** 2024 Previews: Athlon Sports - Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously **

[Saunders]

Big Ten Coaches Talk Anonymously About Conference Foes for 2024

It's not easy getting college football coaches to honestly comment on another coach, player or team. Most coaches don't want to give opposing teams bulletin board material, which is why there is a lot of coach speak or overused cliches used during the year.

In order to get an accurate assessment of teams heading into 2024, Athlon asked coaches in the Big Ten to talk anonymously about their opponents.

https://athlonsports.com/college-football/big-ten-coaches-talk-anonymously-about-conference-foes-for-2024

Nebraska

“They’re going to break through this year, it’s just a question of how big. They should definitely be bowling."

"It’s all about the quarterback [true freshman Dylan Raiola]. They’ve tried to slow play it as much as possible, but he’s clearly their best option, the most talented, the guy who makes the system work."

"[Matt Rhule] has done a great job reworking the offensive talent; they’re going to have some breakout wide receivers, and they have a really deep group of running backs." 

"[DC] Tony White is going to be a head coach soon, but getting him back for another year is just huge for them."

"I thought the shift to the 3-3 worked out really well for them, and they’re starting to look like old, or legendary Nebraska, with the size and talent up front on defense.

 

[brophog]

As one would expect, very complimentary. Everybody, from coaches to media to whomever, is basically on the same page. Big improvement expected, but the question is how big.

Of the other teams, Purdue really sticks out for how much the coaches commentary seems to clash with other opinions out there. It's a team only expected to win 4.5 games, which is only a half game improvement from last year. Tough schedule, but year 2 bounce.

 

[Toe]

Was better the other day when I posted it.