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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Quotes From Coach Cutcliffe's Press Conference
10/4/1999 | Football
Oct. 4, 1999
Coach David Cutcliffe
"I thought we got better in every phase on Saturday. We still have some concerns about some of the mistakes we made and some of the little things we'd like to see corrected. We played hard and smarter and our challenge is to build on that. We're preparing to play a high-powered Tulane team. They score a lot of points. They are a well coached team and it will be a big challenge for us."
Talk about Tulane.
They are throwing for a phenomenal amount of yards and for a high completion percentage. They are capable of moving the ball down the field quickly. They have a very effective quarterback and a very athletic line. You don't average 400 yards per game and just be average, and they have played some good defensive teams.
Talk about Ole Miss' offense.
We have been efficient throwing the ball, and we have been able to run the ball, except against Auburn. We have been very efficient running the ball. I think we have some weapons and we have been able to use them in different ways. We have the chance to be a very good offensive team before it's done.
Talk about Joe Gunn and Deuce McAllister.
We've got a one-two punch and we can get them in the game at the same time. They are two of the better play-makers we have and it is a definite plus to have them full speed.
Talk about Toward Sanford.
Toward stepped up this week. He blocked well and did what we asked him to do. He impressed me with his intensity and physical play. If he keeps it up it will pay big dividends for him at the end of the year.
Talk about the offensive line.
I thought it was their best game of the year. Ben Claxton is getting better each week. He has been in some battles now. Keydrick Vincent had his best game at South Carolina. Those guys have carried the load and continue to improve. Some of our younger guys are getting better and got some playing time against South Carolina. We've just got to keep working hard.
What about Romaro Miller's performance?
I think he played his best, even though he didn't throw a pass in the second half. He was very comfortable with what we were doing. He had good recognition and decision making. He throws the ball well and puts it where the receivers can catch it.
What is the injury situation?
I think we are getting better. We had normal bumps and bruises, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Talk about Jamie Armstrong
He's getting better in practice everyday and you see it in the game. It's important he continues to grow and get better. He made some tremendous catches and it's very encouraging to see.
Talk about your special teams.
We had good effort, just an individual getting out of place. We need to get more consistent where we kick the ball. The field is hard to cover and you have to give the other team credit. You have to try to pinpoint the ball and you have to be really cohesive. Coach Bisaccia has done a great job and comes up with great schemes.
Does it concern you that you had the ball inside the five yard line and didn't score?
It always concerns me. But they were doing some good things with their goal line defense. They were taking people out. Against South Carolina, Georgia had four snaps inside the one and finally scored on fourth down. We got in the goal line set and I thought we were going to score, but they did a nice job. I'm not concerned, but we need to get a little better there.
Is it hard to take things one game at a time as you get deeper into the season?
I think it gets easier, if you're being successful. Each game you win, makes the next game the big game. If you continue to win, you're focus intensifies on the next opponent.
Are you opening things up more offensively as the players get more familiar with the system?
Yeah, I think it's the foundation of your offense. You had better be able to execute your base offense because trick plays are not going to win many games. We have a lot of other things that we don't use either because we aren't running it right in practice or because we don't get the right kind of defense to run it on. But, as the season wears on you will see different things from us.
What other ways will you use Deuce McAllister?
He is a bright player. He is very athletic. He can run with it, throw it and catch it. I think you have to use your playmakers and use the abilities of the players you have and we will try to do that with Deuce.
Talk about your defensive line.
It's a cliche, but it's true that the battle is won in the trenches. It's true on both sides of the ball, especially in our conference. I'm proud of the way our defensive front has played. We got a lot of people some playing time and we are trying to keep everybody fresh.
Talk about Les Binkley.
Consistency is what you strive for and Les does that. He makes practice like a game. He is very intense and if everybody took that approach that would have his results. He's not going to make every kick, but it's hard not to believe that watching him.
