JSU GAME NOTES (.pdf)

Opening Comments:
“We are at a place in our schedule that history has something to say about. We have had open weeks before and hadn't been the best thing for us. I don't think that is the case for us this year. I think we have a lot of momentum and has a lot to gain. We are getting ready to play probably the three best teams in the league. Eastern Kentucky will be the best defensive team we have faced and maybe the best offensive team yet. A lot of people want to talk about the next one (Southeast Missouri) as a playoff game, but EKU is a playoff game in my mind. Winning this league is our primary goal from the beginning of the season. Our players had a very good week during the open week. There was some rustiness with no game to get ready for, but we got pasted it. We put pads on Tuesday and Wednesday and we have put a plan together, so the process has begun and we will get back to the process tomorrow.”

On Eastern Kentucky:
Defensively, they are good at corner, linebacker and they have some players that are inexperienced, but I am very impressed by there defense. Offensively, I am impressed with their talent and I think they have struggled some due to the newness of some people. They are as talented as anyone in this league on offense. There is nobody in this league that we have played bad football against than this EKU bunch. Bad football means five interceptions in one game, two kick off returns back-to-back for touchdowns. We have to play at night and in the cold. I hope we can deal with the circumstances.”

On having the open week and getting people healthy:
“We have not been out there yet this week, so I am hoping we have everyone back. I think the only person we will be missing in our preparation is going to be Kevin Dix. He had hand surgery and if we can keep this season going long enough, he will be back out there.”

On playing In the cold weather:
It concerns me, but everything concerns me. Anything that we have not done before concerns me. If we want to do good in it; we better prepare for it. We need to assume everything is a challenge for us. We are going to do something this week with the weather, probably practice at night one day.”

On EKU's run defense:
“They have two inside dominant players that are really good run-stoppers. I think passing yards grow because you can't establish the run. You can be at the bottom of the passing defensive chart and be undefeated.”

On November football:
“Number 1, I think you can get into a stale-ness factor because you have taken this six-inch step a thousand times since August. Instead of tackling, you lose focus and try to arm tackle. Some teams can't sustain the detail of the game in November. The other factor is – people know who you are because if you are good, then you have tendencies. There are usually more upsets in November than any other month of the season. You are going to remember if you played for a championship. You are going to remember how you left the field. This is the most important November we have ever had.