Sept. 9, 2002

On Bowling Green~ Bowling Green defeated us in our opening game last year. They did an excellent job in doing so. They beat us in about very way you can beat a team, and they had a great year. There were eight and three, and this year it appears that they have had no drop off at all. I expect them to be a very difficult opponent. They have played Missouri three times, and they have two of them. So, they have all the confidence in the world, and they should because they have a very good football team. We're going to have to work very hard to have a chance to win this football game.

On Antwaun Bynum's development as a defensive end~ When we saw him play, we thought we had a guy that might be able to play linebacker, but if we put him in a three-point stance, he would have exceptional speed for a defensive end. One of the things we were concerned about was his weight. At the time, he was only 230 pounds. Now, he's 248 or 249, and he's also played the position. A year ago at this time, he only played two games ever at the position. I think his experience level has really helped him. He's has been an impact player the last two games. We're certainly excited about that and his consistency of play.

On Brandon Barnes' play~ Last week we had a talk with Brandon, and then, he really got going. He had a great week of practice, so we decided to play him more this last week. And, he went out and did some great things. That's what I expect him to do. I admire that. I admire a guy that you can talk to and he gets going and gets motivated a little bit. Players find out that if you practice well in our football program and you practice to the equivalent of the starter, you are going to play. I think sometimes it takes guys a couple of years to figure that out, but that's the way it is. We were pleased with the way he played, and hopefully, he'll play a lot more.

On MU's status as a team~ We're an average football team, and we have got to get a lot better. We have to get a lot better all the time. I think we did some things better in the Ball State game, but I don't think we're physical enough up front. I think we are making a lot of fundamental errors. We have a long way to go. Obviously, we were very excited that we won the game, but we have got to make more progress each and every week. We have got to do that. Again, I think our players are starting to understand us a little bit, and I also think we have got a long, long way to go if we want to be a good football team.

On Thomson Omboga's play~ Thomson's a very good athlete. I think what he's done is he's become a better receiver. He's becoming a better technician. Gage gets double teamed quite a bit which single covers Thomson. And, Brad's been pretty good at picking that up for a young quarterback. Hopefully, that's going to continue to do us well. I only think Thomson's begun to touch his ability. I think there are a lot of things that he can do better, and I also think that he knows that. We are pleased with