Five With Fedora: WCU
November 19, 2018 | Football
By Jeff Greenberg, GoHeels.com
1. What aspects of what the team accomplished pleased you most in this game?
"The way they prepared for this game is what pleased me most. That's something, as a coach, you worry about more than anything when you're going into a game that everybody is saying you're supposed to win easily. I really liked the way our guys approached this week and the attitudes they had in everything they did coming into this game. They practiced hard and they were ready to go. In the game, I was pleased with the way the executed the game plan. They knew their assignments and controlled the game. I think when our ones were in the game we did a nice job against their quarterback, which was the key this week on defense. Our twos didn't contain him as well, but our starters did a nice job. I think our offense, for the most part, played really well. They weren't perfect, but any time you gain over 600 yards and score 49 points you have to be pleased. We also had a game-changing play in the special teams with the onside kick, and a couple of punt returns that could have gone the distance. So all in all I was just happy to see our guys go in prepared, respect the opponent and come out with the win."
2. What was the most frustrating part of this game for you?
"The three turnovers. Turnovers just kill everything you're trying to do. They end drives obviously, but they can also put your defense in terrible positions. So no matter what the final score is or how well everything else looks, the turnovers are what eat at you after the game and when you watch the film."
3. The offense put up big numbers, but two other statistics stand out; 0 sacks allowed and 6 yards-per-carry. What has the offensive line done to stay consistent this season?
"First and foremost it begins with their effort. Those guys are playing hard and giving it all they've got. That starts with just doing their job. It may sound simple, but simple is what works when you just do your part, and just do your job on each play. They know what they're supposed to do and what we want from them, and they're going out there and executing. They also have a much better understanding of each other now and what their teammates are going to do in any situation on any given play. That matters because that's what allows them to adjust as the play is going on and react faster in that moment. They've been able to play together now for a bunch of games and that's the whole key to consistent play up front. Effort and consistent reps together. The guys up front protected our quarterbacks and helped generate almost 300 yards on the ground. My hats off to them because they played a huge role in the win for us."
4. What did your conversation sound like with Manny Miles after his Hail Mary connected with Jake Bargas for a touchdown?
"I didn't get to see him after the game because I think he was too busy with the media afterwards. But I got to see and talk with him at halftime and congratulate him on a great play. I didn't really have a great vantage point on how exactly it finished until I came in today and watched it again. He came right in and did what he needed to do to make a play. Manny stepped up for us there and threw the ball right where it needed to be and Jake made a heck of a play on the ball. When I did see him I can tell you he had that big smile on his face that you would expect after a play like that."
5. What did you see and hear from the players in the locker room after the game?
"It felt really good to see them happy. It really did. They also knew we weren't completely happy with the fact that we didn't play a complete game like we wanted, but that's alright. They won the game. They worked hard all week and did everything we asked of them and they respected their opponent. I just enjoyed seeing the joy on their faces and listening to them talk with one another and just be happy. This team deserves to enjoy a win and feel happy. They work too hard not to be able to feel that way. I was excited for them."
1. What aspects of what the team accomplished pleased you most in this game?
"The way they prepared for this game is what pleased me most. That's something, as a coach, you worry about more than anything when you're going into a game that everybody is saying you're supposed to win easily. I really liked the way our guys approached this week and the attitudes they had in everything they did coming into this game. They practiced hard and they were ready to go. In the game, I was pleased with the way the executed the game plan. They knew their assignments and controlled the game. I think when our ones were in the game we did a nice job against their quarterback, which was the key this week on defense. Our twos didn't contain him as well, but our starters did a nice job. I think our offense, for the most part, played really well. They weren't perfect, but any time you gain over 600 yards and score 49 points you have to be pleased. We also had a game-changing play in the special teams with the onside kick, and a couple of punt returns that could have gone the distance. So all in all I was just happy to see our guys go in prepared, respect the opponent and come out with the win."
2. What was the most frustrating part of this game for you?
"The three turnovers. Turnovers just kill everything you're trying to do. They end drives obviously, but they can also put your defense in terrible positions. So no matter what the final score is or how well everything else looks, the turnovers are what eat at you after the game and when you watch the film."
3. The offense put up big numbers, but two other statistics stand out; 0 sacks allowed and 6 yards-per-carry. What has the offensive line done to stay consistent this season?
"First and foremost it begins with their effort. Those guys are playing hard and giving it all they've got. That starts with just doing their job. It may sound simple, but simple is what works when you just do your part, and just do your job on each play. They know what they're supposed to do and what we want from them, and they're going out there and executing. They also have a much better understanding of each other now and what their teammates are going to do in any situation on any given play. That matters because that's what allows them to adjust as the play is going on and react faster in that moment. They've been able to play together now for a bunch of games and that's the whole key to consistent play up front. Effort and consistent reps together. The guys up front protected our quarterbacks and helped generate almost 300 yards on the ground. My hats off to them because they played a huge role in the win for us."
4. What did your conversation sound like with Manny Miles after his Hail Mary connected with Jake Bargas for a touchdown?
"I didn't get to see him after the game because I think he was too busy with the media afterwards. But I got to see and talk with him at halftime and congratulate him on a great play. I didn't really have a great vantage point on how exactly it finished until I came in today and watched it again. He came right in and did what he needed to do to make a play. Manny stepped up for us there and threw the ball right where it needed to be and Jake made a heck of a play on the ball. When I did see him I can tell you he had that big smile on his face that you would expect after a play like that."
5. What did you see and hear from the players in the locker room after the game?
"It felt really good to see them happy. It really did. They also knew we weren't completely happy with the fact that we didn't play a complete game like we wanted, but that's alright. They won the game. They worked hard all week and did everything we asked of them and they respected their opponent. I just enjoyed seeing the joy on their faces and listening to them talk with one another and just be happy. This team deserves to enjoy a win and feel happy. They work too hard not to be able to feel that way. I was excited for them."
Players Mentioned
Tight End
/ Football
Quarterback
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