Quotes are a paraphrase of what was said, unless in quotes (and even that may not be word for word).
DEPTH CHART NOTES
COACH DEREK MASON
WR KRIS KENTERA, C SPENCER PULLEY, LB DARREON HERRING
DEPTH CHART NOTES
- Justin Skule replaces Blake Fromang at RT
- Barrett Gouger and Delando Crooks are in an “or” situation at RG
- Kris Kentera and Latevius Rayford are in an “or” at WR
- Emmanuel Smith and Arnold Tarpley are in an “or” at nickel
COACH DEREK MASON
- Austin Peay week. Austin Peay is 0-2, two teams trying to get first win.
- “This game’s going to be about us. It’s been close, but close is not good enough. From a talent standpoint, we feel like our guys are developing and working hard to get better.”
- They started slowly; they haven’t scored points in third or first quarters. That’s an emphasis. It’s all back to execution. They get too many penalties in first drives. He’s not sure what the cause of first drive penalties is, though he notes they’re down from last year.
- They have to clean up special teams. Muffed punt in Week 1, TD return in Week 2. “It’s been a bright spot, but also an Achilles’ heel.”
- The special teams schemes are solid, and it works in practice. But in games, you have to trust your training.
- Turnovers: they’re not getting them (“We haven’t been opportunistic, and there are opportunities there”). Conversely, they’re able to gain yards but decision-making is critical. Receivers have to help Johnny McCrary out.
- Was asked about Austin Peay being a lower level opponent. Emphasized they have a lot to clean up and that this game is about them.
- In terms of self-criticism: “Johnny’s fair. He looks at the game through pure lenses. He doesn’t get too high or too low.”
- On red zone defense: “Johnny lit us up in camp… it’s just a matter of time. … We had a hard time defending our offense. … Almost every scrimmage, it was frustrating.”
- There were times where Johnny took what the defense gave him. Said he made some poor decisions but made some good ones also. He’s a sophomore in the SEC and is still learning.
- On Justin Skule: starting says that he has talent. Thought he did well. Ludwig did a good job of changing pace, they went to a faster pace and the pass rush became less prominent. They understand how they were build offensively.
- Steven Scheu: was asked if he was in concussion protocol. Mason really couldn’t comment on it and basically indicated he’d let the process take place, They’ll get him back when doctors say they can.
- On Tommy Openshaw: “Tommy’s grown up. I like where he’s at. He competes every day. He’s starting to show maturity… he doesn’t let things get him down.” Pointed out he converted the next field goal after the off-the-upright miss.
WR KRIS KENTERA, C SPENCER PULLEY, LB DARREON HERRING
- McCrary was “phenomenal” in the red zone in camp. But he’s still young and has a lot of growing to do. Defense is confident he’s going to get better. - DH
- There’s not a rift between the offense and defense over red zone performances. That’s outside noise they really don’t listen to. - SP
- They have to start fast. They’ve got to get better in executing when they come out. It’s hard to say why the first drive was such an issue. - SP
- Georgia was a challenge for them. They didn’t do enough to win. - SP
- Their mindset is to go out like it’s any other game. It doesn’t matter that it’s Austin Peay, That’s all that’s on their radar. - KK
- They should have more turnovers as a defense. They’ve missed opportunities in dropping balls, not ripping the ball out, etc. - DH
- They had nine guys catch a ball, and 7-8 last game. “That means people are getting open.” - KK
- The hurry up offense: they rep it a lot in practice. “You don’t really think, you more react.” It’s a quick way to get the ball into people’s hands. - KK
- Turnovers has been a huge factor in wins and losses. It’s got to be the No. 1 priority. - SP
- APSU has some pretty good backs, including one huge one who’s tough to bring down. APSU is young. - DH
- They’re looking at this as if it’s an SEC opponent. Each team is the same. - DH
- Skule “comes to work every day.” He’s played hard, makes plays, executes offense. He proved himself on Saturday. Thought he might be nervous but wasn’t. - SP
- Red zone inefficiency isn’t just on McCrary. It’s on the team. They haven’t executed but made strides in practice today. - KK
- On commitment to one QB: they love it. Johnny brings an energy to the team. He’s a goofy guy but they love him. He calms them down. He throws a catchable ball. - KK
- As an example of his goofiness: “Did you see his 2-point celebration?” - KK
