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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Head Coach David Cutcliffe Weekly Press Conference
10/4/2004 | Football
Oct. 4, 2004
Opening Comments
It was good to get a win last Saturday. There were definitely some positive things that came out of the Arkansas State game. We need to build on those areas. We also found areas that we need to improve, and we will work on those this week in practice. We have a tough challenge this week against an outstanding South Carolina team. They have a lot of good seniors and a lot of good underclassmen on their roster. They are playing well right now and are certainly a top 25 team.
Q: Can you update us on the injury situation?
A: We had some more people get beat up last Saturday. Mike Espy and Chris Spencer are both day-to-day and we will evaluate them this week. Bill Flowers has been cleared to practice, but he still can't be in any contact situations. I'm hoping he'll be able to play on Saturday, but we will just have to see how he responds at practice this week.
Q: Can you give us some specific examples of areas that you've been pleased with?
A: Offensively, I thought we ran the ball well at times on Saturday. We were also fairly consistent in throwing the ball. We had a lot of short completions, but are still struggling to make that big play down the field. Defensively, we got better as the game went along. In the first half, we didn't tackle and didn't cover our gap responsibilities like we should. It cost us.
Q: Can you talk about the areas that you still need to improve?
A: We struggled in third-down situations again on Saturday and that's something we need to address. Whether it was third-and-long, third-and-medium or third-and-short, we just didn't get it done. Right now, we will make a good play and then give up a big play. It's a lot like a year ago. We are in position to make plays and sometimes just don't. That's a mystery and something that we will continue to work on. We have told our players that, `you need to make plays when you have the opportunity to do so.'
Q: Against Arkansas State, it seemed like you had several 3rd-and-7 situations and threw a five-yard pass. Can you talk more about the third-down situations?
A: Sometimes, the defense forces you to lay off the ball. Other times, you throw underneath and then try to run for the first down. You don't always have the time to run receivers down the field and wait for them to get to a certain spot. Ethan (Flatt) is coming off a receiver and laying it off to another one. A lot of those turn into first downs, but, recently, they haven't.
Q: The last three weeks, your team has been much better against the run after making defensive adjustments at halftime. Have you figured out a reason for the slow starts?
A: I obviously don't know the answer or I would fix it immediately. One of the big questions is, `why are we not playing well early?' That's still a mystery and something we are trying to figure out. Are we emotionally ready? Are we physically ready? Are we doing the right things at practice? Those are all questions that we are trying to find answers to right now.
Q: Can you talk about PK Jonathan Nichols and what he has done for the team's confidence this year?
A: Touchdowns are certainly preferable - especially in the red zone - but the main thing is that you come away with points. Jonathan has given us great confidence this year. I've always said, if you watch him at practice, you will understand why he is so consistent in the games. Jonathan is a hard-working kicker who has great technique and great focus.
A: No. We're all happy that we have Jonathan Nichols on our team, but we're trying to score touchdowns. We prefer him kicking extra points. There's no doubt about that.
Q: Give us your overall evaluation of RB Vashon Pearson.
A: Vashon is finishing runs better. He is also using his speed better and making cuts when he needs to. Vashon is definitely seeing the holes better and giving us more out of each run. There are still some things he can work on, but, with his strength and speed, he could be a very good back for us before it's all over.
Q: Can you elaborate on your special teams?
A: We've had some real positive efforts on special teams this year, but we've also had a disaster or two. On special teams, one of your main goals is to make big plays and help control field position. Another main objective is to prevent the opposition from making big plays which will hurt you. For the most part, we've been consistent there, but there is always room for improvement.
Q: What does South Carolina do differently with coach (Lou) Holtz running the offense now?
A: They have made a commitment to running the football. They do it a lot of different ways, use a lot of different looks and use a lot of different people. Coach Holtz has also used many different offensive schemes. They also do a great job throwing the deep ball. We will be facing a team that has a knack for making a big play when it needs to. They have some dangerous receivers with good speed. Our defense will have to be ready.
Q: WR Kerry Johnson was more active in the offense last Saturday. Is he back to being healthy again?
A: Kerry missed a lot of practice time with a broken hand, but I think that is behind him now. The injury definitely set him back, but I think he's getting back to being in the condition that you need to be in to play. I don't know if he's 100% yet, but he seems more comfortable on the field.
Q: Can you talk about the development of LB Garry Pack?
A: Garry is getting more and more comfortable in our defensive system. He has done a nice job of adjusting to the speed of the college game. We will really see where he's at when we hit the meat of this SEC schedule, but he's improved a lot over the course of the first five games.
Q: Last year, after the Texas Tech game, you guys made a commitment to simplify the defense. Has that been a thought this year?
A: We've talked about that, but I don't think that's been the major issue. The thing you have to ask yourself is, `are we playing as hard as we can?' There are still some questions we are asking ourselves along those lines.
Q: Was the team happy to win on Saturday? Or, were the guys disappointed because they didn't play up to their potential?
A: We addressed that topic after the game. I don't think anyone was jumping for joy because it wasn't that type of game. I think we played better in the second half. We got a two touchdown lead and then were able to hang on. I think there was a lot of frustration at halftime, but that just takes a while to get over. Trust me, we are all happy to win. We will never take a win for granted, but we also know that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Q: The next five games are very tough and very grueling. What gives you confidence and hope during that stretch?
A: The main thing is that we have to play one game at a time. Everyone did throw that question up after the Arkansas State game. Right now, we are only concerned about South Carolina. We know it will be tough to go over to their place and beat a good football team, but I think we have a bunch of competitors who get pumped up for challenges, like this. If we have the right kind of coaches on this staff and the right kind of student-athletes on this team, they will be ready for this challenge. That's all we need to worry about this week.
Q: Can you talk about coach (Lou) Holtz and his personality off the field?
A: He is funny, energetic and enthusiastic at meetings. You never know what he is going to say. In the midst of all of that, he's also a great football coach. Just take a look at everything he's done. He's a terrific football coach and will be as long as he chooses to stay in the profession.
