University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Coach Hopson Weekly Press Conference 10-3
10/3/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -- Southern Miss football coach Jay Hopson met with the media Monday at the Duff Athletic Center to recap last weekend's 44-28 victory over Rice as well as talk about this week's C-USA game at UTSA. Game time is set for 11 a.m., from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Here is some of what coach Hopson had to say:
On the win against Rice:
"I thought it was a tale of two halves on Saturday. First half, we talked about it after the game, I thought we played well defensively. I thought we play really well offensively in the second half. I thought our guys battled for 60 minutes. We had some plays that we left on the field, but give Rice credit. They played hard, and it was a hard fought win. I'm just glad we got it."
On Nick's "perfect pocket" throughout the game:
"We protected well. We did. We made some dynamic plays, which were big plays, in the game. Allenzae [Staggers] and Nick [Mullens] connected, but it takes 11 for that to happen. Up front we blocked well and so did the running backs. Nick delivered the ball and Allenzae did a good job catching and running with it. Julian [Allen] had a big play too, it was a difference maker. I thought, especially in the second half, we had some tremendous offensive plays."
On Rice switching up their defensive looks on Nick:
"They had some wrinkles. I think that's common place. You're always going to get a wrinkle or two. Nick is a smart quarterback. He was able to take advantage of some situations and he delivered some pretty balls to Allenzae."
Do you prepare different to make sure the team doesn't start slow?
"Not really. I thought we had a chance to get off to a fast start. Unfortunately, we had the turnover right off the get go, we were driving the ball and it was a nice run, nice play. It could've been bang-bang, two scores on two possessions, but the reality was we had only scored three points at the end of the first quarter. We had our opportunities. We just have to take care of those opportunities and take advantage of them."
On the defensive success Southern Miss has had on third down:
"We're going to knock on wood here, but I think it's always a big down because if you hold there you give your offense a chance to get back on the field. First and second [down] are critical too because it's a lot easier on third and one than it is on third and 16. We have to make sure we do a good job on all three [downs], but third is always a big down."
On where Coach Hopson ranks the defensive line performance against Rice:
"I think the defensive line has played well. Dylan [Bradley] had another really good game. He was our defensive player of the week. Those guys have done a good job applying pressure, and that's what we need."
On how halftime adjustments go:
"You're always trying to correct the mistakes you made, let them know what's happening and [telling the team] what we have to do at halftime and I think we've done a pretty good job this season. On Saturday, we did a good job offensively. Defensively, I wasn't quite as pleased with some of the adjustments. Our guys have been attentive and have picked up on what we're trying to do."
On what jumps out to Coach Hopson about UTSA:
"They're a very talented football team. Arizona State and Colorado State are games they could have won. They opened at home with a win and then could have won at Old Dominion. We know we have a really good football team we have to prepare for, a talented football team. [When] you're in conference play you need to be ready to play each and every week."
On what players jump out to Coach Hopson:
"A few. They have playmakers. The quarterback does a great job, the running backs and wide receivers make plays offensively. They fly around on defense and they're very aggressive."
On UTSA coach Frank Wilson:
"Frank has done a tremendous job everywhere he's been. He's been an excellent football coach, recruiter and he has my utmost respect."
On if Coach Hopson was aware of the records Nick and Allanzae were close to setting/had already set on the final drive:
"No. I learned a long time ago that we're not going to try to stick it in or throw it for a stat. Maybe that's the old school in me, but when the game is over you take the knee and win the game. It's about the team. It's not about an extra yard here or there. We threw the ball a ton on Saturday and had plenty of opportunities, but you need to end the game with class. That's the reality of sportsmanship."
On what Cameron Tom means to the offensive line:
"He's a guy that sets the table for us. He's not only an excellent football player, but he is a smart young man that is a leader up front. Cameron [Tom] and Nick [Mullens] have been playing with each other for a long time so there's a lot of chemistry between those two and they do a great job together."
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