Sept. 6, 2004
Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel
On the Troy State game...
"We are in the preparation stages for Troy State. Obviously it is significantly different than our normal schedule although we think we have it very well organized and planned. In two-a-days we talked about what it would be like so there would be no surprises. We will be practicing today, tomorrow and Wednesday morning. We will fly to Troy Wednesday afternoon. They had a very impressive win against Marshall. I coached in that league and Marshall is one of the most difficult places to play in the Mid-American Conference. What a great win that was for them. They certainly look very impressive... To hold one of the best offenses in the country to 15 points is pretty staggering in itself. It is going to be a very difficult game for us, but also a very good game for us. We will find out a little bit more about Missouri after this game."
On playing on Thursday...
"I think some teams in our league might no do this with a quick five day turnaround. For Missouri as we build our program we need the exposure. In terms of dollars, the bigger issue for me is exposure and we are not in the position at all to turn down a game like this. Obviously there is an NFL game going on too, but we will certainly be viewed by millions across the country."
On the Troy defense...
"(DeMarcus) Ware is the guy that is an impact player. He has great speed and quickness. A year ago as I study the film he is a guy that really stood out. He transferred from Georgia Tech.... They play seven or eight players. Very impressive defensive front and that where it starts without question. A good offensive football team that Marshall always is to stifle I think says an awful lot about their defense and certainly their defensive front.
On offensive involvement...
"We have a pass offense if certain players are open then we throw the ball to them. Sometimes Thomson (Omboga) will catch nine footballs and others he will catch two. ... This is having your offense move the football and that is how it is designed. So Thomson will be one of our top receivers by the end of the season like he has been, but it just did not work out that way this game."