a game we know there are going to be slugfests. We know there are going to be tight football games, and we are not scared to be in those situations anymore."

Joseph said cornerback Quinton Newsome and running back/receiver Rahmir Johnson will travel to West Lafayette, but it will be a game-time decision as to whether they play.

Tight end Thomas Fidone is unlikely to play this season as he continues rehabbing a knee injury. "I don't think he's going to come back this year because I don't want to take a chance with him," Joseph said. "He's really moving well right now. He's in a good spot right now, but he understands that we're not going to put him out there until — really with him, he's going to say he's ready. But we've got to be smart with Fidone."

More from Thursday's post-practice session is below. Refresh this page to see the latest additions to the coverage. Items with asterisk may require a subscription. Go here for the HuskerMax discussion.

Coverage

Husker247 | Mickey Joseph Thursday rundown: On team belief, injuries, learning as a head coach
Husker247 | Even if likely Fidone doesn't play in 2022, positives are being expressed about his comeback
On3 | Mickey Joseph recaps adjustment to head coach role
Nebraska Athletics | Joseph Reflects on Lessons Learned and Progress Made
Omaha World-Herald* | Two Nebraska starters game-time decisions vs Purdue; TE Thomas Fidone out for season
Hail Varsity* | Huskers Embracing Joseph's Winning Mentality Ahead of Tough Purdue Test
HuskerOnline* | Thursday nuggets: Joseph breaks down final prep for Purdue

From the other side

Gold and Black | Purdue set to play Nebraska without top two running backs
Gold and Black | Matchup Preview: Purdue-Nebraska
Saturday Tradition | 5 keys for the Boilermakers vs. Nebraska

More info

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Published Oct 13, 2022

JOE HUDSON

Joe Hudson has operated a Husker-related website since 1995 and joined forces with David Max to form HuskerPedia (later renamed HuskerMax) in 1999. It began as a hobby during his 35 years as a newspaper editor and reporter, a career that included stints at the Lincoln Star, Omaha World-Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer and Denver Post. In Denver, Joe was chief of the copy desk during his final 16 years at the Post. He is proud to have been involved in Pulitzer Prize-winning projects in both Philadelphia and Denver. Joe has been a Nebraska football fan since the mid-1960s during his childhood in Omaha. He earned his bachelor of arts degree in journalism and economics at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1976. He resides a few freeway exits north of Colorado Springs and enjoys bicycling and walking his dogs in his spare time. You can reach him at joeroyhud@outlook.com.