Scott Frost, the Huskers head coach, speaks following a practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska inside Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Thursday, August 25, 2022.
DUBLIN — As Nebraska head coach Scott Frost fielded questions inside Aviva Stadium on Thursday afternoon, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect.
The temperature hovered in the mid-to-high 60s and the stadium’s unique architecture blocked out the slight breeze.
Le cúnamh Dé — God willing in Irish Gaelic — the conditions Saturday remain that way.
Here are four of my observations from Frost’s Thursday availability.
1. Frost’s general Ireland takeaways Frost admitted Thursday that he was “really concerned†before the trip “because you can’t anticipate everything.â€
However, those fears were alleviated once Nebraska touched down in Ireland and the plan came to fruition.
“The guys that planned this did a really good job and our players have handled it really well,†Frost said. “It’s been unbelievable. It’s been a good experience for our players. They’re dialed-in and ready to play.â€
Several players said Wednesday that the trip has made their bonds even tighter than they were before, and Frost said he’s seen that, too.
On Wednesday, for example, the team dinner included listening to traditional Irish music with some traditional Irish dancing.
“Some of the old coaches like me were the only ones that knew some of the lyrics to the songs, but they really got into it,†Frost said of the team. “Enjoyed it. This is a tight-knit group. I think they’re gonna be there for each other all year and it should be fun to watch.â€
2. Frost still adjusting to not game-calling As has been the plan for a while now, Frost has relegated game-calling duties to offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. Whipple will call the game from the sidelines, Frost said.
This will be a different experience for Frost, as he’s been involved in in-game play-calling duties for years, and handing the headset over has been an adjustment.
In response to a question asking what he’s looking forward to in-game when not having to call plays, Frost said, “For looking forward to, no, I’d say it’s more concern. It’s just something I haven’t done in a long time. But I’ve already done a lot of thinking about the other things that I can add if I don’t have my head buried in a call sheet.
“It’ll be a different experience for me, but everybody else is going to be doing exactly what they’ve always done and what they’re good at. So I’m gonna trust that and try to help where I can.â€
Frost said he foresees that assistance coming in all three phases and with managing clock.
3. What Frost wants to see from the defense When defensive coordinator Erik Chinander spoke Wednesday, he said he wants to see if the defense is who he thinks they are. Frost agreed with that, saying “I know what kind of defense we have.â€
The big question Frost has, though, is how the team responds to in-game challenges and/or miscues.
“If anything goes bad, how are we going to react?†Frost said. “We’ve got a confident team, a really close-knit team. We haven’t hit any adversity yet but when we do, we want to make sure that they keep attacking — up 40, down 40, up 7, down 7 — we need to be on the attack.â€
4. What’s left? With just one practice session remaining, Frost says most of the “hay is in the barn†in terms of the game plan.
The last of the Irish cultural events were to take place on Thursday afternoon with meetings following those excursions.
From there, the team has its “Fast Friday†practice.
“It’ll feel just like an away game,†Frost said of Friday’s schedule. “Hotel, then, for the rest of the day tomorrow. Pretty much, the hay’s in the barn. I think we’re ready. We’re looking forward to it.â€
Photos: Nebraska in Ireland for season opener
Balloons welcome travelers at the airport ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska fans and other tourists walk near Dublin Castle ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
The River Liffey as Nebraska fans arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
A bird flies over the River Liffey as Nebraska fans arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Graeme Derham of Dublin performs in the Temple Bar district Tuesday as Nebraska fans and other tourists arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Signs welcomes Nebraska and Northwestern fans arriving ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
The Temple Bar district as Nebraska fans and other tourists arrive ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Husker, Wildcat, Irish and American flags fly over a bar in Dublin on Tuesday as fans arrive in advance of Saturday's Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Signs welcome Nebraska and Northwestern fans arriving ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
The courtyard at Dublin Castle in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
The Temple Bar in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Balloons welcome travelers at the airport ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
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Bridges over the River Liffey as the sun begins to set in Dublin on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Shadows and people as the sun begins to set Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska athletic director Trev Alberts and his wife, Angela, arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska players Alante Brown (left) and Kamonte Grimes arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Husker linemen Brant Banks (from left), Hunter Anthony and Teddy Prochazka chat with coach Scott Frost as they arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Casey Thompson (11) and other Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska coach Scott Frost arrives for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Jay Terry, Nebraska assistant athletic director for equipment operations, arrives for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin. Terry spent months preparing for the Huskers' overseas trip to face Northwestern.
ANNA REED, WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players Travis Vokolek (from left), Ezra Miller and Chris Hickman arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska defensive coordinator Erik Chinander arrives for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Eteva Mauga-Clements (front) and other Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner at Mansion House on Tuesday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, WORLD-HERALD
Scott Frost, Huskers head coach, and Nebraska players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Defensive players arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, and Angela, his wife, arrive alongside players for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players Travis Vokolek (83), Ezra Miller (66), Chris Hickman (87) arrive for a welcome dinner ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland on Tuesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska players walk to the edge of the field at Aviva Stadium following Wednesday's practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
ANNA REED, WORLD-HERALD
Gabe Ervin Jr., (22) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Aviva Stadium ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic with Nebraska vs. Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Ty Robinson (99) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Luke Reimer (28) speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Mark Whipple, offensive coordinator for Nebraska, speaks following a Husker practice ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
A crew members cleans between seats at Aviva Stadium ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic with Nebraska vs. Northwestern in Dublin, Ireland on Wednesday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Nebraska's Travis Vokolek (83) smiles during a Husker practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska edge rusher Garrett Nelson (44) signals to his teammates during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterback Chubba Purdy (6) and the Huskers practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska linebacker Nick Henrich (42) dances during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska practices Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterbacks Chubba Purdy (left) and Casey Thompson warm up during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
The Huskers practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska defensive back Quinton Newsome is shown during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska edge rusher Garrett Nelson (44) is shown during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska defensive lineman Ty Robinson (99) and the Huskers practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska quarterback Casey Thompson (11) and the Huskers practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska defensive back Myles Farmer (4) and the Huskers practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
A Nebraska lineman tries to catch a ball with one hand during practice Thursday near Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska strength & conditioning coach Zach Duval shown during practice Thursday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska coach Scott Frost speaks to the media Thursday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Nebraska coach Scott Frost speaks inside Aviva Stadium after practice Thursday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
An Aviva Stadium worker paints football field lines on the grass Thursday in Dublin.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
An outside view of Aviva Stadium, where Nebraska will play Northwestern in the Aer Lingus Classic on Saturday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
A you fans takes a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jason Thomsen, of Elkhorn, Neb., cheers alongside thousands during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
People walk through a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Jonathan Santana, a visitor experience ambassador, pours a pint during a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
A view of Dublin, Ireland, from the top of the Guinness Storehouse on Thursday. Aviva Stadium can be seen in the distance. The stadium is where Nebraska and Northwestern will play Saturday in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
A pint at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Scott Frost, the Nebraska head football coach, leads some players onto the stage as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Donna Berryman, of Bellevue, Neb., cheers alongside thousands during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Meabh Corcoran, 5, of Dublin, watches as the Cornhusker marching band perform during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Herbie Husker leads fans in a chant as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
The Cornhusker marching band performs as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
People walk through a tour at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, takes a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic at Merrion Square Park in Dublin on Friday.
ANNA REED, Omaha World-Herald
Fans stretch all the way to the back fence as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Charles and Charlene Tilson, of Elwood, Neb., received a signed football to congratulate them on 50 years of marriage during a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
A pint at the Guinness Storehouse with a view of Dublin, Ireland, on Thursday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Trev Alberts, the Nebraska athletic director, speaks as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
A fan holds out Flat Herbie for a photo as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
The spirit squad performs as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Husker players smile on stage as thousands attend a Husker pep rally ahead of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic between Northwestern and Nebraska at Merrion Square Park in Dublin, Ireland on Friday.
ANNA REED, THE WORLD-HERALD
Reach the writer at 402-473-7440 or ajust@journalstar.com
On Twitter @Amie_Just.
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