'Love of the game': Ferentz preaches unity, expresses concerns about college football
The longest tenured coach in college football said Tuesday that he's concerned about the current trajectory of his sport.
By News Channel Nebraska
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- When Nebraska joined the Big Ten, it had previously owned the all-time series between the Huskers and Iowa. That has shifted in recent years, with Iowa winning the past seven matchups between the two schools.
The Huskers and Hawkeyes will meet again on Black Friday as been customary for the past decade, and the longtime face of Iowa's program is continuing to preach consistency, hard work and continuity.
"Just want our guys to focus on the love of the game, love of the work that's involved, which is significant, and most importantly, the love of the people you're working with," Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday at Big Ten Media Days.
"To me, the best part about football and college football is just learning to be a part of a team and what that really means," Ferentz said.
Ferentz, who is the longest tenured coach in Division I college football, having coached the Hawkeyes since 1999, expressed concerns Tuesday on the current trajectory of his sport.
"I would not be the only person to say I'm really concerned about the path college football's on right now," Ferentz said.
"It's a great game, but with that, I think you just have to think about our players. Think about the voices that they hear, the things that they have to deal with, the hands that are on them, the noise that they're listening to, and most of all, I think the pressure. That's certainly a concern I have as I think about our football team and long have felt that way."
Big Ten Media Days continue Wednesday. Stay tuned to News Channel Nebraska for updates.