University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Jeff Bower Weekly Media Conference Quotes from Nov. 27, 2006
11/27/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 27, 2006
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. -
Jeff Bower Press Conference
November 27, 2006
Opening Statement:"It was a good game, and I thought we played well in all three phases. We ran the ball well again, and I thought that Jeremy (Young) had a good game. We mixed it up pretty well (offensively). We took care of the football and won the turnover margin. Defensively, we played another good game. We created some turnovers and had a big play in the kicking game with a blocked punt. I thought that helped us get off to a great start. I'm really pleased with our effort. I'm also pleased with how we played and responded to having to win to get to the championship. Our guys prepared well, had a good week of practice, and played well."
Players of the week:"On offense, Bobby Weakley had 26 snaps, graded 88%, and had seven carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. He did a good job blocking. He has really come along the last half of the season. He's playing better than he's ever played. On defense, LeVance Richmond had 41 snaps, graded 80%, and had five tackles, two assists, an interception, a pass broken up and forced a fumble. On special teams, we gave it to our punt block and return team for the effort they gave and the block during the game."
Injuries:"We don't know about (freshman running back) Tory Harrison. He's got a bruised shoulder. We thought he might have had a torn rotator cuff, but the MRI was negative. I don't know about his status, but everybody else will be fine. There were a few minor things in the game, but nothing serious. I'm really proud of Sean Merrill for bouncing back, playing hurt and playing well. He did a good job for us."
On Houston:"They're good, really good. Since we beat them, they've won five in a row. We all know how good the quarterback is. He's outstanding. He doesn't throw many interceptions; he's only thrown four picks out of 373 throws. That's something else. They have two good backs in Jackie Battle and Anthony Alridge. Alridge can fly. He's averaging 11.3 yards per carry. They're using him a lot more than they were entering our first game against each other. He was primarily a wide-out, but now he'll be in the back field. They're going to get him the football. He's really fast; he's a 10.5, 100-meter guy. That's amazing. Battle is a big, strong back, and this guy is a quick guy. If you let him hit a seam, he's fast. Defensively, they're playing well. They're really solid on defense. They're a team that has maintained their health throughout the season. They're in good shape, and they had an open week this past week. They've had some extra time to heal up and get ready. I think they're a very good football team. They can score points, and they're playing well on defense."
"We'll have a good week. We'll practice tonight and practice heavy tomorrow. We'll come back Wednesday and do a little bit Thursday. I'm really proud of our guys for winning the last four and how they have prepared and battled back to get themselves in the position to play for a conference championship and win a ring."
On maintaining the running game similar to the last game against Houston:"Obviously, you'd like to win the time of possession and try to keep their offense off the field. At the same time, you have to do what's best for you offensively. You have to score on these guys; they can score points."
On the running game picking up recently:"We've done a good job running the ball, and it helps when you can do that. The thing that pleased me was that we were much more effective throwing the ball. That's something that we've got to continue to work on."
On leaving Jeremy Young in the entire game: "I just thought that we were in a good rhythm, and I didn't think the change was necessary at the time. Jeremy was playing well and doing a good job of managing the game. I thought the last drive was impressive. We went 92 yards on 11 plays and never threw a pass. I thought we were in a good rhythm, and there was no need for a change."
On playing a team twice in one season:"I don't think I have in a while. To my knowledge, we never have while I've been coaching. It's going to be two teams that know a lot about each other, having played already."
On the controversy over the officiating last game:"We'll have C-USA officials."
On the similarities between this season and the 2003 season:"I think it's just an indication of your players' desire to win a championship and get to the championship game. As I said in the press conference after the game, that's the expectation level here. That's how we measure the success of our program. I think our guys know that, and they expect that. They've done a good job in the last four weeks, winning all four and putting themselves in this position. I'm really proud of them for that. We haven't finished it yet though. We've got to finish it."
On how the defense has stepped up:"We haven't given up as many big plays. That's something you can't do on these guys; they've got so much big play ability. I think we're playing better. I give credit to our defensive staff, and I think we've got some pretty good leaders on that side of the ball. We had a game or so where I think we gained some confidence and that really helped us."
On LeVance Richmond's performances:"He's getting better and better. Ever since he came back from that high ankle sprain, he's been really productive for the last three weeks. He's made plays, and he's showing up a lot."
On Fletcher not being able to attend Conerly Trophy ceremony:"There's no way to work it out. I don't' think it's fair to the football team. Obviously, we'd like to have him up there representing our program. He's deserving of that award, but at the same time, I think he'd agree that we're getting ready to play a championship game and that's the most important thing. We need him here, and there's no possible way, logistically, to make that happen. I'm sorry it doesn't happen, but we've got to do what's best for the team."
On if it is difficult to not have a week off:"I'm kind of glad we don't have an open week; I'm glad to be playing. I think that when you're coming off of four straight wins and you're in a bit of a rhythm, you want to go from week to week. I'm kind of glad it worked out this way."
On Reserve Center Rick Thompson's performances:"He went in that last play and did a really good job. I wanted to mention him. He did a nice job for us in the game and has ever since we had to play him."
