Citrus Bowl preparation reminds Liam Coen of Super Bowl prep

Liam Coen knows nothing will come easy against the Iowa defense. (UK Athletics Photo)

Is the Citrus Bowl similar to the Super Bowl? Okay, that’s a bit of an overstatement even though Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen says preparing for his first collegiate bowl game. Or is it?

“It’s similar to playing in the Super Bowl, to be honest,” Coen said last week.

What? How can that be right?

“Because where our work needs to be done, and is done, is prior to going down to the site. Third down and red zone. Really start to tighten the whole plan up,” Coen said.

The UK offensive coordinator watched how the LA Rams prepared for their Super Bowl berth when he was on the staff and realized the importance of preparation before the team left for the Super Bowl.

Coen said bowl preparation is a combination of spring practice and preseason training camp when you have time to work on things other than specific game preparation before getting into the game plan like UK is doing this week in Orlando as it prepares to play Iowa Saturday.

“When we get down there, (we will) try to get some good, clean work. Have fun, let the kids enjoy the situation and the whole experience,” Coen said before UK left for Orlando.

Coen said it was important to give younger players extra practice time and also not physically wear out older, experienced players while also understanding the need to win the bowl game.

“We’re in a little bit of a unique situation because we have so many leaders and seniors up front, at the receiver position, at the tight end position, at the receiver position, and at running back that we need to be careful not to bang too much on those guys,” Coen said. “Because we need them available (for the bowl game).”

That’s because Coen has stressed how impressed he has been by Iowa’s defense despite the beating it took from Michigan in the Big Ten title game in its last outing.

“They don’t give you anything easy,” said Coen. “They’re extremely physical. And the biggest thing I think about this defense is their strain and effort is through the roof.”

Iowa gives up 19.2 points per game —14th nationally. Iowa is also in the top 20 nationally in total defense (327 yards allowed per game) and yards per play allowed (4.72).

One big worry for Coen and the UK offense is that Iowa has a plus 14 turnover margin and UK has had a propensity for turning the ball over all season.