University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Report: Sept. 20
9/20/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
Venue: Joe P. Park Practice Facility
Format: Full Pads
Upcoming: Wednesday (3:10 p.m.)
Report: Southern Miss returned to the practice field in full pads Tuesday to get ready for its first Conference USA contest this Saturday at UTEP. The Golden Eagles went through an intense two and a half hour workout at the Joe P. Park Practice Facility as they try to rebound from the team's first loss last Saturday against Troy. The Golden Eagles play the Miners at 7 p.m., CT at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. The game will be streamed live for free through CampusInsiders.com.
Coach Jay Hopson
On not giving up a sack over the last two games:
"(We've) done a good job of getting on our guys. I think that's one of the good things. We'll always be working on something constantly, working the hold and giving Nick (Mullens) time and letting him find his guys."
On interesting matchup with their running backs:
"They have two really good running backs and certainly we have the upmost respect for (UTEP back) Aaron (Jones)."
OL Jacob Fleming, Sr.
On not giving up a sack in the last two games:
"We don't really pay attention to the articles and the awards we usually get. Not giving up sacks comes with communication. We have a bunch of older guys on the line. We've all played together for, for me I've played with them for two years, but other guys have played with each other for five years. We have a great camaraderie and we all get along. We have great communication and basically know what each other is thinking. It's a great to play by older guys."
Not giving up a sack against Troy:
"It was a hard fought game. They're probably the best defensive line we've faced all year. I know their ends were really good and they moved well. We just played hard and did what we could. We didn't win but I feel like the offensive line kind of gave us a chance to win."
On looking at UTEP front:
"UTEP is a big, big front. I know they are older guys. I remember playing against a bunch of them last year. They get down in a 3-front. They're not really going to overload blitzes. We still have to communicate and know who we're going to and have perfect effort and execution."
RB Ito Smith, Jr.
On UTEP running back Aaron Jones:
"Yeah I've watched his highlights. I like watching other running backs. He's a great running back and he does a really great job. They're probably going to try and run the ball a lot. It's going to be an interesting matchup."
On if the Golden Eagles will do the same:
"We're going to come out and do us and do what we've been doing."
On if he feels like he's gaining momentum:
"Yeah, just have to have the offensive line keep doing what they're doing. They've been doing a great job, wide receivers blocking on the perimeter and we'll be fine."
On UTEP's defense:
"They are a three-down team and bring a lot of blitzes. We just have to pick all the blitzes up and we'll be fine."
Tickets: Seats for the 2016 Southern Miss football season can be purchased by going online at SouthernMissTickets.com, or by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK (8425) as well as visiting the Pat Ferlise Ticket Center on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
