Cutcliffe Anticipates Start Of SEC Action

Sept. 13, 1999

"I felt like we got better last week. I think we got better as the game went along. Jumping into SEC action this week is exciting and challenging. Coach Widenhofer and his staff have done an outstanding job. They are a very experienced team. They return a lot of people with a lot of playing time on both sides of the ball. They are very much improved on both sides of the ball and they make a lot of plays, especially in the kicking game. We are looking forward to the challenge this weekend."

Talk about Joe Gunn's performance
"Joe is a quality back and a competitor. The thing that has pleased me the most, besides his production, he's gotten stronger as the game goes on. He's one of those guys that can wear defenses down in the fourth quarter. He is a very physical, strong player."

Talk about the secondary.
"We've got some people banged up that are day-to-day. Ken Lucas and Tim Strickland are banged up. Kenny Woods was a little injured during the game and we will have to wait and see what happens once we get out on the practice field. It was good to see a lot of people playing. Synicker Taylor played safety and corner for us. We're going to have to do things by committee somewhat and he made a nice adjustment."

Talk about Syniker Taylor
"He's a good athlete. He likes to practice and has the ability to make things happen. Playing corner is new to him, and he is challenged every day by that. It's helping him to learn and he will battle back. He's going to get better and is probably just now getting comfortable."

Talk about Eddie Strong
"You can't watch our defense and not notice Eddie. I think he is an all-star candidate. He's a young player still, but he's gotten a lot of snaps and he knows how to play the game."

Talk about Ole Miss' special teams play
"Special teams play is always going to be big. We are trying hard to be good in every phase of it, but it takes continuous work. We've had some injuries and had to reshuffle some players and that's been a real challenge for us."

What is most impressive about Vanderbilt?
"They are a solid team. They are balanced, they play outstanding defense and have been extremely successful over the last few years. Their offense has been outstanding this year in their execution. They've got some people who can run the ball and make some things happen. They're kicking game has made some big things happen this year. They are a solid, solid team."

Talk about Romaro Miller's play.
"I was really pleased with Romaro's play. There is probably a few plays he would like to have back, but very few. He was very comfortable with what he was doing. We had a couple of drops and if we make those catches he could have had a really special game. He made some significant improvement from the first game to the second game."

What improvements did the team make between the first and second game?
"I think we made a great deal of improvement. I felt like Arkansas State played a great game and we got shocked a little bit defensively early on by the big plays and injuries. But it challenged us and if we had not improved during the week we would not have been able to handle those challenges like we did. Offensively, the improvement was very evident. Our execution was better and our individual fundamentals were better. I would like to see us continue to improve our kicking game, which we will work hard on."

What is Grant Heard's situation?
"We will evaluate Grant at practice this afternoon. But we are still looking at our options and no decisions have been made."

Do you feel Grant has progressed?
"Yes, he has quite a bit. He felt good Friday and has a lot of energy. He is looking forward to getting back on the field"

Do you have a timetable for redshirting Grant?
"I think we'll develop one soon, but we don't right now. I think we have to wait and play it by ear."

Talk about Charles Stackhouse's play Saturday night
"He had more physical blocks than I've seen a player have in some time. I have been impressed with his play. He dropped some passes in the first game, but he has played very well. He plays the way a coach wants a guy to play and I could watch him all the time. He's a young guy and will continue to move more into our offense."

Talk about Vanderbilt's Jamie Winborn.
"Jamie is a very intense player. It looks like he is blocked sometimes, but he has the ability to shed that and get to the ball. They put him in good positions and scheme him very well. I don't see anybody playing the position any better. They are a very sound defense, they always have been."

Talk about your match up against Vanderbilt when you were at Tennessee.
"It's always fun going up against their defense. We always looked forward to it. They do a great job."

Talk about Joe Gunn
"I have a tough time with player comparisons. He is a powerful player. He can punish you, but he can also elude people as we saw Saturday night. He competes hard on every carry. Whether it's number 1 or 25, he's a competitor."

Talk about the television exposure for the team the next two weeks.
"I think it's good anytime we get to play on television. The more you win the more that happens, everybody knows that. It's a positive thing for the program, for our recruits to be able to see us and we hope we can get on there a few more times."

What is Deuce McAllister's situation?
"We will know more after practice today."

What will the situation be when Deuce does come back?
"I think it will be great to have two quality backs. There is plenty of room for both and it is a good thing we have two. People don't realize what a pounding running backs take and having two makes it easier on them. They both fit into our offensive plans."

Talk about Maurice Flournoy.
"Maurice has really matured as a player and a person. And I think that has carried over to the practice field. He can be a playmaker for us. You can see he is getting better. He has all the tools and we want to see him continue on that path."

Do you want to see the team step it up in conference play?
"I think that's a part of playing in the SEC. I have really been pleased with our team's ability to play with intensity in these first two games. I have not seen any difference from the first game to the second. I think playing a league game always gets you up more emotionally and I think that's true from Pop-Warner on up."

The University of Mississippi Athletics

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