COACH DEREK MASON
DARREON HERRING, SPENCER PULLEY, TRENT SHERFIELD
- SC week. He’s excited but wanted to send his thoughts to South Carolina folks regarding the flood, wanted them to know their thoughts and prayers are with them, and that they’ll continue to do what they can do help.
- On Spurrier: Read a statement… he’s a legend on and off the field, is part of the fabric and culture of the SEC. Done a lot for the league as a player and the coach, but in the bigger picture, Spurrier is who he is. He’s a man of integrity who does a great job of educating young men, mentoring coaches and making sure he’s above board. Mentioned his integrity again. “Nobody else can be the Head Ball Coach. He’s special to college football.” He’s had a chance to get to know him the last 18 months and misses the chance to coach against him. “He’s fun to be around… he’s courteous but he’s competitive.” He’s been able to transcend the years.
- On how his departure effects SC: he doesn’t know. He sticks to his team. Doesn’t think the play calling will be much different. They have one of the top weapons in Pharaoh Cooper and he's still there. He thinks Wilds is coming back.
- Do they address the emotional impact of Spurrier not being there? They address the ebb and flow of the game, they’ll address that, too, but all they can do is continue to prepare. They have to weather the storm and they’ll be fine. They focus on what they can control.
- They did get some extra prep in on SC but also focused on cleaning up their stuff.
- They’re coming off a bye week, and are healing up.
- They haven’t talked about redshirting Bowden. He’s not back but they’re not there yet.
- Orth has been playing QB for SC. He’s got a better arm (presumably than Nunez) and is getting command of the offense. They don’t know if Nunez is healthy and probably won’t know.
- The SC defense looked good vs. LSU at times.
- Skule and Williamson are back; they’ll see how they function. But it’s a game-time decision of whether they’ll play.
- On McCrary: He’s taking steps forward, but he has to get to the point where he’s not making the same mistakes. He seems to command the offense better each week. Games in this league are generally decided by a possession or two.
- On cleaning up stuff: they’re never satisfied but they’re encouraging players. Specifically, they want to see special teams get better, they’re having too many lapses. He didn’t like the penalties last game.
- Attributed the MTSU penalties to the emotions of the game. They’re 18-to-22-year-old players and their emotions get the best of them but they they have to improve there.
- On red zone excellence on defense, and red zone ineptitude on offense: Their offense stretches them in practice and helps them. They still want to be better in run defense.
- On Zach Cunningham: he’s a talented player who’s shown he can be a really good player in this league. Zach was inconsistent a year ago but is coming into his own. He’s worked hard in practice and you’re seeing that now. They’re seeing more young guys practice the way they need to practice.
- On Steven Scheu dropping off vs. MTSU: opportunities come where they come. If you want catches, get open. These things happen sometimes. Steven’s hungry and focused and look for him to stand out this week.
DARREON HERRING, SPENCER PULLEY, TRENT SHERFIELD
- As a fan, you respect Steve Spurrier. As a student of the game, he respects him. Unfortunately, he’s never beaten one of his teams. But they’re not worried about Carolina’s emotions. - SP
- The bye week is a good time to have guys heal and study games and themselves. - SP
- Guys understand the offense and buy what they’re doing. Guys are practicing harder. You win the game throughout the week. They show up every day and show up with the right mentality. That’s why they’re improving. - SP
- They’re struggling in the red zone but they’re improving in practice. - TS
- He’s getting a little more attention by defenses, but lots of guys are making plays also. - TS
- They go out there with the mentality that no team will run on them, and to be relentless. There’s no secret sauce. - DH
- They’ll game-plan for multiple QBs and adjust accordingly. - DH
- Not sure why they stop mobile QBs. Doesn’t know if it’s 3-4 scheme but it’s more of a mentality and being more prepared. - DH
- SC has a really good OL, they’re experienced, their TEs always play well. It’s a challenge to get off blocks and “get some knock-back” against them. - DH
- They prepare every week no matter who, they’ll be relentless and tough. - DH
- The win at MTSU was a confidence boost. - DH
- Is getting back to .500 significant? They want to win the game, but they’re more worried about 1-0 this week. Overall record is not a concern. - SP
- The bye week gave them a chance to look at themselves and their mistakes. They looked at a lot of things on film they need to correct. You can always improve. - TS
- Will there be new wrinkles? Definitely. They try to find holes in defense, plays that a defense can’t stop. - TS
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