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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Head Coach David Cutcliffe's Weekly Press Conference
10/25/2004 | Football
Oct. 25, 2004
Opening Comments
The open date was good to us. From an injury standpoint, I think we are healthier and feeling better than we were two or three weeks ago. Bryant Thomas is still not ready with his hamstring, but, outside of that, everyone should be back. I don't know if everyone is 100%, but they're the closest they've been. We are looking forward to getting back on the practice field. We have a big challenge in front of us this week. Auburn is, by far, the best team we've played this year. They are very strong in all three phases of the game (offense, defense and special teams). We have an important week of preparation ahead of us and that will begin this afternoon.
Q: Can you talk about Auburn's offense?
A: Auburn has a multiple-formation offense. They've made an emphasis to run the football. Their running game has been terrific and their quarterback, Jason Campbell, has shown a lot of improvement. Their passing game has been very strong this year, too. They are throwing the ball for a high percentage and have been able to make several big plays. Auburn has a West-Coast style offense -- with the formations and shifts they use -- but it also emphasizes the run quite a bit.
Q: It seems as if Auburn's passing game has really stepped up lately. Can you comment on that?
A: Auburn has a very good receiving corps and (QB) Jason Campbell is playing the best football of his career. He's an outstanding player. When they're throwing the football as effectively as they have been, it really makes it hard to stop their strong running game.
Q: Auburn and Tennessee both seem to be very balanced on offense. Can you take anything from your last game and apply it to this one?
A: Auburn has a different style of offense, so it won't be the same. This week, we will be facing a different style run game and a different point of attack. Both Auburn and Tennessee are very balanced on the offensive side of the ball, so we will be facing another big challenge in that regard. No one has been able to stop Auburn's running game, but we need to find a way to slow it down. Our defense will have to limit Auburn's big-play capabilities and keep them from picking up lots of yardage in a short period of time.
Q: Has Auburn's defense improved from last year?
A: Auburn's defense was No. 5 in the country last year, so they've been pretty good for a while now. They run to the football, possess a lot of quickness and have physical people up front. They are also doing a great job of covering people in the secondary.
Q: Can you address the play of Brandon Jacobs and Lorenzo Townsend?
A: Brandon is our short-yardage back in the "I" formation. He's big and runs with good body length. He has that knack for finding that crease and has a `no-nonsense' attitude in short-yardage situations. Lorenzo has good feet and good instincts. He has good size and the ability to gain those extra yards. He's also been a good receiver out of the backfield and a threat in play-action situations.
Q: Brandon Jacobs has been inserted during a lot of short-yardage situations. Is there a certain mental approach he's learned to take?
A: Brandon is kind of like a relief pitcher in baseball. He never knows when we're going to need him, but stays ready at all times. Brandon is usually in the game during crucial situations near the goal line or in short-yardage situations when we really need a first down.
Q: Auburn can clinch a spot in the SEC Championship game with a win this weekend. Does that provide any extra motivation for your team?
A: I think our motivation is more than trying to be a spoiler. We're trying to work on our own season. Auburn is a terrific football team and has earned every accolade they've received this year, but we are worried about ourselves more than their situation.
Q: Can you talk about facing former Ole Miss coach (and current Auburn coach) Tommy Tuberville?
A: This is Tommy's sixth year at Auburn so he's been back to Oxford before. This is the best Auburn team we've faced in the six years I've been (at Ole Miss). They are very balanced with great running backs and a much-improved quarterback. They are also very talented defensively. They have a lot of people who are playing well for them.
Q: Your team has fared pretty well in big games over the past few seasons. Is this another opportunity to upset a nationally-ranked team?
A: We have had some solid teams who have played well in `big games,' but each situation is unique in itself. I think we have been able to beat some top-of-the-line teams because our preparation, focus and intensity have all been good. Auburn has been a big challenge for everyone they've played this year. We will have to play our best game of the season to beat Auburn.
Q: Is there any update on your quarterback situation?
A: There's no real update. We are still evaluating everything on a day-to-day basis. We are trying to find the best guy for each situation we face.
Q: Would you prefer to use just one quarterback? Or, do you like the three-QB system?
A: I don't know if I have preference. In past years, we have always had a clear-cut starting quarterback, but no one has really won that role this year.
Q: Your wide receivers have just one combined touchdown reception this season. Would you like to get them more involved in the offense?
A: I think that's been part of the problem. We haven't thrown the ball very effectively this year. Early in the season, our passing game was virtually non-existent. We have a capable receiving corps, but must continue to work on finding that balance.
Q: Can you give us an update on Jonathan Nichols?
A: Jonathan's MRI came back negative. He will be back on the practice field today. He hasn't kicked on a Monday in three weeks.
