Sept. 11, 2006
September 11, 2006
Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel
Opening statement
"First of all, I want to congratulate Marcus Bacon for being named the Defensive Big 12 Player of the Week. That's certainly a great honor for him and for our football program. I think he was certainly part of an outstanding defensive effort, and it was nice to see one of our players get that kind of recognition.
As I mentioned after the game, I was very pleased with the energy of our football team and the effort we had (against Ole Miss). The key, and the most important thing, is to duplicate that kind of effort every week. As we go into New Mexico, that's obviously a prime focus, to be able to do that so we can play our best game. As I look at our football team, there are certainly things we need to do better on offense. There are certainly things we need to do better on defense, and that we can do to be a better football team.
Looking at New Mexico, they're a blitzing football team. They try to cause a lot of confusion, they have a lot of speed on the perimeter, and that's what they do."
On linebacker Marcus Bacon:
"Linebacker is the toughest position to play in our defense because they have so many keys that they have to deal with. They've got a lot to think about. I think what's happened to Bacon now is that he just instinctively knows everything so well that he can go play and we turn him loose.
I see this guy who's a pretty darn good athlete out there, where before, he was always a good athlete, but he was just flowing freely. Now its consistency for him. He's played two exceptional games, now can he do it week-in and week-out? That's the goal for everybody on the football team, to keep improving and playing on a consistent basis."
On linebacker Van Alexander and running back Marcus Woods:
"Injury wise, Van Alexander will still be out for this game and hopefully we'll get him back. He has that groin (injury) which is kind of like the hamstring that he's struggled with. He's a great competitor, he's a starter and we plan on using him all the time. Hopefully we'll get him back in a couple weeks. I feel for him because he's such a dedicated, hard working competitor and he's a good football player.
Marcus Woods had five stitches in his hand. He will play this game. Whether we use him for punt return depends on how his hand is. Obviously if they tape it up like a club, I guarantee he won't be back there catching punts. We'll decide either Wednesday or Thursday on how that works out."
On Chase Daniel:
"You like your quarterback to have several traits, what I call `it.' The ability to lead, the ability to make plays, the ability to come back after adversity, the ability to be able to handle pressure and to be able to handle success. I think in two short games and since Chase has been here, he's a confident player, but he's not cocky in any way. As I've said before, he's an encourager. He brings a lot of energy, that's the way he is and the way he plays."
On the depth and size of the cornerbacks (Domonique Johnson and Darnell Terrell):
"They are pretty big corners. I've never had corners this big. Domonique Johnson certainly made some nice plays. Darnell Terrell made a lot of plays last weekend and they're both getting better. Our depth in there, I think we're doing okay there. We get Trenile Washington back in a couple weeks so that will help. We're pleased with how hard they're working."
On not focusing on last year's loss to New Mexico:
"I think you draw from it (the loss), then you let it go and focus on yourselves and worry about Mizzou. If you're sitting there saying `payback, payback, payback,' what's that do? There's nothing wrong with looking at those things, but your focus is on what it takes to play your best. That's all I want from my football team. I want their greatest effort every week. That's all I care about, and I think the win will take care of itself." Missouri Player Quotes
Dominique Johnson
On how it feels to be a full-time starter...
"This last game I gained a lot of experience. There are certain times when you have to play a specific technique that requires you to adjust, and I was out there all big-headed at first. I learned the speed of the game, I've been getting faster and stronger, and that is all maturity."
On if off-balance formations disrupt the defensive scheme...
"That's something we were concerned with from the very first week. Cover two is our base defense and if you cannot play your base, then what can you do?"
On if you change the defensive plan completely or tinker it...
"The coaches, I'm sure, will come up with some type of plan to where we will be able to still run a cover two, and be able to make it work. If there's an unbalance, maybe we'll drop the safety and move the corner on up. There's so much they can get from a cover two, than not run a cover two and still get the same production out of it."
On what was seen from New Mexico tape...
"They blitz every single down whether there are four, five, six, or even a three-man front. They play a cover two, four, and one just like a lot of people, but they come from everywhere on the field, and that will be the challenge as I get ready."
On how the team is handling the 2-0 success...
"It's great and all, but you have to realize that it's only the second game of the season. We are not worried about any other game, except the New Mexico game. We really want to go out there and play our best game because we think as a whole we haven't had our best performance yet."
On if Marcus Bacon has changed...
"Oh yeah, because he was a good player coming in, a good player when I came in, and he's gotten so much better at preparation now. He getting to film study, doing what he's supposed to do during practice; the fundamentals. Coach (Dave) Steckel has taught him a lot and it's definitely paying off for him during the game."
On how things are different this year personally...
"It's a lot of hard work, playing consistent. We are here right now because we work hard every week and take every game one at a time."
On if the main change is the loss of Brad Smith...
"No, I wouldn't say that. I mean he was one of the best competitors, one of the best people all around. But Chase is a guy that has confidence. You can see it when he walks. Everyone will fall behind a quarterback that wants to lead the team. He's been taking care of his job really well."