Mizzou Football Media Day Quotes - Sept. 22
9/22/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
HEAD COACH, Gary Pinkel
Opening statement...
"South Carolina is a very good football team. I've got great respect for head coach Steve Spurrier and what he has done there. It's a great place to play (Williams-Brice Stadium). We opened up there a few years ago and it's a great environment. We're entering the SEC schedule now and we're excited about that. We're going to work real hard and play our best."
On shuffling the offensive line rotation...
"We're not the only ones that do that. Everybody is probably going to play still. We're trying to get the right combination in there and see how it works out. We think this new set has a good chance and we'll see where it goes."
On the experience Mizzou's wide receivers have gained this season...
"Bottom line is that they'll play a little more now. A lot of those veteran guys, like Bud Sasser, it's hard to get them out of the game. We're going to get some young guys in Saturday, and I think they'll do a good job."
On what the team must do to get the running game going...
"I don't think it's just the offensive line. The better you throw the ball the more it opens up the running game too. A lot of times the running backs have to hit the crease the right way. It's a combination of a lot of things. I think it's going, but just not consistent enough. We're getting yardage out of it, but we'd like better consistency and positive plays. You always strive for that and we look at that all the time."
On redshirt freshmen Marcus Loud and Charles Harris' play against Indiana...
"I thought Charles and Marcus did a lot of good things. They're a lot better football players than they were three weeks ago. Who knows how good they'll be someday. They both have a great work ethic, they're athletic and have great size. One thing that happens when you lose a starter is it generally presents other opportunities for different players."
On Sean Culkin's play so far this season at tight end...
"He's a big target and has been practicing really well starting in spring ball. It's great to see him out there making some big plays. It's encouraging and I expect him to get better and better as we go along here."
On the play of South Carolina up to this point...
"I think they've done a good job. They had a tough loss against Texas A&M in Week One but they bounced back against Georgia. They have a relatively young team, certainly on defense, but they do a good job. They want to keep getting better just like everyone else does."
On South Carolina's Dylan Thompson progression at quarterback...
"I think he has gotten better with experience just like anyone else does. I think he's a really good player. He's playing very well. Their offensive scheme is really good. They're very good at what they do. I'm impressed with Steve Spurrier and the job he has done and what they do with their offense. He's really playing well. They have some good receivers making plays for him and they can run the ball which certainly helps."
On how the team matches up against South Carolina's running game...
"They've got a good run game and they're good up front. We're certainly going to be challenged there. We've given up some big plays and that has really hurt our defense. We just have to keep working hard and get better. It will definitely be a challenge for us."
On looking for the first conference win against South Carolina...
"We're aware of that. I know that we're going to come out and we're going to give them our best game. We can't take them lightly. Obviously, they're a very good football team that can do a lot of things. We're going to prepare our best and be ready to go come Saturday."
On adjusting to a new offensive line...
"It doesn't matter. I'm comfortable with any of those top eight, nine, or 10 guys. They're here for a reason, so they've got to put that extra work in this week, study some film, and know what their job is. They'll come out ready to go."
SENIOR TB Marcus Murphy
On the mindset bouncing back from a loss...
"It was different than I expected. I expected some guys to be down about the loss but everyone was enthusiastic in practice. The guys were ready to just let it go and focus on South Carolina. I can see the urgency to come out, compete, and get back on track."
On beginning conference play against divisional foes South Carolina and Georgia...
"We're not really focusing on that. We're going to take it one game at a time. South Carolina is a very good opponent. They look good on defense and offense and special teams. We're going to come out and focus on the things we need to do to win this game."
On stepping up with key players injured on offense...
"I guess it is more added pressure because we do have a senior [OL Anthony Gatti] down and a good receiver [Darius White] down too. It's nothing Jimmie [Hunt] and I can really think about. We just have to go out there and make sure we play our hearts out. We have to do everything we possibly can and try to make every catch."
On his advice for younger receivers...
"I just tell them to stay relaxed. I tell them to take it as if you're out there on the practice field. After those first couple plays, you don't hear the crowd anymore. I think he [Wesley Leftwich] will be alright after those first few plays. I'm sure he'll be nervous, but who wasn't nervous in their first game or their first start."
