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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Head Coach David Cutcliffe's Weekly Press Conference
11/15/2004 | Football
Nov. 15, 2004
Opening Comments
(At Arkansas) We didn't play with the energy and emotion you need to be successful. We didn't play hard enough and there were also some technical things that we didn't do very well. Our struggles on third down really told it all, especially in the first half. We allowed too many third-down conversions and didn't convert often enough on offense. We had third-and-short on numerous occasions and just didn't get the job done. We didn't tackle well and gave up too many big plays on defense. We have to practice better to be better (on gameday). We are going to get some response and make improvements as a football team over the next two weeks.
Q: Were the players too high going into the game?
A: That's a good question. If that was the case, I really couldn't sense it. In the locker room, I thought we were emotionally ready for an important game. The sidelines seemed to have some energy right before kickoff, and, then, things just deflated. I don't know the exact reason for that. Maybe it was Arkansas' good start, but, if you get behind 14-0, you have to fight back. Unfortunately, we weren't able to do that.
Q: Is the Arkansas loss more painful, knowing that you've been eliminated from postseason play?
A: It was a very disappointing loss because everything was in place. We were fighting to stay eligible for postseason and were playing to improve our Southeastern Conference record. Playing well in the month of November is critical because that's what people always remember. We played like a team that didn't know what was at stake.
Q: Was the Arkansas game a culmination of disappointing things this season? Did the pin finally hit the balloon?
A: I didn't necessarily see it coming, but the balloon definitely burst. I don't know exactly what caused that, but we will have to figure that out. With all that was at stake, I figured we'd come out more energized and more emotional than we did.
Q: Did Arkansas' offense do anything differently than what you had prepared for?
A: Arkansas changed the blocking scheme a little and mixed up a formation or two, but that's not unusual. Most teams change things slightly on a week-to-week basis.
Q: Did you get any type of true quarterback assessment in the Arkansas game?
A: Both Ethan (Flatt) and Robert (Lane) did some good things at times, but we didn't throw the ball as consistently as I had hoped. That is one of the many areas that must change for us to be as successful as we need to be. I thought we played with some focus and competed, but we didn't fight hard enough.
Q: How do you plan to get that energy and emotion back?
A: We are going to practice with energy and emotion this week. There may be some changes in personnel (this Saturday), but we will identify those later in the week. I may not make any great announcements about it, either. We may just go about our business and put together the most competitive team we have.
Q: You expressed your concern with the energy and emotion in the Arkansas game. Did you see anyone who went against that trend and had good energy?
A: As a team, I think you'd have to say no. There were people who gave us good effort. I think our guys know how to play hard, but it goes beyond that in this league. You have to play with great energy and great emotion on a regular basis to be successful.
Q: Does leadership play a big factor in that energy and emotion?
A: I think you have to be a self-starter first, but, yes, leadership can come into play. All of the coaches and players have responsibilities with this team. We all feel the burden of the Arkansas loss. We need to get that turned around this weekend against LSU.
Q: You've mentioned the difficulties on third down. Have you seen anything specific that has led to those struggles?
A: I think it's a lack of execution, but, unfortunately, I've seen that on the practice field. We have to work harder and be more consistent in our preparation. We haven't been good enough on first or second down, either. The key is avoiding third-and-long situations and that hasn't been something we've been able to do this year.
Q: Can you tell us about the injuries that were sustained in the Arkansas game?
A: Jayme Mitchell continues to be out. Andrew Wicker may get some light work today. Brandon Jacobs suffered a shoulder injury in the game and we will have to see on him. Tony Bonds continues to be limited (shoulder) and Kelvin Robinson continues to be banged up (shoulder). These types of injuries are pretty normal late in the season. They are usually the type that the young men can push through, so we will have to see later in the week.
Q: Where is Garry Pack at with his development?
A: Garry is playing well, but he was injured late in the game. He will be suspect this week with his shoulder situation. He will continue to get better because he has plenty of talent and ability. I believe Garry is a playmaker and he has a lot of good football ahead of him. He's been one of the bright spots with our younger players.
Q: Larry Kendrick had an awesome block in the Arkansas game. Does that speak to his potential as a football player?
A: Larry (Kendrick) is a playmaker. I think he's in the right position now. He made some big catches against Arkansas and had that great block. He's a physically-gifted athlete who will get better as he continues to learn our system.
Q: How much do you expect the younger players to play in these final two games?
A: There's obviously some preparation for the future going on when you don't have a chance to play in a bowl game. The most important premium we have right now is a motivated football player. That's what we will really be looking for over these last two games.
Q: What will the mindset be like for the rest of the season?
A: We are not a very good football team right now, but that doesn't mean that we don't have a very solid football program. We have been a very good program and I know we will continue to be in the future. We still have a chance to salvage some of the season, but it's going to take effort from everyone involved.
Q: Will these final two games mean a lot for the sake of the program's confidence and future recruiting?
A: Yes, the LSU and Mississippi State games are still huge. They are our biggest rivals and we have challenges in both ballgames. Like I said, they remember what you do in November. A win in these two games won't make us bowl eligible, but these last two games should be all about pride and the program.
Q: What are some of your initial thoughts on LSU?
A: I think LSU is as good as they were last season (when they won the national championship). Some people may think that's a bizarre statement, but, right now, they are playing really good football. They've got talent on both sides of the ball. Their defensive line is very disruptive and their linebackers are outstanding. Alabama is the best rushing team in the league and LSU allowed only 82 rushing yards last week. They are also difficult to throw against. Their cornerbacks are very aggressive. LSU uses two very capable quarterbacks (Marcus Randall and JaMarcus Russell). They have a great stable of running backs, exceptional speed at the receiver positions and their offensive line is very good. I think they are one of the best teams in the country.
Q: From a psychological standpoint, how do you get this team ready for the LSU game?
A: LSU is a big rival and it's an opportunity for a win in the month of November. Saturday's game will be a great challenge for us, but I'm looking forward to seeing our players respond to that challenge. We will put the competitors on the field because we really need to have that competitive spirit in a game like this.
