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read interviews with Coach Mike Shula, Roman Harper, Brodie Croyle and Todd Bates (posted 9/12/04)
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Payback! Rebels Routed 28-7
Mike Shula (head coach)

Coach Mike Shula likes the look of his very young team

These comments came following the 2004 Ole Miss game as Coach Shula answered questions from the press pool ...

Coach Mike Shula … It was a good win. I thought our defense played very hard, aggressive and kind of set the tone for the game. Offensively, we moved it, got the first touchdown, got the turnover, got the second touchdown ... we wanted to get a lead on those guys and try to make them play catch-up. There was a big concern about (Ole Miss QB Micheal) Spurlock and his ability to run with the football. We wanted to make sure we did everything we could to keep him from running with the ball, and if he was going to beat us it was going to be by throwing the football. Our defense, starting with Coach Kines, did a great job of mixing the calls up and making plays when they had the opportunity. We swapped touchdowns in the second half and then we were able to score again and kind of put the game away. It felt good to be able to hold the ball at the end and keep the defense off the field.

Press Pool ... Some of the players have been comparing this game to last year. Is that something you'll do as well?

We were focused on what we had to do this week. There's a lot of preparation that goes into each week, especially when you play SEC teams. Ole Miss, as we know from last year, is a quality football team, they're well-coached and they have weapons on offense. They do a great defensively with their scheme. That's where our focus was ... everyone doing their job. The players were focused for the game, and that's what we asked them to do. They prepared a long time for this game, and for every game. I was glad to see it pay off for them.

With a two game winning streak, can you feel a little momentum building?

Yeah ... we've got a little momentum, but we've got to keep it. Each week, you've got to throw that game out (when it's over) and get ready for next week. There's such a long season left and there's a lot of ups and downs. We just have to make sure we work to consistently get better. That's what our focus will be this week.

Can you talk about how this team might be better suited to handle adversity? Early in the game you had a couple of turnovers and got stuck deep in our own territory ...

Well, it's too early to tell really. The one thing I would say I think everyone is more comfortable doing what they're asked to do. Maybe because of that, there's a more confident feeling in all situations.

Can you talk about what the defense did after they got that take away ... there was that fumble, then they forced a punt and got another fumble.

We've talked about that and we work on it. You can practice that a little bit, but when you get in a game and you've got the momentum and done something good defensively ... then BAM! the next thing you know is you're right back on the field again. But that's where guys have to rise up and decide that they're going to keep the offense out and make plays when they're number is called. If we do that and have 11 guys doing that who know what their role is, it's going to pay off. We've got some talented guys, and it's good to see them using their talents. They're starting to believe a little bit.

How big is it for the offense knowing that the defense can hold on while they're struggling?

Yeah, I can speak personally for that ... it gives you a huge lift. Offensively, you take a lot of pride in protecting the football every time you touch it. Then all of a sudden, we've given it away twice. It gives you new life. That's the great thing about football. You have three phases ... offense, defense and special teams ... and they all work together and all feed off each other. I think we've seen some signs of that.

Can you talk about Brodie Croyle this year and his performance?

He has been efficient. I just looked down and didn't realize we only threw it 22 times. He's done a nice job. Decision making has been pretty good. Made a play on third down there where he had to move around and make a play. He's got more poise and I think that shows up in practice each week. He's calling plays better, more confident, less hesitation. We've got some receivers that will help him out, and our backs have been catching the ball well too.

Can you talk more about your backs and what they've done?

They're all different, but they're all productive. They've shown where they can be productive. Ken (Darby) and Ray (Hudson) run the ball tough inside and keep the ball out on the corner. Tim (Castille) does a nice job with the run with our big back set. His yards weren't as much, but he made some big runs for us. That's what we're looking for and we're going to need all those guys each week. That's what we ask our guys to do. When you have an opportunity to make a play, then go do it just by doing your job.

Talk about the offensive line and how they performed.

They were great. I think they got stronger as the game went on, it really did. I've said from the start of the season, every snap those first five can get together is beneficial because they're going to get better. We're starting to see more leadership from those guys, not just from the older guys.

Talk about being able to contain Spurlock and the running game ... it wasn't able to get off the ground.

The front four and the linebackers ... everyone is doing a better job of understanding their fits and knowing where they need to be. Our safeties came up and made some plays for us. They knew where their fits were against the run. Defensively, you have to make sure you understand and cover all the gaps and then go make plays. Taking your gap is not good enough. You also have to make plays. You've got ten other guys you have to coordinate with and so far our guys have done a better job of that.

I noticed you started substituting a lot earlier this game ... are you that comfortable with the guy on the second team to do that?

Defensively you mean? Yeah, both games we have. We're going to continue to do that. As long as guys that are in there when we substitute do their job and understand their role ... even if they don't make a play, they've helped someone else make a play by doing their job. That helps in the fourth quarter obviously.