University of North Carolina Athletics
Five With Fedora: Nov. 20
November 20, 2017 | Football
By Jef Greenberg, GoHeels.com
1. Every game plan for your team involves a certain set of goals in all three phases of the game. How did the team do this week with those goals?
"I think our guys played a really complete game with regards to our goals. We usually want to protect the football, have a certain number of explosive plays, create turnovers and make a game-changing play in the special teams. Our guys did every one of those things in this game. First and foremost, Nathan protected the ball and our ball carriers protected the ball. I've said it time and time again, but when a team doesn't turn the ball over it makes that team much harder to beat in a game. Next we had guys make explosive plays on the ground and we had guys make explosive plays in the passing game as well. I think we had nine different guys make receptions, with four of them getting into the end zone. On defense the guys did what they're coached to do. When you wrap a guy up, the next guy needs to go for the football. We did that and forced a fumble that Jonathan Smith scooped up and scored the touchdown. Before the game, in the locker room, I asked them, 'Who is going to be the guy to make that game-changing play? Who's going to make the hit that forces the ball out, and who's going to scoop it up and score a touchdown?' I guess we got our answer. Finally, in the locker room at halftime I told them it was time to make the game-changing play in the special teams. On our second punt in the second half their guy fumbled the return and Tommy Bancroft was there to recover it for us. So really, again, this was a game where we accomplished the goals we had going into it. Our guys did exactly what I asked them to do this week. They prepared the way I asked them to prepare. When game time came they played with an attitude and a chip on their shoulder. I asked them to beat the guy in front of them, and they did."
2. As guys have remained healthy during the last few weeks the progress they're making is becoming evident in their play. Last week looked to be the receivers' best game. This week showed signs of the offensive line getting some consistency and cohesion up front. How important is that for this group heading into this week's challenge?
"Getting better every week has been critical for our whole team each and every week. We've built a little bit of momentum these last few weeks. I think you're seeing the younger guys start to turn their experience into progress and they're getting better. What's critical in that progress is you're starting to see the confidence that comes from playing better and knowing more of what you're doing when you get into the game. I would also add that part of knowing what to do is also learning how to do it in real time in a game at the college level. A lot of our guys had to learn that on the fly this season. Now, with regards to the offensive line, yes, we've been able to stabilize what we're doing because for the most part we've been able to keep the same guys on the field this month. They're not all healthy but they've figured out more and more how to work with each other and move as a unit in the way you need them to move. We're running the ball better over the last three games which has helped us in pass protection as well. Both will be critical this week and our guys know that."
3. On the defensive side of the ball a few guys got their hands on some passes more than before earlier in the season. Was that the result of the scheme or are guys getting better in coverage?
"I think some of that started up front both from the pressure and the fact that those guys were batting balls down too. On the back end I think our guys have gotten better with their eyes in terms of route recognition and seeing what they've practiced against during the week. They're matching up routes and you can tell they're more comfortable with what they're doing back there. Now, in the end, our guys have to start holding onto those balls. We have to make those plays. I think we got our hands on three different passes and didn't secure any of them. It will be critical this week and something we have to keep emphasizing in practice and in our meetings. Those are game-changing plays. They can win a game for you."
4. The beauty of college football is the rivalries. You're in your sixth season in Chapel Hill, and this will be your sixth meeting against NC State. How much, as a coach, do you get into the rivalry aspect of this week?
"As far as getting into it, there isn't a lot for me to do outside of this building or outside of that locker room. I don't need to go out and talk about it much outside of these walls this week. I understand what this game means. I understand how our people feel about it and I understand how our fans feel about it. I know what it means to our players. It's part of me now. You want this one. But then again, I want all of them. We start every week with a plan to win the game in front of us. But the players and coaches in that locker room know who we're playing this week."
5. Finally, this game was the last one the seniors will play in Kenan Stadium. What's going through your mind before the game, and what are thinking about in those final minutes before the game ends?
"It's really bittersweet. Before the game, I really do try and stay focused on the game and what we need to do, and I ask them to try and do the same thing. I told them that when the game is over that's when you'll really start thinking about it all. But it does hit me. I'm human and these guys have poured everything they've got into this program since day one. When you're sitting in the locker room and realizing that they'll never play another down in that stadium for the rest of their lives. It's a sad moment. As a coach you're looking at a guy who will never be looking at you again on that sideline when you call them to go into the game. They'll never be putting on those jerseys and running out of that tunnel with you. But you know what? It's exciting too. You're excited about what the next step in their lives will be and how much they've grown since they got here. You're in that locker room remembering what they were like as 18 year-old freshmen walking in there. Now, you're sitting there and reminiscing with grown men who have become the leaders of your program. It's one of the coolest parts of coaching. You'll have relationships with these guys for the rest of your life. You'll see them take on the world and I know they'll be ready for it all. But when they come back with their wives and their children, it's just a unique feeling of pride and joy that's hard to explain. I don't know if the players ever know that part of it and how much they mean to me."
1. Every game plan for your team involves a certain set of goals in all three phases of the game. How did the team do this week with those goals?
"I think our guys played a really complete game with regards to our goals. We usually want to protect the football, have a certain number of explosive plays, create turnovers and make a game-changing play in the special teams. Our guys did every one of those things in this game. First and foremost, Nathan protected the ball and our ball carriers protected the ball. I've said it time and time again, but when a team doesn't turn the ball over it makes that team much harder to beat in a game. Next we had guys make explosive plays on the ground and we had guys make explosive plays in the passing game as well. I think we had nine different guys make receptions, with four of them getting into the end zone. On defense the guys did what they're coached to do. When you wrap a guy up, the next guy needs to go for the football. We did that and forced a fumble that Jonathan Smith scooped up and scored the touchdown. Before the game, in the locker room, I asked them, 'Who is going to be the guy to make that game-changing play? Who's going to make the hit that forces the ball out, and who's going to scoop it up and score a touchdown?' I guess we got our answer. Finally, in the locker room at halftime I told them it was time to make the game-changing play in the special teams. On our second punt in the second half their guy fumbled the return and Tommy Bancroft was there to recover it for us. So really, again, this was a game where we accomplished the goals we had going into it. Our guys did exactly what I asked them to do this week. They prepared the way I asked them to prepare. When game time came they played with an attitude and a chip on their shoulder. I asked them to beat the guy in front of them, and they did."
2. As guys have remained healthy during the last few weeks the progress they're making is becoming evident in their play. Last week looked to be the receivers' best game. This week showed signs of the offensive line getting some consistency and cohesion up front. How important is that for this group heading into this week's challenge?
"Getting better every week has been critical for our whole team each and every week. We've built a little bit of momentum these last few weeks. I think you're seeing the younger guys start to turn their experience into progress and they're getting better. What's critical in that progress is you're starting to see the confidence that comes from playing better and knowing more of what you're doing when you get into the game. I would also add that part of knowing what to do is also learning how to do it in real time in a game at the college level. A lot of our guys had to learn that on the fly this season. Now, with regards to the offensive line, yes, we've been able to stabilize what we're doing because for the most part we've been able to keep the same guys on the field this month. They're not all healthy but they've figured out more and more how to work with each other and move as a unit in the way you need them to move. We're running the ball better over the last three games which has helped us in pass protection as well. Both will be critical this week and our guys know that."
3. On the defensive side of the ball a few guys got their hands on some passes more than before earlier in the season. Was that the result of the scheme or are guys getting better in coverage?
"I think some of that started up front both from the pressure and the fact that those guys were batting balls down too. On the back end I think our guys have gotten better with their eyes in terms of route recognition and seeing what they've practiced against during the week. They're matching up routes and you can tell they're more comfortable with what they're doing back there. Now, in the end, our guys have to start holding onto those balls. We have to make those plays. I think we got our hands on three different passes and didn't secure any of them. It will be critical this week and something we have to keep emphasizing in practice and in our meetings. Those are game-changing plays. They can win a game for you."
4. The beauty of college football is the rivalries. You're in your sixth season in Chapel Hill, and this will be your sixth meeting against NC State. How much, as a coach, do you get into the rivalry aspect of this week?
"As far as getting into it, there isn't a lot for me to do outside of this building or outside of that locker room. I don't need to go out and talk about it much outside of these walls this week. I understand what this game means. I understand how our people feel about it and I understand how our fans feel about it. I know what it means to our players. It's part of me now. You want this one. But then again, I want all of them. We start every week with a plan to win the game in front of us. But the players and coaches in that locker room know who we're playing this week."
5. Finally, this game was the last one the seniors will play in Kenan Stadium. What's going through your mind before the game, and what are thinking about in those final minutes before the game ends?
"It's really bittersweet. Before the game, I really do try and stay focused on the game and what we need to do, and I ask them to try and do the same thing. I told them that when the game is over that's when you'll really start thinking about it all. But it does hit me. I'm human and these guys have poured everything they've got into this program since day one. When you're sitting in the locker room and realizing that they'll never play another down in that stadium for the rest of their lives. It's a sad moment. As a coach you're looking at a guy who will never be looking at you again on that sideline when you call them to go into the game. They'll never be putting on those jerseys and running out of that tunnel with you. But you know what? It's exciting too. You're excited about what the next step in their lives will be and how much they've grown since they got here. You're in that locker room remembering what they were like as 18 year-old freshmen walking in there. Now, you're sitting there and reminiscing with grown men who have become the leaders of your program. It's one of the coolest parts of coaching. You'll have relationships with these guys for the rest of your life. You'll see them take on the world and I know they'll be ready for it all. But when they come back with their wives and their children, it's just a unique feeling of pride and joy that's hard to explain. I don't know if the players ever know that part of it and how much they mean to me."
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