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With Owens out, UM will rely more on senior Tyriq McCord, who rotated with Owens as a first-stringer during camp. McCord started against FAU, while Owens started the previous week.
According to Golden, Owens’ injury means sophomore Trent Harris, the starting rush end, could play more strong-side linebacker. That would mean more playing time for backups Al-Quadin Muhammad, rounding into form after a season-long suspension, and Demetrius Jackson, a redshirt freshman.
Redshirt freshman Mike Smith is a depth option at strong-side linebacker. Golden said the team will likely not burn the redshirts of linebacker Jamie Gordinier or rush end Scott Patchan, but “they’re on notice” in case someone else goes down.
“The good news is, we have more pass-rushers. If we need to alternate guys in there on the passing situations, we can do that — [McCord] being one of them,” Golden said. “We have other options there, in terms of Trent Harris going over there, because Quan and Demetius have improved on the other side. Mike Smith played well in the opener, so he’s a viable options as well. We’ll sort the rest of it out as we go.”
More good news for UM: Golden said sophomore middle linebacker Juwon Young, sidelined since camp because of a sprained foot, will return to practice Tuesday. He will provide a little experience behind starter Raphael Kirby. Young (6-2, 245) played in 13 games last year, mostly on special teams, and made four tackles.
Additionally, wide receivers Stacy Coley (left hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (left knee) will return to practice Tuesday. “We’re excited about that,” Golden said. Both players, who are starting-caliber receivers, suffered injuries in week one and missed last week.
Golden also said freshman cornerback Terrance Henley will return from an undisclosed injury, adding that “we’ll see” if redshirt freshman corner Ryan Mayes will be available this week.
“Other than Darrion, I think we’re going to be as healthy as we’ve been since camp opened,” Golden said.
Short slants
Golden on UM’s defense, which allowed the Owls 292 yards (7.1 per play), 5-of-8 third-down conversions and 17 points in the first half: “I want to give FAU credit,” he said. “They have a high-powered offense. … We did not tackle as well as we needed to early on. We were a different tackling team in the second half, for sure. We didn’t make many mental errors at all in the second half.”
Golden on UM’s offensive line, which allowed one sack and let FAU hit Brad Kaaya four times: “We have to do a better job protecting our quarterback.” He noted that he thinks UM’s running backs and receivers/tight ends have improved their blocking.
Golden said he did not watch Nebraska’s 48-9 win over South Alabama live on Saturday, but broke down “all three phases” Sunday. Asked if they’ve changed “:A lot of the personnel is there. A big, strong, physical team. I think the quarterback [Tommy Armstrong] is a winner and a leader, does a great job converting for them. Big and strong up front. Active secondary. What you would expect from Nebraska.
According to Golden, Owens’ injury means sophomore Trent Harris, the starting rush end, could play more strong-side linebacker. That would mean more playing time for backups Al-Quadin Muhammad, rounding into form after a season-long suspension, and Demetrius Jackson, a redshirt freshman.
Redshirt freshman Mike Smith is a depth option at strong-side linebacker. Golden said the team will likely not burn the redshirts of linebacker Jamie Gordinier or rush end Scott Patchan, but “they’re on notice” in case someone else goes down.
“The good news is, we have more pass-rushers. If we need to alternate guys in there on the passing situations, we can do that — [McCord] being one of them,” Golden said. “We have other options there, in terms of Trent Harris going over there, because Quan and Demetius have improved on the other side. Mike Smith played well in the opener, so he’s a viable options as well. We’ll sort the rest of it out as we go.”
More good news for UM: Golden said sophomore middle linebacker Juwon Young, sidelined since camp because of a sprained foot, will return to practice Tuesday. He will provide a little experience behind starter Raphael Kirby. Young (6-2, 245) played in 13 games last year, mostly on special teams, and made four tackles.
Additionally, wide receivers Stacy Coley (left hamstring) and Braxton Berrios (left knee) will return to practice Tuesday. “We’re excited about that,” Golden said. Both players, who are starting-caliber receivers, suffered injuries in week one and missed last week.
Golden also said freshman cornerback Terrance Henley will return from an undisclosed injury, adding that “we’ll see” if redshirt freshman corner Ryan Mayes will be available this week.
“Other than Darrion, I think we’re going to be as healthy as we’ve been since camp opened,” Golden said.
Short slants
Golden on UM’s defense, which allowed the Owls 292 yards (7.1 per play), 5-of-8 third-down conversions and 17 points in the first half: “I want to give FAU credit,” he said. “They have a high-powered offense. … We did not tackle as well as we needed to early on. We were a different tackling team in the second half, for sure. We didn’t make many mental errors at all in the second half.”
Golden on UM’s offensive line, which allowed one sack and let FAU hit Brad Kaaya four times: “We have to do a better job protecting our quarterback.” He noted that he thinks UM’s running backs and receivers/tight ends have improved their blocking.
Golden said he did not watch Nebraska’s 48-9 win over South Alabama live on Saturday, but broke down “all three phases” Sunday. Asked if they’ve changed “:A lot of the personnel is there. A big, strong, physical team. I think the quarterback [Tommy Armstrong] is a winner and a leader, does a great job converting for them. Big and strong up front. Active secondary. What you would expect from Nebraska.
