Following Nebraska's 43-36 shootout win over Arkansas State over the weekend, where the Red Wolves had a chance to tie (or win) from the 11-yard line with just seconds on the clock after watching a two-touchdown lead disappear quickly, defensive coordinator Bob Diaco was missing from the post-game podium.
To more than a few journalists, his absence didn't look real good on the surface after an ugly win.
Diaco explained after practice yesterday during his opening statement to reporters that it was really a misunderstanding more than anything.
"Coach thought it would be a good idea for me to immediately address the group after being attacked this morning the way that I was."
"I was under the impression that I did not have to do post-game media. That is what I was told, but I wanted to come here and just address that piece because contrary to what was depicted, I have never run away from anything in my life. I have never not stood up and been accountable, and responsible to my work and what I have been entrusted to do. That has never happened, and will never happen."
"So to be painted in that light is absolutely ridiculous, and very disappointing to me. From your [the media] perspective, and the lack of communication, or miscommunication, I can see your perspective, so I'm not even upset with what was said or written, or whatever. It's a product of a lack of communication and miscommunication."
https://youtu.be/cFBuHFOJa3U
Diaco went on to add that by the time he got to the locker room, it was empty because he had gotten stuck in the freight elevators, so he didn't have a chance to address the team or talk to coach Riley either.
The Huskers gave up nearly 500 yards of total offense on the night as well, so as for his thoughts on compiling a defensive game plan, Diaco went on to share this:
"Every game has its own recipe for winning. If we need to allow for some areas of the field, to have them have opportunties there, to make sure we eliminate or minimize other major liabilities, then we'll have to do that. Each week is different."
"So we take a look at what teams do to produce, and score points, and then we try to prevent that. We look at their major assets, against our liabilities and see how those match ups are going to be an issue, or not an issue, and try to minimize that whole piece."
"We don't really talk about statistics. We really don't care. We try to build the build plan to keep the points down so that at the end of the game we have one more point than our opponent. That is the defensive objective - to defend the scoreboard and how we need to win the game. In some instances, discretion is the better part of valor, and what could be seen as trying to stop the opponent ends up working against you when you have a particular opponent and particular style of play."
Hear more from Diaco's full presser in the clip below.
https://youtu.be/FiF4ZeDCjVU