Tough result, one they learned from
Missouri is really good on offense and defense and solid on special teams
Eli Drinkwitz has built a program that’a a league standard-bearer
Players responded the right way Sunday
PROBLEMS LAST WEEK
It wasn’t the physical work
Ir was focus and approach—guys being on time, disciplined, etc.
He can sense when guys are on the edge of their seats and when they hold back
When guys are late that’s an indicator that’s not where they need to be
Those things were address during the week
Post-game message was that when they’re undisciplined off the field, they’re undisciplined on it
They’re good enough to win every game they play but not good enough to win when they’re unprepared
They played with passion in the game but it wasn’t a clean game
It’s an opportunity to learn as a team
DID THE TEAM NEED THIS?
He’d rather learn that lesson from a win
The message wouldn’t have changed
They’re still learning and growing
Maybe they punched behind external expectations early and that becomes a distraction, although internally their expectations were always high
It’s the mentality and mindset that surrounds players
It takes discipline to cut through all that and be consistent in their approach, and that was what was off
But credit Georgia State, take no credit from them
THE LAST DRIVE, WHAT BROKE DOWN AND WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE
Went back to VT game, VT wanted one-on-one matchup which they learned before they took time out and they went to 4-man rush (which worked)
First snap—they should have broken the pass up, they abandoned their technique
Second—they’re in cover-2 but corner hugged the flat and WR rolled under
GSU QB out-performed them in that moment
They went to man for a bit
They wanted to generate pressure to create a negative play at the end and (I think referenced a leverage problem)
But everything starts with them
He’s got to coach and be responsible
A lot to learn from it all
When you know the play then sure, calls can change but felt like a 4-man rush was the right call
SYDNOR/WOOD
They’ll have full report tomorrow
Sydnor questionable for the game, feels good on progression
Wood likely won’t be available, has ankle injury.
GSU QB AND THE PLAYS HE MADE
Jokes, is it time to talk about penalties?
QB did a really good job of getting the ball out on time
First 2 plays, he saw the field well and worked through his progression though he felt they were somewhat collapsing the pocket
Able to diagnose before contact was made
Sometimes they get a hand up and affect things but felt they missed an opportunity last week there
He did feel like the 4- man rush was effective but QB out-played them in those moments
The sake early got them off-schedule and Punk’s penalty was a tough one
Thought the game was officiated well so no criticism there
Didn’t feel like the Patterson flag in the VT game was excessive
They have to toe the line well because they have to be aggresive
The CJ Taylor play, from the dawn of time there is contact on that play
Officials did a great job explaining what they saw and why
We can’t take all the risk out of
IS THE GAME OVER-LEGISLATED ON DEFENSE?
IT was a different game when he played
He wants his kids to participate in a safer game and theyr’re evolving in a good way
But in any contact sport there is risk
They’re taking on more penalties at Vanderbilt than he’s ever taken on
He’d have to look at other games,
The egregious fouls are easy to see, they’re on the right track to eliminate those
The hit on Pavia was egregious and deserved a penalty
But the ones in the margins, the benefit of the doubt isn’t given or is given to the offensive player
They have to shift to the reality of the way the game is
They don’t hit the QB in practice and take other measures not to compress the pocket to be careful
GOING INTO SEC PLAY, YOUR THOUGHTS
They’re excited to play a good SEC team
That’s why turning the page is important
It still comes down to execution
ON MISSOURI OFFENSE
They’re the same guys they played there in 2022, there’s something to be said for that
He credits Drinkwitz for how he’s handled this era
With Burden, Cook, etc., they’re seeing them the third time
It’s a good outfit
They motion and design you to find spaces
They play a game built around stretch running game and short completions that allow playmakers to make plays in space
They go up and over the top as good as anybody
They have to suffocate the perimeter because they make explosive plays that way
CJ TAYLOR
They’re asked for a review but since it was a second-half infraction he’s done the first half
STOWERS INJURY
Working towards being available
Didn’t practice today
Has dealt with that in the past
He’ll be available and ready to roll Saturday, they hope
Kam Johnson will need to step up
They hope to get Cole Spence back also
