Aug. 29, 2000

Columbia, Mo. -

On Western Illinois:

"They might be classified as a Division I-AA team, but we feel like we're playing a I-A team, because they have a lot of guys who have transferred in from I-A schools. Overall, they're very sound and they don't seem to beat themselves. They have a good offensive balance between the run game and passing game. Defensively, they have a new coordinator who came from Central Michigan. We're going to prepare for what he did there last year, and anticipate some new wrinkles, as well. The bottom line is we'll have to be on our toes, because this is a team which will be playing its biggest game ever. They'll be playing with nothing to lose, and you're going to see 11 guys selling out on each play."

On Missouri's offense heading into the season opener:

"We put everything we wanted to put in during the spring season, and now we're paring it down a bit in preparation for the game. I really like (the new offense). It gives us a good balance of run and pass. The slowest thing coming along to this point has been the passing game, and getting a good feel for it. The running game is very strong, and I feel confident about that area. Our quarterbacks are making good checks, it's just the decision making and the throws and catching the ball that all has to come together for us to be successful."

More on the new MU offense:

"I don't expect our offense to roar onto the scene and take everyone by surprise. This system is going to take time, and maturity and experience before it will be what we hope it can be. I just want us to be able to play football, make plays, score points and be sound. We want to get back to playing winning football."

On MU pre-season all-American defensive end Justin Smith:

"I expect to see a dominating year from Justin. He's prepared himself for that type of a year in practice, and I expect to see just that. He has the tools for the makings of being one of the best players I've ever coached."

On added pressure to get a big win to open the season:

"My days of being concerned about winning big are over. I'm just concerned about winning. If our football team plays as hard as it can, and we win, I'll be happy. I guarantee there are going to be mistakes made, but we have to play at a level that allows us to overcome those mistakes. I tell you, there's no better feeling on a football team than getting a win in your first game of the season."

On MU's defense:

"I feel there's a lot of possibilities with the defense. They've been the unsung strength of the team to this point. I expect them to step up Saturday and play a strong ballgame. I know they are better than a year ago - they have more depth and are quicker up front. They have more playmakers and experience built up in the linebackers, and we've got some excellent athletes in the secondary. They have a chance to be good."

On whether WR Eric Spencer will play in the defensive secondary Saturday:

"I doubt we'll see him on defense this week. With Garvin out this week and with Gage taking snaps at quarterback, we need Eric to focus on the one position. Plus, we've got Antoine Duncan and Gary Anthony back from injuries, so I hope we don't need him for Saturday."

On WIU quarterback Sam Clemons

"He's a transfer from California, and we pulled the tape from their game last year against Nebraska to get a feel. He's got a very strong arm and is very mobile and is very confident."